stop closing lid from putting macbook to sleep

Hello Paulieg49,

First, we advise that you review this article that explains how to correctly connect an external monitor to your MacBook Pro: Use an external display with your MacBook Pro - Apple Support. Once that is configured properly, make sure that "Prevent automatic sleeping when the display is off" is turned on in your display settings.

We hope this helps. Let us know if we can assist with anything else at all. Take care.

Hello Paulieg49,

We're so glad to hear that this issue was resolved! If you need anything in the future, please reach back out.

Have a good day and thanks again for contacting Apple Support Communities.