Why Does My Laptop Start Playing YouTube Videos When It's Closed?
Have you ever been puzzled by your laptop suddenly playing YouTube videos even when it's closed? This behavior can be attributed to a few common reasons, and understanding these can help you ensure a more seamless user experience. Whether you're looking to conserve power or simply stop those unexpected video plays, read on for guidance.
Background Processes
One common reason for this issue is the presence of background processes. Applications or web browser tabs that continue to run even when your laptop is closed can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior. For example, setting your laptop to allow apps to run in the background might contribute to this problem.
Recommendation: Check your laptop's settings to see if it is configured to allow applications to run in the background when the lid is closed. Consider changing this setting to ensure that your laptop is appropriately powered down when it should be.
Lid Settings
Another factor to consider is the laptop's power settings. Ensure that your laptop is set to sleep or hibernate when the lid is closed rather than doing nothing, which can cause background applications to continue running.
Check Power Settings: Navigate to your laptop's settings and review the power management options. Make sure that the lid closing action triggers the appropriate sleep or hibernate function, rather than having your laptop go into a completely idle state.
Browser Extensions
Browser extensions can also be culprits behind unexpected video plays. Some web browser add-ons may have auto-play features that trigger video playback without your knowledge.
Check Browser Extensions: Review the extensions installed in your web browser and consider disabling or removing any that may be causing this behavior. This can help prevent unwanted auto-play from taking over your screen.
Accidental Activation
Another scenario involves accidental activation. If your laptop is in a position where it can be easily triggered, such as inside a bag, it may cause unexpected video playback. This can occur if the laptop's touchpad or keyboard sensors are activated by accidental contact.
Prevent Accidental Activation: If your laptop is prone to accidental activation, place it in a more secure position. Use a laptop stand or a padded bag to ensure that it remains stable and doesn't trigger the screen unintentionally.
Recommendations
Check Power Settings: Go to your laptop settings and check what it is set to do when the lid is closed. You might want to change it to sleep or hibernate. Close Applications: Make sure to close any applications or browser tabs you don't want running before closing the laptop. Check for Updates: Ensure your operating system and applications are up to date to prevent any bugs that could cause unexpected behavior.Should You Turn Off Your Laptop?
Deciding whether to turn off your laptop or put it to sleep/hibernate depends on your usage patterns and preferences. If you aren't planning to use your laptop for an extended period, turning it off is generally a good idea to save power and extend the lifespan of the hardware.
If you need to access your laptop quickly, consider putting it to sleep or hibernating instead of completely turning it off. This allows for quicker access while still conserving energy.
Ultimately, the choice between shutting down or using sleep/hibernate depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Ensuring that your laptop's power settings are configured correctly and that any rogue background processes or extensions are addressed can help prevent these surprising video plays.
Additional Tips
John Marsilio from the video mentioned has the right answer: adjusting the power settings for your laptop by changing the lid closing action to sleep or hibernate can resolve this issue.
Additionally, you can eliminate the video by clicking the 'Watch Later' button for the video you were watching and then closing your browser. This way, you can avoid those unwanted auto-play videos the next time you visit YouTube.