Enabling wake on LAN on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that allows your computer to be turned on remotely. This involves configuring BIOS settings, adjusting network adapter properties, and enabling Wake on LAN in Windows 10. Follow these steps to set up Wake on LAN and make your PC accessible from any location.
How to Enable Wake on LAN Windows 10
Setting up Wake on LAN (WoL) on a Windows 10 computer involves a few steps. We’ll guide you through adjusting your BIOS settings, configuring the network adapter, and enabling the feature within Windows 10.
Step 1: Access BIOS Settings
Restart your computer and enter BIOS by pressing the designated key (usually F2, F10, or Del) during startup.
You need to access the BIOS settings to ensure that the Wake on LAN feature is enabled. This setting is crucial for allowing your computer to wake up from a powered-down state when it receives a network request.
Step 2: Enable Wake on LAN in BIOS
Navigate to the Power Management or Advanced settings section and enable Wake on LAN.
Within the BIOS menu, look for an option related to power management or network settings. It might be labeled differently depending on the manufacturer. Ensure that the Wake on LAN or a similar option is enabled.
Step 3: Save BIOS Changes and Exit
Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.
Make sure to save any changes you’ve made before exiting the BIOS. This ensures that the Wake on LAN settings are applied and your computer can wake up via network requests.
Step 4: Open Device Manager
Press Win + X and select Device Manager from the menu.
The Device Manager is where you configure your network adapter settings. You need to adjust these settings to ensure your network card can respond to Wake on LAN requests.
Step 5: Configure Network Adapter
Expand Network adapters, right-click your network adapter, and select Properties. Navigate to the Power Management tab, and enable "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 capable of waking your computer remotely. The "magic packet" is a specific type of network message that triggers the Wake on LAN functionality.
Step 6: Adjust Advanced Settings
Go to the Advanced tab and enable any settings related to Wake on LAN, Wake on Magic Packet, and Wake on Pattern Match.
Advanced settings might be necessary depending on your network adapter. Ensuring these options are enabled helps to guarantee that your computer will wake up when it receives a correct network packet.
After completing these steps, your computer will be configured to wake up remotely through Wake on LAN. This means you can turn on your PC from anywhere, provided it is connected to a network.
Tips for Wake on LAN Windows 10
- Ensure your network adapter supports Wake on LAN functionality.
- Verify that your computer remains connected to a power source and network.
- Consider setting a static IP address for your computer for easier remote access.
- Use the correct software or app to send Wake on LAN packets.
- Test the functionality to make sure everything works as expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wake on LAN?
Wake on LAN (WoL) is a feature that allows a computer to be powered on or awakened from sleep or hibernation mode by a network message.
Do all computers support Wake on LAN?
Not all computers support Wake on LAN. It depends on the motherboard and network adapter. Check your hardware specifications to ensure compatibility.
Can Wake on LAN work over Wi-Fi?
Generally, Wake on LAN works over Ethernet connections. Some newer devices and adapters support WoL over Wi-Fi, but it’s less common and might require additional configuration.
Is Wake on LAN secure?
While Wake on LAN itself is a simple protocol, it’s not inherently secure. Using it in conjunction with secure network practices and monitoring can help mitigate potential risks.
Can I wake up my computer from any remote location?
Yes, as long as your computer is connected to a network and properly configured, you can wake it up from any location using the correct tools to send the Wake on LAN packet.
Summary
- Restart your computer and enter BIOS.
- Enable Wake on LAN in BIOS settings.
- Save changes and exit BIOS.
- Open Device Manager.
- Configure network adapter settings.
- Adjust advanced settings in the network adapter.
Conclusion
Enabling Wake on LAN Windows 10 can be a game-changer for accessing your computer remotely. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can configure your PC to wake up from a powered-down state, giving you more flexibility and control.
Whether you’re managing multiple computers in a network or simply want to access your home computer while away, Wake on LAN is a useful feature. By ensuring your BIOS settings are correct and configuring your network adapter, you’re well on your way to remote productivity.
Remember, while setting up Wake on LAN might seem daunting, breaking it down into manageable steps makes it easier. Don’t forget to test your setup to ensure everything works smoothly. Happy waking!
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.