Skip to content
Microsoft — Update

Guide on Activating and Utilizing Wake on LAN (WoL) in Windows 10

Enable Remote Power-On of Windows 10 PCs via Wake-on-LAN (WoL): Tutorial Covered

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Control your Windows 10 device remotely by enabling Wake on LAN (WoL) feature, here's how: A...
Control your Windows 10 device remotely by enabling Wake on LAN (WoL) feature, here's how: A step-by-step guide for activating the network adapter settings to facilitate remote power-up of your computer.

Guide on Activating and Utilizing Wake on LAN (WoL) in Windows 10

Unleashing the Remote Control: Wake on LAN (WoL) on Windows 10 - Let's Get Your PC Pumped!

Welcome, folks! Today, we're talking about Wake on LAN (WoL), a nifty networking protocol that lets you power on your PC remotely. This feature comes in handy when you want to access files, apps, or services without keeping the machine on all the time. Time to learn how it works on Windows 10!

WoL is like the remote control for your device, enabling you to activate it by sending a magic packet over your network. Think of it as a long-range power button!

Given the modern world's emphasis on staying energy-efficient and connected, this feature is a game-changer. Now, let's dive into the details!

Meet the Intergalactic Remote Power Button

First, you need to enable WoL on your PC, which involves tweaking both your system's settings and its hardware. Here's a basic outline of the steps you'll follow:

  1. Firmware Configure-a-palooza: Inside your device's firmware settings, navigate to the power options and enable WoL (varies by manufacturer). Afterward, follow the instructions for your device to complete the configuration.
  2. Windows 10, Baby!: Enable WoL in Windows 10 by adjusting your network adapter settings. Navigate to the Advanced Network settings, select your adapter, Properties, Networking, Configure, Advanced, “Wake on Magic Packet," and “Enable." Make sure the "Wake on pattern match" and "WoL & Shutdown Link Speed" options are enabled (depending on your adapter). Lastly, check the Power Management options to allow the device to wake the computer.

Once you've completed the steps, you'll be ready to send magic packets to wake your PC remotely.

Gimme that Magic Packet!

You're now geared up to blast a magic packet and bring your baby PC to life. For this, you can use third-party utilities like WakeMeOnLan by NirSoft or Depicus WoL, or even built-in utilities on some routers.

In this guide, we'll demonstrate how to use WakeMeOnLan to wake your PC remotely:

  1. Download Now: Head to the NirSoft website and download WakeMeOnLan.
  2. Extract the Goodies: Save the .zip folder and extract the contents with File Explorer.
  3. Launch the App: Open the extracted folder and double-click the WakeMeOnLan.exe file to fire it up.
  4. Scanning And I'm In: Click the "Play" (Start Scanning) button to scan for devices in your network (make sure the remote device is powered on). You can also manually add devices by using the "Ctrl + N" keyboard shortcut.
  5. Time to Wake 'er Up: Select the remote device and click the right arrow ("Wake Up Selected Computers") to send the magic packet. In no time, your PC should be awake and ready to roll!

Just remember that while WakeMeOnLan is extremely reliable, it's a third-party tool not created by Microsoft. Use it wisely and at your own risk!

Now You're Connected, Literally

If you run into any issues, don't fret. Now you can troubleshoot the problem:

  1. Device Compatibility: Make sure your device supports Wake on LAN at the firmware level. Check your motherboard's, UEFI's, or your network adapter's (e.g., USB to Ethernet adapter) capabilities.
  2. Ethernet Connection: Ensure your PC is connected to the network using an Ethernet cable, as Wi-Fi does not support WoL.
  3. Power Source: Ensure your laptop is plugged into a power source to work with WoL.
  4. Network Issues: If you suspect a networking issue, use the "ping command" to confirm communication between your devices. Also, double-check your IP and MAC addresses of the target device.

Getting Started with WoL on Windows 10

To help you get started, we've laid out a step-by-step guide to enable and use Wake on LAN on Windows 10. Also, make sure to check out our in-depth resources on all things Windows 10 on our website. Happy connecting, folks!

  1. By enabling Wake on LAN (WoL) on your laptop, you can power it on remotely, acting as a long-range power button.
  2. To use WoL on Windows 10, you need to adjust both the system settings and hardware, such as configuring the firmware and tweaking the network adapter settings.
  3. Third-party utilities like WakeMeOnLan by NirSoft or built-in utilities on some routers can be used to send the magic packet required to wake your PC remotely.
  4. If you encounter issues with WoL, troubleshooting may involve checking device compatibility, ensuring an Ethernet connection, verifying power sources, and resolving potential networking issues.
  5. As WakeMeOnLan is a third-party tool and not created by Microsoft, it should be used wisely and at your own risk.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest