Lid closure behavior control utility.

[prabhjot0109]

Description of the new feature / enhancement

I propose the addition of a new utility in PowerToys that allows users to directly control the behavior of their laptop when the lid is closed. This enhancement aims to simplify and streamline the process of adjusting "Choose what closing the lid does", setting by providing quick access through this PowerToys utility system tray icon context menu rather than changing it every time using the control panel.

This new utility would provide quick access to "Do Nothing", "Sleep" and "Hibernate" options directly from the system tray for both "on battery" and "plugged in" state.

(Optional) --> Automatic activation of "Do Nothing" mode when an external display is connected, eliminating the need for manual switching and switching back to "Sleep" when disconnected from external display.

Problem:

Existing Windows settings lack granular control over what happens when the laptop lid is closed. Users, especially those working with external display, often desire specific power states (do nothing, sleep, hibernate) based on lid closure but face inconvenience navigating Control Panel for frequent adjustments.

Additional Information:

Unlike the Awake utility, which focuses on keeping the laptop screen awake, this proposed utility is designed to specifically control the behavior of the laptop when the lid is closed. It provides users with direct access to choose actions such as "Do Nothing," "Sleep," and "Hibernate" from the PowerToys system tray context menu, enhancing overall user control and customization.

Scenario when this would be used?

• Users connecting external displays may want to set the laptop to "Do Nothing" when the lid is closed to continue using the external monitor.

• Quick adjustment of lid closure settings for various scenarios, such as presentations and meetings, extended desktop setups.

• Avoid the need to navigate through the Control Panel by providing direct access from the system tray.

• A developer working on a project might switch between "Do Nothing" mode for active coding and "Sleep" when taking short breaks, closing the lid but keeping the external monitor active.

Supporting information

No response

[platofff]

(Optional) --> Automatic activation of "Do Nothing" mode when an external display is connected, eliminating the need for manual switching and switching back to "Sleep" when disconnected from external display.

I've been looking for this feature for a long time and decided to implement it myself. Here's my proof-of-concept solution in C: https://github.com/platofff/WinClamshellMode. It would be great to have something like this in PowerToys 😊

[Kaarel]

Just to clarify post #6532 closure, the feature I had in mind there was simply to lock screen on lid closure. Basically what the shortcut Win Key + L does. So even if I immediately open up the lid the screen should be locked. But everything else should keep on running. No sleep mode or funky changes to the power settings :) just locking the screen nd nothing else.