How To Enable Wake On LAN in Windows 11? Easy Guide

Wake On LAN, a powerful networking feature, allows you to turn on your computer remotely using a special network signal called a Magic Packet. Enabling Wake On LAN requires changes in three main areas of your computer system.

First, the feature must be enabled at the hardware level inside the BIOS or UEFI firmware. If it is disabled there, Windows will not be able to use it.

Second, the network adapter settings inside Windows 11 must be configured properly. This includes enabling specific properties, such as Wake on Magic Packet, and allowing the device to wake the computer.

Third, you must ensure that your system’s power settings do not block network activity while the PC is asleep.

It is also important to understand that not all systems support Wake On LAN. Most modern motherboards and Ethernet adapters support it, but some WiFi adapters may not. A wired Ethernet connection provides the most reliable Wake On LAN functionality.

In this detailed guide, you will learn exactly how to enable Wake On LAN in Windows 11, step by step, along with important settings.

So let’s start!

Table of Contents

How To Enable Wake On LAN Windows 11? Easy Guide

To enable Wake On LAN in Windows 11, you must first activate the feature in your system’s BIOS or UEFI firmware. Then enable Wake On LAN settings in Device Manager under your network adapter properties. Finally, configure power management settings to allow the device to wake the computer and test it using a Wake On LAN tool that sends a Magic Packet.

Now, let us go step by step in detail!

Step 1: Enable Wake On LAN in BIOS or UEFI Firmware

The first and most important step is enabling Wake On LAN in your motherboard firmware.

Restart your computer. As soon as the system begins booting, press the key that opens the BIOS or UEFI settings. Common keys include F2, Delete, F10, or Esc. The exact key depends on your motherboard manufacturer.

Once inside the BIOS or UEFI menu, navigate to the section labeled Power Management, Advanced Settings, or ACPI Configuration. Look for options such as Wake On LAN, Power On By PCI-E, or Resume By LAN.

Enable the setting related to Wake On LAN. After enabling it, save the changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will restart automatically.

Without this step, Wake On LAN will not function even if Windows settings are configured correctly.

Step 2: Open Device Manager in Windows 11

After enabling the feature in BIOS, the next step is configuring your network adapter settings inside Windows 11.

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the menu. You can also press Windows key plus X to open the quick access menu and choose Device Manager from there.

Inside Device Manager, expand the section called Network adapters. You will see your installed network devices listed here. If you are using a wired connection, select your Ethernet adapter. It usually contains the word Ethernet in its name.

Double-click on your Ethernet adapter to open its properties window.

Step 3: Enable Wake On Magic Packet

In the network adapter properties window, click on the Advanced tab. This tab contains various configuration options for your adapter.

Scroll through the list of properties until you find options like Wake on Magic Packet, Wake on pattern match, or similar entries.

Select Wake on Magic Packet and change its value to Enabled. If you see Wake on pattern match, you can enable that as well for additional flexibility.

Click Apply and then click OK to save the changes.

This setting ensures that your system responds specifically to the Magic Packet signal required for Wake On LAN functionality.

Step 4: Configure Power Management Settings

Now you need to allow the network adapter to wake the computer from sleep.

Open the network adapter properties again if it is not already open. This time, go to the Power Management tab.

You will see several options related to power control. Check the box labeled Allow this device to wake the computer. Also, check “Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer” for better security and control.

Click OK to confirm the changes.

This step ensures that Windows permits the network card to send a wake signal to the motherboard when it receives the correct packet.

Step 5: Disable Fast Startup in Windows 11

Sometimes Fast Startup can interfere with Wake On LAN functionality.

Open the Control Panel and navigate to Power Options. Click on Choose what the power buttons do on the left side.

Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. Scroll down to the Shutdown settings section and uncheck Turn on fast startup.

Click Save changes.

Disabling Fast Startup can improve compatibility with Wake On LAN, especially when waking the system from a full shutdown state.

Step 6: Find Your MAC Address

To send a Magic Packet to your PC, you need your system’s MAC address.

Press Windows key plus R to open the Run dialog. Type cmd and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

Type ipconfig /all and press Enter.

Look for your Ethernet adapter and find the line labeled Physical Address. This is your MAC address. Write it down exactly as shown.

You will need this information when using a Wake On LAN tool.

Test Wake On LAN Windows 11 Functionality

After completing all configuration steps, you should test whether Wake On LAN works correctly.

Put your computer into Sleep mode. From another device connected to the same network, use a Wake On LAN application. Enter your PC’s MAC address and send the Magic Packet.

If everything is configured correctly, your computer should power on automatically.

If it does not wake up, recheck BIOS settings, network adapter properties, and ensure you are using a wired Ethernet connection.

Configure Router Settings for Remote Wake On LAN

If you want to wake your PC from outside your home network, additional configuration is required.

Enable Port Forwarding and forward UDP port 9 or port 7 to your computer’s local IP address. Make sure your PC has a static IP address assigned to it.

Save the router settings and test the configuration using a remote Wake On LAN tool.

Be cautious when exposing ports to the internet and ensure proper network security measures are in place.

FAQs on Enabling Wake-On-LAN Windows 11

What is Wake On LAN in Windows 11?

Wake On LAN is a networking feature that allows a computer to be powered on remotely by sending a Magic Packet over a local network.

Does Wake On LAN work over WiFi?

In most cases, Wake On LAN works best with a wired Ethernet connection. Some WiFi adapters support Wake On Wireless LAN, but compatibility depends on hardware support.

Can I wake my PC from a shutdown?

Yes, if your motherboard and BIOS support it and Fast Startup is disabled, Wake On LAN can power on a completely shut-down computer.

Why is Wake On LAN not working?

Common reasons include disabled settings in BIOS, incorrect network adapter configuration, unsupported hardware, router misconfiguration, or use of WiFi instead of Ethernet.

Is Wake On LAN safe?

Wake On LAN is generally safe within a secure local network. When configuring remote access, use strong passwords and secure router settings to prevent unauthorized access.

Summary

Enabling Wake On LAN in Windows 11 involves configuring settings at both the hardware and operating system levels. First, you must enable the feature in your BIOS or UEFI firmware. Then configure your Ethernet adapter inside Device Manager by enabling Wake on Magic Packet and adjusting Power Management settings. Disabling Fast Startup may also improve reliability.

After completing these steps, retrieve your MAC address and test the setup using a Wake On LAN tool. For remote access, configure port forwarding on your router carefully.

Once properly configured, Wake On LAN becomes a convenient and powerful feature that allows you to control your PC remotely without physically accessing it.