Explanation of remote computer operation
How to enable Wake-on-LAN in Windows 10 and 11
Wake-on-LAN (WoL) is an old technology that network administrators have used for years to remotely run computers on the same network without having to circumvent them. You can use it at home as well. Here's how.
Why we use WoL and how it works
First, let's discuss why you want to use this feature, and there is only one right: convenience. Let's say you're brewing coffee in the kitchen, and you want to turn on your computer by the time you get to your home office. Simply launch an app from your phone, click a button, and your computer will be ready and waiting for the time you get there.
It doesn't just have to be a phone that activates your computer either. You can use this trick from another computer, Mac, or even a smart speaker if you don't mind a slightly complicated setup.
The basic premise of Wake-on-LAN is very simple. Computers send and receive information in small portions called packets. When WoL is enabled, your computer waits for the so-called "magic packet" that tells it to wake up by including the computer's MAC address.
Remember that without some tweaking beyond the scope of this article, WoL is not a remote feature. The wake-up device (phone) must be on the same network as the computer to be alerted.
WoL Requirements
Before anything else, your computer must be connected to an Ethernet network. For this reason, this trick works best with desktops or laptops that are always connected to an Ethernet network. You may also have to turn off Wi-Fi on the target device for WoL to work properly.
Next, you need to enable WoL in the BIOS of your computer. We have a tutorial on how to enter the BIOS of your PC because it varies slightly depending on the brand. However, it usually comes down to pressing a custom key or a regular keyboard key like Del.
Given within the BIOS, the Wake-on-LAN option may be structured differently and the feature can be grouped as part of a larger set of features. In this PC example, the WoL feature is found under Power as its own entry. If you can't find the feature, search for it on Google using the motherboard brand name and model number.
WoL is often automatically enabled in the BIOS, but it's always best to check again.
Next, you should enable WoL within Windows 10 or 11.
First, you need to open Device Manager by right-clicking on the start button and selecting "Device Manager". Another alternative is to search for it by pressing the start button and typing in the "Device Manager".
Once the tool opens, click on Network adapters and select your Ethernet controller. You may have a large number of options, but you are looking for something with a name that includes a "controller", "adapter", or something similar. Anything that says TAP, VPN or host just isn't what you're looking for.
Once you find your Ethernet controller, right-click on it and select Properties.
A Properties window will open. Click on the "Power Management" tab and make sure all three boxes are checked including:
Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
Allow this device to wake the computer
Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer
Before we close this window, let's move on to the "Advanced" tab. In the list, scroll down to "Wake On Magic Packet," select it, and make sure under "Value" that the drop-down box says "Enabled."
If so, click OK, and you're done with this part.
One last thing: open the Settings app by pressing Windows + i on your keyboard. Then in Windows 11, go to Network & Internet> Ethernet, and scroll down to the bottom of the window.
In Windows 10, go to Network & Internet> Ethernet, then click at the top on the name of your Ethernet connection. Next, scroll all the way under "Properties."
Here you will find something called "physical address (MAC)" and then a combination of letters and numbers. It is usually about 12 letters separated by a dash. Copy this in case you need it.
Set up your alarm
With the PC set up, it's time to equip our devices that will wake up.
In this example, we will make it nice and simple and use the phone. Download the Wake On Lan app from developer Mike Webb.
Once installed, make sure that you are connected via Wi-Fi to the same network as the target computer. Now click the plus sign (+) button on the home screen, then when you reach the next screen, swipe down and wait. The drop-down menu will trigger a network search to find devices on your network.
Once you find your device, you can select it, and you're done. IF YOU DON'T SEE IT, CLICK "ENTER MANUALLY", GIVE YOUR DEVICE AN ALIAS AND ENTER ITS MAC ADDRESS. Then click Add Device.
Now it's time to test the setup. Go to the computer that can be waked, click the Start menu, and then the power button. Instead of choosing "Off", choose "Sleep" and wait for the computer to go into low power mode.
Now, open the Wake-on-LAN app on your phone, tap on your device, and it should be up and running within a few seconds.
Troubleshooting
If the WoL feature doesn't work, do some basic troubleshooting like making sure your computer is already in sleep mode. Are all RGB lights off (assuming you didn't set them to stay on)? Does the power button glow as if the computer is on? Try to wake her up in the usual way to see what happens.
If the computer is really asleep, check that your phone is connected to the correct Wi-Fi, put the computer back to sleep and try again. It may also be worth checking your Ethernet cable for faults.
Wake-on-LAN is a fun and easy feature to enable it to be very useful for those times when you want your computer to be ready to go the moment you are.