How to Wake on LAN Windows 10: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

How to Wake on LAN Windows 10

Wake on LAN (WoL) is a handy feature that lets you remotely wake up your computer over the network. In Windows 10, setting up Wake on LAN involves tweaking some settings in the BIOS and your network adapter. First, you’ll need to enable WoL in your BIOS. After that, you’ll configure your network adapter settings in Windows. Finally, you can use a WoL tool to send a magic packet to wake up your computer. Follow these simple steps to get it done.

How to Wake on LAN Windows 10

In this section, we’ll walk through the steps to enable and set up Wake on LAN on a Windows 10 computer. This will involve accessing your computer’s BIOS settings and making some adjustments in Windows.

Step 1: Access BIOS Settings

To enable WoL, you first need to access your BIOS settings.

Restart your computer and press the BIOS key (usually F2, F10, DEL, or ESC) as soon as it starts up.

The BIOS key varies depending on your computer’s manufacturer. Look for a message during boot-up that tells you which key to press. If you miss it, just restart and try again.

Step 2: Enable Wake on LAN in BIOS

Navigate to the Power Management or Advanced tab and enable the Wake on LAN option.

Once you’re in the BIOS, you’ll need to find the setting for Wake on LAN. It might be under different names like "Power Management" or "Advanced". Use the arrow keys to navigate and follow the prompts to enable it.

Step 3: Save Changes and Exit BIOS

Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup to restart your computer.

After enabling WoL, make sure to save your changes. Usually, there’s an option for "Save and Exit" which might be labeled differently depending on your BIOS.

Step 4: Open Device Manager in Windows 10

Once back in Windows, open Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting Device Manager.

You can also search for Device Manager in the Start menu. This tool lets you manage all your hardware devices.

Step 5: Configure Network Adapter Settings

Expand the "Network adapters" section, right-click your Ethernet adapter, and select Properties.

Now you need to tweak some settings in your network adapter. Look for the one that mentions Ethernet or LAN.

Step 6: Enable Wake on LAN in Network Adapter

Go to the Advanced tab, find the Wake on Magic Packet option, and set it to Enabled.

The Advanced tab contains various properties for your network adapter. Scroll through to find "Wake on Magic Packet" or a similar option and enable it.

Step 7: Save Changes in Network Adapter Properties

Click OK to save the changes and close Device Manager.

Simply click the OK button to apply your changes, and then close the Device Manager window.

Step 8: Use Wake on LAN Tool

Use a WoL tool to send a magic packet to your computer’s MAC address to wake it up.

You’ll need a WoL tool, which can be software on another computer or a mobile app. Enter your computer’s MAC address and send the magic packet.

After you complete these steps, your computer should wake up remotely when it receives a magic packet over the network. It’s a neat way to access your device from afar without having to keep it on all the time.

Tips for Wake on LAN Windows 10

  • Ensure your computer is connected via Ethernet: WoL typically doesn’t work over Wi-Fi.
  • Check your router settings: Some routers have settings that might need to be adjusted to allow WoL packets.
  • Update your network drivers: Outdated drivers can cause issues with WoL functionality.
  • Use a static IP or DHCP reservation: This ensures your computer’s IP address doesn’t change, making it easier to send the magic packet.
  • Make sure your computer supports WoL: Some older machines might not support this feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wake on LAN?

Wake on LAN allows you to remotely wake up your computer over the network by sending a special data packet.

Why isn’t Wake on LAN working?

Common issues include incorrect BIOS settings, outdated network drivers, or network configuration problems. Double-check all your settings.

Can I use Wake on LAN over Wi-Fi?

WoL generally requires a wired Ethernet connection. Some advanced setups might support WoL over Wi-Fi, but it’s not common.

Do I need special software to use Wake on LAN?

Yes, you will need a WoL tool to send the magic packet to your computer. There are many free options available online.

Does my computer need to be in sleep mode for WoL to work?

WoL works when the computer is in sleep mode, hibernation, or fully powered off, but it depends on the settings and the computer’s capabilities.

Summary

  1. Access BIOS Settings.
  2. Enable Wake on LAN in BIOS.
  3. Save Changes and Exit BIOS.
  4. Open Device Manager in Windows 10.
  5. Configure Network Adapter Settings.
  6. Enable Wake on LAN in Network Adapter.
  7. Save Changes in Network Adapter Properties.
  8. Use Wake on LAN Tool.

Conclusion

Wake on LAN Windows 10 is a powerful feature that can make your life a lot easier if you need to access your computer remotely. By following these steps, you can quickly set up WoL on your Windows 10 machine. Just ensure you have a wired Ethernet connection and that all your settings are correct.

If you’re having trouble, check your BIOS and network adapter settings again. Maybe even update your drivers. And, of course, make sure your router supports WoL packets.

Feel free to explore more about Wake on LAN and what else it can do for you. Happy computing!