How to Enable Wake on LAN in Windows 11

You can remotely turn on your machine with Wake on LAN. Here’s how to enable and activate Wake on LAN in Windows 11.

Windows supports an excellent feature called Wake on LAN. As the name implies, it is a networking feature. When enabled, Wake on LAN will put your computer into a lower power state as and when required. You can then send a “magic packet” to turn on the computer from any supported device remotely. This specific feature is nothing new; it’s been around for quite some time.

One of the most appealing aspects of Wake on LAN is that it combines the best of both worlds. That is, put the computer into a low power state and be able to turn it on remotely as and when required.

There are many reasons why you might want to turn on a computer and use it remotely. For example, it allows you to create backups, use it as a media machine, and more.

Whatever the reason, if you ever want to try out or use this fantastic feature, follow the steps below to learn how to enable Wake on LAN in Windows 11.

Table of contents:

• Requirements
• Enable Wake on LAN in Windows 11
• Wake on LAN FAQ

Requirements to turn on Wake on LAN

As I said earlier, Wake on LAN is a networking feature. Your network device should support Wake on LAN, whether built-in or an add-in card. Otherwise, you cannot enable it.

How can I tell if a network device supports Wake on LAN?

It’s pretty straightforward. If you can find the Wake on LAN option, your network device & firmware supports it. If you cannot find the option, your device doesn’t support Wake on LAN.

Enable Wake on LAN in Windows 11

There are two major steps to enabling Wake on LAN. Turn on Wake on LAN in the firmware options first, then in Windows. To make things easier, I’ve divided them into two sections. Follow both sections in order. Here’s how.

1. Enable Wake on LAN in Firmware (UEFI)

We need to go into the UEFI settings, locate the Wake on LAN option and turn it on. Since the firmware settings can vary depending on the manufacturer, I’ll give you some general guidelines. I recommend you consult the motherboard manual as necessary.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to the “System > Recovery” page.
3. Click the “Restart Now” button next to “Advanced Startup.”
4. Choose the “Troubleshoot” option.
5. Click “Advanced options.”
6. Click the “UEFI Firmware Settings” option.
7. Press “Restart.”
8. Go to the “Network” tab on the UEFI screen.
9. Enable the “Wake on LAN” option.
10. Save changes.
11. Restart the computer.

2. Turn on Wake on LAN in Windows 11 Settings

After enabling Wake on LAN in the firmware, you can then turn on Wake on LAN in Windows 11 Settings. Here’s how.

Note: On most systems, the Wake on LAN is automatically activated in Windows 11 as soon as it is enabled in the firmware. However, some network hardware may require you to manually switch it on in Windows. So, follow the below steps.

1. Open Settings with the “Win + X” shortcut.
2. Click on “Network & Internet.”
3. Go to the “Advanced network settings” page.
4. Click the “More network adapter options.”
5. Right-click on the network adapter.
6. Go to the “Networking” tab.
7. Press the “Configure” button.
8. Go to the “Advanced” tab.
9. Find and select the “Wake on LAN” or “Wake on Magic Packet” option.
10. Select “Enabled” from the Value dropdown.
11. Press “Ok.”
12. Close all windows.
13. Reboot the computer.
14. With that, Wake on LAN is fully enabled.

FAQ: Wake on LAN (WoL)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Wake on LAN.

How to enable Wake on LAN?

To enable Wake on LAN, you must turn it on in UEFI and Windows 11. Follow the above steps.

I cannot find the Wake on LAN option in Windows.

If you cannot find the Wake on LAN feature in Windows, your networking hardware doesn’t support it or is not enabled in the Firmware.

I cannot find the Wake on LAN option in UEFI.

If you cannot find the Wake on LAN feature in UEFI, your networking hardware doesn’t support the feature.

Can I turn on a computer remotely with Wake on LAN?

Yes, you can turn on a computer remotely using Wake on LAN. Keep in mind that the system should be in low power mode.

Does Wake on LAN work with wireless?

Yes, as long as your network card supports Wake on LAN, it will work. It doesn’t matter whether it is a wired or wireless connection. All you have to do is send the Magic Packet.

Can Wake on LAN Power On a computer?

You cannot power on a system using Wake on LAN. To use Wake on LAN, the computer should already be powered on and in a low power state.

Does Wake on LAN work over the internet?

Despite its name, Wake on LAN does work over the internet. However, it requires additional advanced setup.

—

That is it. It is that simple to enable Wake on LAN in Windows 11.

I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.

If you are stuck or need some help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.