Wake on LAN (WoL) enables users to power up their computers from a remote location or after being powered down, providing both convenience and energy efficiency. This technology is especially beneficial for managing workstations or performing maintenance tasks remotely. Let’s explore how you can activate and set up Wake on LAN on the modern iteration of the Microsoft operating system, Windows 11, to capitalize on this efficient functionality.
Activating Wake on LAN in Windows 11
Embarking on the journey to enable WoL on your Windows 11 PC is a straightforward process:
- Press the Windows + I keys to launch the Settings app. Navigate to ‘System’ and select ‘Recovery.’
- Under the “Advanced startup” section, click the “Restart now” button.
- Upon restarting, choose ‘Troubleshoot,’ then ‘Advanced options,’ and finally ‘UEFI Firmware Settings.’
- After clicking ‘Restart,’ your system will reboot into the BIOS settings.
- Within the BIOS, locate and enable the Wake on LAN feature often housed within the ‘Power Management’ options.
Note: For systems lacking a built-in Ethernet port, consider acquiring a compatible USB to Ethernet adapter to utilize Wake on LAN.
Configuring Wake on LAN on Your Windows 11 PC
After activating WoL, these steps will guide you through configuring it:
- Access the Control Panel, progress to the ‘Network and Internet’ category, and enter the ‘Network and Sharing Center.’
- Select ‘Change Adapter Settings’ on the left menu.
- Right-click on the network adapter currently in use and choose ‘Properties.’
- From the properties dialog, hit the ‘Configure’ button.
- Go to the ‘Advanced’ tab to locate and enable “Wake on Magic Packet.”
- Set ‘Wake on Magic Packet’ to ‘Enabled’ from its properties dropdown menu.
- Also, if available, activate ‘Wake on Pattern Match’ (optional).
- Choose ‘WOL & Shutdown Link Speed’ and adjust the value to ’10 Mbps First.’
- Switch to the ‘Power Management’ tab, tick “Allow this device to wake the computer,” and check “Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer” for extra security.
- Confirm your settings with ‘OK.’
Remote Wake-Up for Your Windows 11 System
To remotely initiate your PC’s wake-up:
- Acquire a reputable tool, such as the WakeMeOnLan utility from NirSoft. Install and run the application.
- Within the application interface, use the ‘play’ button to scan for devices on your network.
- Right-click on the desired computer and select ‘Wake Up Selected Computers’ followed by an affirmation.
- The application sends the specially crafted “Magic Packet” to trigger the PC’s start-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What precisely is Wake on LAN?
Wake on LAN is a networking standard that allows a computer to be turned on or woken up by a network message known as a Magic Packet.
Is it possible to use Wake on LAN over the internet?
Absolutely, Wake on LAN can function across the internet; however, it necessitates proper setup, such as configuring port-forwarding in your router settings to direct the Magic Packet to the right computer’s IP address.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enable and harness the capabilities of Wake on LAN on your Windows 11 machine. Whether for remote access or energy conservation, WoL proves to be a valuable tool for modern computing needs, ensuring you have access when you need it while maintaining efficiency.
