how to enable wake on lan windows 10
Wake on LAN (WoL) allows you to turn on your computer remotely over the internet. To enable it in Windows 10, you’ll need to tweak settings in both your BIOS and your network adapter properties. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to get WoL up and running.
How to Enable Wake on LAN in Windows 10
The following steps will help you enable Wake on LAN on your Windows 10 computer. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to power on your computer from anywhere using a magic packet.
Step 1: Enter BIOS Setup
Restart your computer and press the designated key (usually Del, F2, or Esc) to enter the BIOS.
The BIOS key varies between motherboard manufacturers. It’s often displayed during the initial boot screen. If you’re unsure, refer to your computer or motherboard manual.
Step 2: Enable Wake on LAN in BIOS
Navigate to the Power Management or Advanced settings tab and find the Wake on LAN option. Set it to "Enabled."
This setting might be labeled differently depending on your BIOS version. Look for terms like "Power on by PCI-E" or "Remote Wake Up," and enable them.
Step 3: Save BIOS Changes and Exit
Save the changes you made in the BIOS and exit.
Usually, you can save your changes by pressing F10 and confirm by selecting Yes when prompted. Your computer will then restart with the new settings applied.
Step 4: Open Device Manager
Right-click on the Start button and select "Device Manager" from the menu.
The Device Manager allows you to manage your computer’s hardware devices. You’ll use it to configure your network adapter for WoL.
Step 5: Configure Network Adapter
Expand the "Network Adapters" section, right-click on your network adapter, and select "Properties."
This will open a new window where you can adjust settings specific to your network adapter.
Step 6: Enable Wake on LAN Settings
Go to the "Power Management" tab and check the boxes for "Allow this device to wake the computer" and "Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer."
These settings ensure that your network adapter is ready to receive the wake signal when your computer is in sleep or shutdown mode.
Step 7: Advanced Network Adapter Settings
Click on the "Advanced" tab and enable any settings related to Wake on LAN, such as "Wake on Magic Packet."
Different network adapters might have different settings under this tab. Be sure to enable all options that pertain to WoL.
Step 8: Save Changes
Click "OK" to save your network adapter settings and close the Device Manager.
Your network adapter is now configured for Wake on LAN. You can test it by sending a magic packet from another device.
After following these steps, your computer will be set up to wake from a powered-off state when it receives a special signal from another device on the network. This is useful for remote access and administration tasks.
Tips for Enabling Wake on LAN in Windows 10
- Ensure your computer is connected via a wired Ethernet connection; WoL typically doesn’t work over Wi-Fi.
- For remote wake-up, make sure your router supports forwarding WoL packets.
- Test WoL functionality using a third-party tool to send magic packets.
- Double-check that your power settings in Windows 10 allow the network adapter to remain active in sleep mode.
- Consult your motherboard’s manual for specific BIOS setting names if you’re having trouble finding the right options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wake on LAN?
Wake on LAN (WoL) is a network standard that allows a computer to be turned on remotely by a network message called a magic packet.
Can Wake on LAN work over Wi-Fi?
No, WoL typically requires a wired Ethernet connection to function properly.
Do all motherboards support Wake on LAN?
Most modern motherboards support WoL, but you should check your motherboard’s manual to verify.
Is Wake on LAN secure?
While WoL itself is not encrypted, it poses minimal risk if used within a secure, local network. For remote use, ensure your router’s firewall is properly configured.
Can I wake my computer from a complete shutdown?
Yes, as long as your BIOS and network adapter settings are configured correctly, WoL can wake a computer from a shutdown state.
Summary
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS.
- Enable Wake on LAN in BIOS settings.
- Save changes and exit the BIOS.
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click on your network adapter and select Properties.
- Enable Wake on LAN settings in the Power Management tab.
- Configure the Advanced tab settings for WoL.
- Save changes and close the Device Manager.
Conclusion
Enabling Wake on LAN in Windows 10 can be a real game-changer, especially for those who need to manage multiple computers remotely. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to turn on your computer from anywhere, saving you time and effort.
Remember to ensure that both your BIOS and network adapter settings are correctly configured. While the process may seem a bit technical, it’s relatively straightforward once you get the hang of it. If you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to consult your motherboard’s manual or look for additional resources online.
Now that you’ve got Wake on LAN enabled, you can enjoy the convenience of remote access and control over your computer. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone looking to streamline your workflow, this feature is sure to come in handy.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.