How to Schedule Automatic Wake Time in Windows 11

This guide explains how to set your Windows 11 computer to wake up automatically at a time you choose. Normally, your computer waits for you to press a button to wake up from sleep or modern standby or hibernation. By following these steps, you can have your PC ready and waiting for you.

Why do this?

Setting a wake-up time is helpful if you want to connect to your PC remotely or have it ready to go as soon as you sit down at your desk. It saves time and ensures your computer is active when you need it.

What happens when done?

Your computer will automatically leave its sleep or hibernation state at the exact time you scheduled, allowing it to perform tasks or be ready for immediate use.

How to wake a PC at a specific time

If your PC supports it, you can also enable Wake on LAN to wake it via network activity. To set a specific time, use the Task Scheduler.

First, open the Task Scheduler in Windows. In Windows 11, go to the Start Menu, then search for and open the Task Scheduler app.

In the Task Scheduler, click on Task Scheduler Library. Then, click the Create Task link on the right side.

In the General tab, name your task “Wake me up.” Select Run whether user is logged on or not. You must also check the box for Run with highest privileges. (Requires admin privileges).

Go to the Triggers tab and click New. Choose the time you want the computer to wake up. You can pick a one-time event or a recurring schedule.

Switch to the Conditions tab. Check the box that says Wake the computer to run this task.

Go to the Actions tab and click New. To keep it simple, set the program to run C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe and add /c in the arguments box. This opens and closes the command window instantly.

Save your task. You will be asked to enter your system password to confirm the changes.

How to turn on Wake Timers

For this to work, you must enable “Wake Timers.” A wake timer allows the system to pull itself out of Sleep and hibernates states.

Search for and open the Control Panel, then go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options. Click Change plan settings next to your active plan, then select Change advanced power settings.

Expand the Sleep section, then expand Allow wake timers and set both On battery and Plugged in to Enable.

Click OK to save your settings.

You can read this post on how to turn Wake Timers on or off in Windows 11.

Summary

By using the Task Scheduler and enabling Wake Timers in your power settings, you can force your Windows 11 computer to wake up at any time. This is a great way to ensure your PC is ready for remote access or daily tasks without manual input.