Setting Up Wake on LAN on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide - Support Your Tech (2024)

Wake on LAN is a nifty feature that lets you turn on your computer remotely, whether you’re in the next room or miles away. It’s like having a magic wand to wake up your sleeping PC. Setting it up on Windows 10 is straightforward and takes just a few steps. After you set it up, you can power on your computer simply by sending a “magic packet” from another device. It’s a great trick for accessing your computer without being physically present.

Step by Step Tutorial: Setting Up Wake on LAN on Windows 10

Before diving into the steps, understand that enabling Wake on LAN on your Windows 10 machine will allow it to be woken up from a low power state by a network message. This is particularly handy for remote access or starting downloads while you’re away.

Step 1: Check Your Hardware Compatibility

Make sure your network adapter supports Wake on LAN.

Not all network adapters are created equal, and some might not support Wake on LAN. Check the documentation for your motherboard or network card, or look up the specifications online to ensure it’s compatible.

Step 2: Enable Wake on LAN in BIOS/UEFI

Reboot your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI settings to enable Wake on LAN.

The process to enter BIOS/UEFI settings usually involves pressing a key such as F2, F10, or Delete when your computer is starting up. Once inside, look for a setting related to network or power management and enable Wake on LAN or a similarly named option.

Step 3: Configure Network Adapter Settings on Windows

Go to Device Manager, find your network adapter, and adjust the properties to allow Wake on LAN.

To reach the Device Manager, right-click on the Start button and select it from the menu. Expand the “Network adapters” section, right-click your network adapter, select “Properties,” go to the “Power Management” tab, and ensure the options to allow the device to wake the computer are checked.

Step 4: Allow the Computer to be Woken Remotely

Go to Power Options and tweak the settings to allow the network to wake the computer.

In Power Options, click on “Change plan settings” for your current power plan, then “Change advanced power settings.” Find and expand the “Sleep” option, then the “Allow wake timers” option, and set it to “Enable.”

Step 5: Test Wake on LAN

Use a Wake on LAN tool or app to send a “magic packet” to your computer’s network address.

Once you’ve completed the setup, it’s time to test it out. You can find various Wake on LAN tools and apps online for your smartphone or another computer. Input your computer’s network details, send the packet, and see if it wakes up!

After you complete these steps, your Windows 10 computer should be all set for Wake on LAN. The next time your computer is in a sleep state, you’ll be able to wake it up with a network message from another device. It’s a convenient feature for those times you need to access your computer remotely.

Tips for Setting Up Wake on LAN on Windows 10

• Check your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings for any security settings that may prevent Wake on LAN from working.
• Update your network adapter’s drivers to ensure the best compatibility and performance.
• If you’re using a wireless connection, ensure that “Wake on Wireless LAN” is enabled.
• Remember your computer’s IP address or set up a dynamic DNS service to easily locate your computer on the network.
• Configure your firewall and router settings to allow Wake on LAN packets if you’re having trouble getting it to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a “magic packet” in Wake on LAN?

A magic packet is a special network message that triggers the Wake on LAN functionality.

Wake on LAN magic packets are specifically formatted network messages that contain the MAC address of the network card of the computer you want to wake. Sending this packet to your computer’s network address triggers it to boot up from a low power state.

Can Wake on LAN work over the internet?

Yes, but it requires additional configuration such as port forwarding on your router.

To use Wake on LAN over the internet, you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router to direct the magic packet to your computer’s local IP address. It also requires knowing your public IP address or using a dynamic DNS service.

Does Wake on LAN use a lot of power?

No, Wake on LAN uses very little power as the computer remains in a low power state while waiting for the magic packet.

The power used by Wake on LAN is minimal because it only needs to keep the network card active and listening for the magic packet. The rest of the computer remains in a sleep state until woken up.

What if Wake on LAN isn’t working after following these steps?

Check your network adapter’s advanced settings and ensure that Wake on LAN is enabled there as well.

In some cases, there might be additional settings within the network adapter’s advanced properties that need to be configured. Make sure all Wake on LAN related options are enabled. Also, check for any firewall or antivirus settings that might be blocking the magic packet.

Can I wake up a laptop with Wake on LAN?

Yes, as long as the laptop supports Wake on LAN and is connected to power.

Laptops can use Wake on LAN but they must be plugged into a power source, as most laptops do not support Wake on LAN on battery power. The laptop’s BIOS/UEFI and network adapter settings have to be configured similarly to a desktop.

Summary

1. Check hardware compatibility.
2. Enable Wake on LAN in BIOS/UEFI.
3. Configure network adapter settings on Windows.
4. Allow the computer to be woken remotely.
5. Test Wake on LAN.

Conclusion

Setting up Wake on LAN on Windows 10 is a simple yet powerful way to access your computer from anywhere. It’s like having a virtual power button at your fingertips. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy the convenience of waking up your machine without being physically present. Whether you’re a tech-savvy user looking to streamline your workflow or just someone who loves the idea of turning on your computer from bed, Wake on LAN has got you covered.

As you become more familiar with Wake on LAN, you’ll find it incredibly useful for tasks such as remote troubleshooting, initiating downloads while you’re away, or simply turning on your PC without having to get up. It’s a small tweak with a big impact on your computing experience. So go ahead, give it a try, and join the ranks of remote computing maestros.

Matt Jacobs

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.