FAQ
TL;DR: Want to power on a closed‑lid laptop from a dock? “I have been working like this for at least 12 years.” That setup uses business laptops and brand‑matched docks with a dedicated power button. [Elektroda, stachu_l, post #20420462]
Why it matters: Creators and gamers docking laptops under a desk can run multi‑monitor setups and start them without opening the lid.
Quick facts:
- Business/mobile workstation laptops include dock power buttons and support external monitors with the lid closed. [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #17399873]
- USB‑C docks are brand‑sensitive for power‑on; HP USB‑C Dock G5 for HP, Dell WD19 for Dell; mismatches force lid‑open starts and can show low‑PD warnings. [Elektroda, bigle, post #20972973]
- Choose the laptop first; docking compatibility depends on the model’s dedicated dock port or USB‑C capability. [Elektroda, iron64, post #17403191]
- Windows power options let you set lid‑close to “Do nothing” for closed‑lid use. [Elektroda, radek0010, post #17396615]
- Legacy docks like those for Dell Precision M6600 or HP act as main power switches. [Elektroda, enhanced, post #17396594]
Quick Facts
- Business/mobile workstation laptops include dock power buttons and support external monitors with the lid closed. [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #17399873]
- USB‑C docks are brand‑sensitive for power‑on; HP USB‑C Dock G5 for HP, Dell WD19 for Dell; mismatches force lid‑open starts and can show low‑PD warnings. [Elektroda, bigle, post #20972973]
- Choose the laptop first; docking compatibility depends on the model’s dedicated dock port or USB‑C capability. [Elektroda, iron64, post #17403191]
- Windows power options let you set lid‑close to “Do nothing” for closed‑lid use. [Elektroda, radek0010, post #17396615]
- Legacy docks like those for Dell Precision M6600 or HP act as main power switches. [Elektroda, enhanced, post #17396594]
Which laptops let me turn them on from a docking station button?
Business and mobile workstation laptops are built for this role. Their matching docks include a physical power button. You can connect extra monitors and work lid‑closed like a desktop. Look for business lines rather than consumer gaming models for reliable dock power control. [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #17399873]
Will any USB‑C docking station power on my laptop?
No. HP docks power on HP laptops, and Dell docks power on Dell laptops. Mixed brands usually cannot start the laptop. You must open the lid and press power. Pick a dock with sufficient wattage. Too‑low power often triggers a “power supply too weak” warning. [Elektroda, bigle, post #20972973]
How do I work with the lid closed without the laptop sleeping?
Change your OS power settings so closing the lid doesn’t sleep the system. In Windows 10/7:
- Open Power Options.
- Choose “What closing the lid does.”
- Set “When I close the lid” to “Do nothing,” then save. [Elektroda, radek0010, post #17396615]
Can the dock’s power button turn on a closed‑lid laptop?
Yes, on supported business docks the dock switch powers the system even with the lid closed. “The switch at the station turns on the power when the flap is closed.” Sleep is triggered by the act of closing, which you can reconfigure. [Elektroda, stachu_l, post #20420462]
What are examples of docks that support power‑on?
Modern USB‑C examples include HP USB‑C Dock G5 for HP laptops and Dell WD19 for Dell laptops. These docks come in different power variants. Choose the version that matches your laptop’s power needs for a clean, single‑cable start. [Elektroda, bigle, post #20972973]
How should I choose a compatible docking solution?
Pick the laptop first. Then select the station that matches its dedicated dock port or supported USB‑C/Thunderbolt features. If the laptop lacks a compatible port, consider another model. Business series from Dell, HP, and Lenovo commonly provide suitable connectors. [Elektroda, iron64, post #17403191]
Can I disable the laptop’s internal screen and use only external monitors?
Yes. Connect an external display and disable the built‑in panel in your graphics driver settings. This avoids lighting the internal screen and wasting GPU resources. You still need to adjust power settings to prevent sleep on lid close. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17396580]
Is using many external monitors on a laptop a bad idea?
It can increase heat and fan noise, since the laptop GPU works harder. An external desktop GPU via USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt is a quiet, powerful alternative. If adding a box anyway, a compact ITX desktop may be simpler. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17396610]
Can I turn on an MSI GS63 or ASUS ROG via a dock?
The MSI GS63 was reported to support desktop‑style external power‑on. Confirm dock support for the exact SKU before buying. Many gaming laptops lack vendor‑integrated dock power control, especially with generic USB‑C docks. [Elektroda, radek0010, post #17398923]
I hid my laptop in a desk pocket. How can I power it on without lifting the lid?
Use a brand‑matched USB‑C dock that includes a power button. With a non‑matching dock, you must open the lid to press the laptop’s power button. Also ensure the dock’s power delivery meets your laptop’s requirement. [Elektroda, bigle, post #20972973]
Do older, proprietary docks act as the main power switch?
Yes. Legacy docks for systems like the Dell Precision M6600 or comparable HP models can serve as the primary power button. They are designed to start the laptop directly from the dock. [Elektroda, enhanced, post #17396594]
Will a dock work across multiple laptop generations?
Sometimes. An HP 2013 UltraSlim Dock worked across two laptop generations in one setup. The company replaced laptops every 3 years, but the latest models no longer fit that dock. Verify model‑to‑model compatibility before upgrades. [Elektroda, stachu_l, post #20420462]
Can I power on a laptop with a remote control?
Some older laptops shipped with infrared remotes that could turn the computer on. This was a popular feature about a decade ago, but expect it on legacy models rather than new ones. [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #17399873]
