Wake-on-LAN on Windows (Local Network Only)

This guide explains how to enable Wake-on-LAN (WOL) on Windows after it has already been enabled in the computer’s BIOS / UEFI.

Wake-on-LAN on Windows works only with wired Ethernet connections. It does not work reliably over Wi-Fi.

Supported systems

• Windows 10
• Windows 11

Applies only to systems using:

• Wired Ethernet
• Network cards that support Wake-on-LAN

Prerequisites

Before continuing, make sure that:

• Wake-on-LAN is enabled in BIOS / UEFI
• The computer is connected via Ethernet
• The Ethernet adapter is detected correctly by Windows

If BIOS / UEFI is not configured yet, do this first:

→ Enable Wake-on-LAN in BIOS / UEFI

Step 1: Open Device Manager

1. Right-click Start
2. Select Device Manager
3. Expand Network adapters
4. Identify the Ethernet adapter
   • Do not select Wi-Fi
   • Do not select virtual adapters

Step 2: Configure Power Management

1. Right-click the Ethernet adapter
2. Select Properties
3. Open the Power Management tab
4. Enable:
   • ✅ Allow this device to wake the computer
   • ✅ Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer
5. Click OK

These settings allow Windows to accept Wake-on-LAN packets. If this doesn't work try the next steps

Step 3: Disable Fast Startup (optional)

Windows Fast Startup can prevent Wake-on-LAN from working from shutdown.

1. Open Control Panel
2. Go to Power Options
3. Click Choose what the power buttons do
4. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable
5. Disable Turn on fast startup
6. Save changes

This step is strongly recommended.

Power state considerations

Wake-on-LAN on Windows works when the computer is in:

• Shutdown (S5)
• Sleep (S3)
• Hibernate (if supported by hardware)

Requirements:

• Ethernet cable must remain connected
• The computer must remain powered (especially laptops)

Common problems and solutions

Computer does not wake

• Verify Ethernet cable is connected
• Re-check BIOS / UEFI settings
• Disable Fast Startup
• Ensure the Ethernet adapter supports Wake-on-LAN

Works from sleep but not from shutdown

• BIOS may not support WOL from full shutdown
• Look for WOL from S5 or Shutdown Wake-On-LAN options
• Ensure Fast Startup is disabled

Multiple network adapters present

• Apply settings to the Ethernet adapter only
• Ignore Wi-Fi and virtual adapters