Desktop users can turn off their monitor screens with the button provided. But if you are using a Windows laptop, then it is not possible for you to turn off the laptop screen manually – unless of course, its manufacturer has given you an keyboard shortcut. Sure the Windows Power Options do let you configure the Plan Settings so that you can turn off the display after some time. But what if you just need to turn off the display on your laptop screen manually right away, without locking the laptop or putting it to Sleep?
Turn off Windows laptop screen with ScreenOff
ScreenOff is a first-of-its-kind 13KB freeware that lets you turn off your Windows laptop monitor screen in a click, without putting it to Sleep. This tool does not use a batch command. It uses a SendMessage Visual Basic command to send the system, the command to turn off the display. Moreover, it is a portable tool that does not require to be installed. Nor does it ask you to download and install any specific .NET Framework version.
Simply download the zip file, extract its contents, move the folder to your Program Folder, and pin the shortcut of ScreenOff.exe to your Start Screen or Taskbar.
When you need to go away and want to turn off the laptop screen, just click on its icon and the laptop monitor will be turned off. No need to lock Windows. This free tool does not put Windows to Sleep; it just turns off the laptop screen.
When you want to turn on the laptop screen, just move the mouse or touch the screen if your laptop has a touch-screen.
Create Hotkey to make your computer screen go black or blank
- To create a Hotkey, right-click on the shortcut of ScreenOff
- Select Properties.
- Under the Shortcut tab, set a Shortcut key for it.
ScreenOff does not have any UI – It works in the background. The tool is useful to have around, for your Windows laptop or tablet, as it can also help you save power – especially when your device is running on battery.
ScreenOff v 2.1 was developed by Paras Sidhu and tested on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7, 32-bit and 64-bit. Earlier the tool enabled a blank screensaver that turned the screen black, but in recent versions, the developer has updated the code, and in recent versions, it turns off the screen.
Like all our TWC freeware, this tool is completely clean and free and does not promote PUPs or third-party offers.
Related: How to turn off screen of a laptop but keep PC running.
How do I completely turn off my laptop?
The best way is to save your work and shut down the PC. However, if you are stuck for some reason, a long press on the power button will shut down or turn off your laptop.
Can I close my laptop while using a monitor with Windows?
Yes, you can use it, and it’s a common practice. When you close the lid down while the monitor is connected, Windows automatically detects the monitor and turns off the laptop’s display. All open windows on the laptop’s display are moved to monitor display.
