How to Enable or Disable Wake on LAN (WOL) in Windows 11
This guide explains how to turn the Wake on LAN (WOL) feature on or off for your network adapter in Windows 11.
What is Wake on LAN?
Wake on LAN (WOL) is a feature that turns your computer on from a low-power state using a signal sent over your network. This signal is called a Magic Packet.
Why use it? It allows you to access your PC remotely without needing to be in the same room.
What happens when done? Your computer wakes up and becomes ready for use as if you had pressed the power button.
Note: You may need to turn off “Fast Startup” for this to work. You must be signed in as an administrator to change these settings. Low Power for Wake on LAN – Windows drivers Wake On LAN for Surface devices – Surface Enabling Wake-on-LAN
Option One: UEFI Firmware Settings
You may need to change this setting to allow your motherboard to use WOL. It is usually on by default.
- Restart your computer and enter your UEFI or BIOS settings.
- Look for a setting named “Power On By PCI-E” or “Wake-on-LAN.” This is often found under an “Advanced” or “Power” tab.
- Save your changes and exit the menu.
Option Two: Settings App
Requires admin privileges.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & internet and select Advanced network settings.
- Click on your Ethernet adapter to expand it, then click Edit next to “More adapter options.”
- Click the Configure button.
- Under the Advanced tab, find “Wake on Magic Packet” and set it to Enabled or Disabled.
- Under the Power Management tab, check the box to “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
- Check or uncheck the box for “Allow this device to wake the computer” based on your preference. Click OK.
Option Three: Device Manager
Requires admin privileges.
- Type
devmgmt.mscinto the search bar and press Enter. - Expand the Network adapters section and double-click your adapter.
- Follow the same steps in the Advanced and Power Management tabs as described in Option Two.
Option Four: Network and Sharing Center
Requires admin privileges.
- Open the Control Panel and select Network and Sharing Center.
- Click Change adapter settings on the left.
- Right-click your network adapter and select Properties.
- Click Configure and repeat the steps from Option Two.
Option Five: Enable via Command Line
Requires admin privileges.
- Open Windows Terminal as an administrator.
- Run this command to see your network devices:
powercfg -devicequery wake_programmable - Note the name of your Ethernet adapter.
- Run this command to enable it (replace “Device name” with your actual adapter name):
powercfg -deviceenablewake "Device name"
Option Six: Disable via Command Line
Requires admin privileges.
- Open Windows Terminal as an administrator.
- Run this command to see your current settings:
powercfg -devicequery wake_armed - Run this command to disable it (replace “Device name” with your actual adapter name):
powercfg -devicedisablewake "Device name"
WOL Methods Comparison
| Method | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| BIOS/UEFI | Hardware-level control | Medium |
| Device Manager | Quick OS changes | Easy |
| Command Line | Advanced users/Scripts | High |
Troubleshooting: Why Won’t My PC Wake?
If your computer stays asleep, check these common issues:
- Fast Startup: This Windows feature can block WOL. Disable it in Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
- Network Drivers: Ensure your Ethernet controller drivers are updated.
- Power Management: Verify the Power Management tab settings in your network adapter properties.
- BIOS Settings: Ensure the S3/S4/S5 sleep states are configured to allow wake events.
How to Send a Magic Packet
To test if your setup works, use a tool like WakeMeOnLan by NirSoft. This utility allows you to scan your network and send the necessary packet to wake your target machine. Simply run the tool, select your PC, and click the wake button.
Summary
Wake on LAN is a powerful tool for remote access. By configuring your BIOS, disabling Fast Startup, and ensuring your network adapter settings are correct, you can wake your PC from anywhere. If you run into trouble, verify your power management settings and ensure your Ethernet cable is connected. Use the command-line options for quick, administrative control over your wake states.
Does Wake on LAN work over Wi-Fi?
Generally, no. Most network adapters require a wired Ethernet connection to listen for a Magic Packet while the computer is in a sleep state. While some modern Wi-Fi cards support ‘Wake on Wireless LAN,’ it is rarely reliable compared to a standard Ethernet connection.
Why does Wake on LAN stop working after a Windows update?
Windows updates often reset network adapter drivers or power management settings to their defaults. If an update occurs, check your Network adapter properties again to ensure the ‘Allow this device to wake the computer’ box remains checked and that the driver has not been replaced by a generic version.
What is the difference between S3 and S5 wake states?
S3 is ‘Sleep’ mode, where data is saved to RAM. S5 is ‘Soft Off,’ where the computer is shut down but still receives a tiny amount of power. WOL usually works in S3, but S5 requires specific BIOS support to keep the network card active while the system is off.
Do I need a static IP for Wake on LAN?
You do not strictly need a static IP for local network wake-ups. However, if you are waking your PC from outside your home network, a static IP or a Dynamic DNS service is highly recommended so your router knows exactly which device to send the Magic Packet to.
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