How Do I Let a Device Wake My Computer in Windows 11?

This tutorial shows you how to enable or disable allowing a device to wake your computer in Windows 11.

Why This Matters

When you put your computer to sleep, certain devices can automatically wake it up. This happens only if those devices are configured to do so. Some devices might be able to wake your computer, but they’re not currently set up to do it.

You can use the powercfg.exe tool to manage power plans. This tool controls how your computer uses power and which devices can wake it up.

Important: You must be signed in as an administrator to change these settings.

Option One: Using Device Manager

Device Manager lets you enable wake capabilities for devices by accessing the Power Management tab on your device properties, where you can check the option allowing the device to wake your computer.

1. Open Device Manager by typing devmgmt.msc in your search bar and pressing Enter.
2. Find and expand the device category your device is listed under. For example, expand “Network adapters” if you’re looking for a network device.
3. Double-click the device you want to enable or disable for waking your computer.
4. Click the Power Management tab.
5. Check the box next to “Allow this device to wake the computer” to enable it. Uncheck the box to disable it.
6. Click OK to save your changes.
7. Close Device Manager when finished.

Option Two: Enable a Device Using Command Line

⚠️ Requires admin privileges

What happens: This method lets you turn on wake-up ability for a specific device using commands.

1. Open Windows Terminal as Administrator. Search for “Terminal” and right-click it, then select “Run as administrator.”
2. Select either Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt from the dropdown menu.
3. Copy and paste this command, then press Enter to see all devices that can be set to wake your computer:
   
   powercfg -devicequery wake_programmable
4. Find and write down the exact name of the device you want to enable.
5. Type this command and press Enter. Replace “Device name” with the actual device name from step 4:
   
   powercfg -deviceenablewake "Device name"
   

   Example: powercfg -deviceenablewake "Intel(R) Ethernet Connection (7) I219-V"

6. Close Windows Terminal when finished.

Option Three: Disable a Device Using Command Line

⚠️ Requires admin privileges

What happens: This method turns off wake-up ability for a device you specify.

1. Open Windows Terminal as Administrator.
2. Select either Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.
3. Copy and paste this command, then press Enter to see all devices currently set to wake your computer:
   
   powercfg -devicequery wake_armed
4. Write down the exact name of the device you want to disable.
5. Type this command and press Enter. Replace “Device name” with the actual device name from step 4:
   
   powercfg -devicedisablewake "Device name"
   

   Example: powercfg -devicedisablewake "Intel(R) Ethernet Connection (7) I219-V"

6. Close Windows Terminal when finished.

Summary

You now know three ways to control which devices can wake your computer from sleep in Windows 11. The easiest method is using Device Manager if you prefer clicking through menus. The command-line options give you more control and work quickly if you know the device name. Choose the method that works best for you. Remember, you need admin access to make these changes.