Wake-on-LAN (Local Network Only)

Wake-on-LAN (WOL) allows a computer to be powered on from another device inside the same local network (LAN) by sending a special network packet.

This guide explains what Wake-on-LAN is, how it works locally, and its strict technical limitations, before guiding you through the required configuration steps.

⚠️ Critical limitations (read first)

Wake-on-LAN works only with wired Ethernet connections.

It does NOT reliably work with:

Wi-Fi connections
Wireless-only devices
Systems not connected to Ethernet

For Wake-on-LAN to work correctly:

The computer must be connected via Ethernet
The network interface must remain powered while the computer is off
The device should be connected to power (recommended)

If the device uses Wi-Fi only, Wake-on-LAN will not work.

What is Wake-on-LAN?

Wake-on-LAN is a technology that allows a computer to be powered on by sending a special magic packet over the local network.

The magic packet is addressed to the computer’s MAC address, not its IP address.

Key characteristics:

The computer is powered off or suspended
The Ethernet network card remains partially powered
A magic packet triggers the power-on event

What Wake-on-LAN depends on

Wake-on-LAN requires all of the following:

Wired Ethernet connection
Network card that supports Wake-on-LAN
BIOS/UEFI support enabled
Operating system support enabled
Correct power management settings

If any of these requirements are missing, Wake-on-LAN will not work.

Important: configuration order

Wake-on-LAN must be configured in the correct order.

You cannot skip the firmware configuration step.

Correct order:

BIOS / UEFI configuration (hardware level, required)
Operating system configuration (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
Testing and verification

Step 1: BIOS / UEFI configuration (required)

Wake-on-LAN must be enabled at the firmware level before it can work in any operating system.

This step applies to all systems, regardless of Windows, macOS, or Linux.

→ Enable Wake-on-LAN in BIOS / UEFI

Do not continue until this step is completed.

Step 2: Operating system configuration

After Wake-on-LAN is enabled in BIOS / UEFI, continue with the configuration for your operating system: