Wake-on-LAN BIOS / UEFI Configuration (Local Network Only)

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This document explains how to enable Wake-on-LAN (WOL) in the computer’s firmware (BIOS / UEFI).
This step is required before configuring Wake-on-LAN in any operating system.

Wake-on-LAN works only inside the local network (LAN) and only on wired Ethernet connections. It does not work over Wi-Fi.

What this guide covers

• Concepts of Wake-on-LAN at firmware level
• Common BIOS/UEFI terms
• How to enable WOL on major brands:
  • ASUS
  • Gigabyte
  • MSI
  • ASRock
  • Dell
  • HP
  • Lenovo
• Reference links

Why BIOS / UEFI configuration matters

Wake-on-LAN requires the network interface to stay partially powered even when the computer is off or suspended.
The operating system cannot enable WOL unless the firmware supports it and the setting is switched on.

If the firmware option is disabled or absent:

• Wake-on-LAN will not work
• The network adapter will not receive magic packets

This configuration is required before any OS-level setup.

Where firmware WOL settings appear

Wake-on-LAN settings are not in the same place on every system. They may be located in firmware menus under:

Common menus

• Power Management
• Advanced
• APM Configuration
• Wake Up Events
• Onboard Devices
• Network / LAN
• Integrated Peripherals

Common BIOS/UEFI names for WOL

Firmware options relevant to Wake-on-LAN may be labeled:

• Wake on LAN
• Wake on PCI-E
• Resume by LAN
• Power On By PCI-E
• WOL from S5
• LAN Power-On
• Magic Packet
• Wake from Shutdown
• Deep Sleep Control (must be disabled on some boards)

Not all firmware uses the exact same wording, but the intent is the same.

Manufacturer: ASUS

How to enable (typical)

1. Reboot the computer and enter BIOS/UEFI
2. Go to: Advanced → APM Configuration
3. Enable:
   • Power On By PCI-E
   • Wake on LAN
4. Save and exit

Notes

Some models label it:

• Resume by LAN
• LAN Power-On

Refer to the specific manual for your motherboard model if the option is not visible.

References

• ASUS WOL guide: https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1045950/
• ASUS support portal: https://www.asus.com/support/

Manufacturer: Gigabyte

How to enable (typical)

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI setup
2. Go to: Peripherals → GbE LAN Configuration
3. Enable:
   • Wake on LAN
   • Resume by LAN
4. Save and reboot

Notes

On some Gigabyte UEFI versions:

• The option may be under Power Management
• Look for Power On By PCI-E

References

• Gigabyte WOL guide: https://www.gigabyte.com/es/Support/Consumer/FAQ/376
• Gigabyte support hub: https://www.gigabyte.com/Support

Manufacturer: MSI

How to enable (typical)

1. Reboot and enter UEFI
2. Go to: Settings → Advanced → Wake-Up Events
3. Enable:
   • Wake on LAN
   • Resume by LAN
4. Save settings

Notes

On some boards:

• The option may be labeled PCI-E Devices Power On
• Ensure Deep Sleep Control is disabled

References

• MSI WOL guide: https://www.msi.com/support/technical_details/MB_Wake_On_LAN
• MSI Support Portal: https://www.msi.com/support

Manufacturer: ASRock

How to enable (typical)

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI
2. Go to: Advanced → ACPI Configuration
3. Enable:
   • Wake-on-LAN
   • Power On By PCI-E
4. Save and exit

Notes

Some UEFI versions group LAN wake settings under:

• Onboard Devices Configuration

References

• ASRock WOL guide: https://www.asrock.com.tw/support/faq.es.asp?id=46
• ASRock Support Center: https://www.asrock.com/support/

Manufacturer: Dell

How to enable (typical)

Dell systems use firmware options under:

1. Reboot and press F2 for BIOS Setup
2. Go to: System Configuration → Integrated NIC
3. Enable:
   • Wake on LAN from S5
   • PXE/Network Boot options (optional)
4. Save and exit

Notes

On some Dell models, the option is in:

• Power Management
• Integrated NIC → Power On Settings

References

• Dell WOL guide: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/es-es/000175490/funcionalidades-de-wake-on-lan-en-dell-command-powershell-provider
• Dell Support: https://www.dell.com/support/home

Manufacturer: HP

How to enable (typical)

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually F10 on boot)
2. Go to: Advanced → Built-In Device Options
3. Enable:
   • Wake on LAN
   • LAN/WLAN Power Management (ensure Ethernet stays powered)
4. Save and exit

Notes

HP may include:

• Power On on LAN
• Magic Packet Wake Up

References

• HP WOL guide: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Wireless-and-Networking/Difficulty-enabling-the-Wake-on-LAN-WoL/td-p/9472826
• HP Support: https://support.hp.com

Manufacturer: Lenovo

How to enable (typical)

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI (often F1 or F2 on startup)
2. Go to: Config → Network
3. Enable:
   • Wake on LAN
   • Wake on LAN from S5
4. Save and exit

Notes

Some consumer Lenovo laptops do not support WOL from shutdown.
Check the specific model’s manual.

References

• Lenovo WOL guide: https://support.lenovo.com/es/es/solutions/ht514892-how-to-enable-wake-on-lan-in-lxpm
• Lenovo Support: https://support.lenovo.com

Tips for BIOS/UEFI WOL

• Always save and reboot after enabling options
• If an option is missing:
  • Update the motherboard’s BIOS/UEFI firmware
  • Refer to the official manual
• On some firmware:
  • Disable deep sleep or low-power states for WOL to work
• If WOL works from sleep but not from shutdown:
  • Ensure WOL from S5 is enabled
  • Ensure Fast Startup (Windows) is disabled

After firmware configuration

Once BIOS/UEFI options are enabled:

• Proceed with the operating system steps (Windows, macOS, or Linux WOL setup)
• Verify that the ethernet adapter is still powered when the system is off

Firmware level configuration is a prerequisite for WOL on all systems.

Summary

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI
2. Locate Wake-on-LAN / Power On by PCI-E / Resume by LAN
3. Enable required options
4. Save and reboot
5. Configure the OS-specific settings

You only need to enable firmware support once per system.

Next

Continue with the guide for your operating system:

• Wake-on-LAN on Windows
• Wake-on-LAN on macOS
• Wake-on-LAN on Linux