How to set up Wake on LAN to turn on your PC remotely

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Have you ever been away from home or the office, needed to access your computer, and found it turned off ? It's a pretty common situation: you need an urgent file, want to provide remote support to someone, or connect via remote desktop, but your PC is asleep or completely powered down.

The good news is that you don't need to leave your computer on 24/7. Thanks to Wake on LAN (WoL), you can turn on your PC remotely , both within your local network and, with some additional configuration or using specific software, also from the internet.

What is Wake on LAN and how does it actually work?

Wake on LAN, commonly abbreviated as WoL, is a networking standard that allows a computer to be turned on or woken up remotely by sending it a special message over the network. This message is known as a magic packet.

In short, another device on your network sends a data packet that repeatedly includes the MAC address of the computer you want to wake up . Even though the PC appears to be off, its network card continues to receive some power and remains "listening" for traffic. When it detects this special packet, it alerts the motherboard, and the computer starts up.

The Magic Packet consists of 6 bytes with a hexadecimal value of 255 followed by 16 repetitions of the destination MAC address . It is typically sent as broadcast traffic within the LAN to ensure it reaches the device, even if it is in a low-power state.

In practice, WoL is primarily used in wired local area networks . It works much better over Ethernet than over Wi-Fi, since many wireless cards don't properly support waking from a complete shutdown (only from sleep) or simply don't implement WoL (in which case it's called WoWLAN, and it's highly hardware dependent).

Within the same local network, the router usually forwards broadcast frames without problems . However, when we want to send the magic packet from the internet, things get complicated, because routers don't usually allow that type of traffic by default for security reasons. That's where techniques like port forwarding, using a VPN, or using remote control programs that already have Wake-on-LAN (WoL) built in come into play.

Basic requirements to be able to use Wake on LAN

Before you go crazy with the configuration, it's important to understand that not all computers are compatible with Wake on LAN , although most modern PCs are nowadays.

Essentially, you need your motherboard and network interface card (NIC) to support Wake-on-LAN (WoL ). On modern motherboards, this feature is usually enabled or available in the BIOS/UEFI, and it's also a very common feature on integrated network cards. On very old or very basic computers, this option may simply not exist.

Another key requirement is power: the PC must remain plugged in even when it's turned off . Desktop computers leave the power supply in a standby mode that powers the network card; with laptops, it's almost always recommended to leave them plugged in if you want them to respond to Wake-on-LAN (WoL), because some configurations completely cut power when shutting down.

It's also crucial that the network infrastructure allows the magic packet to pass through . On a simple Ethernet LAN, connecting the device to the router or switch is usually sufficient. On large networks, with VLANs, or over the internet, additional configurations may be required on switches, routers, or firewalls.

Finally, if you want to use Wake-on-LAN (WoL) reliably, always try to use a wired connection . Many Wi-Fi cards only support waking from sleep or hibernation, and in many cases, the function behaves unpredictably. For powering on from complete shutdown, a network cable is the most reliable option.

Practical advantages of using Wake on LAN

Beyond the geeky aspect of being able to turn on a PC "with your finger" from your mobile phone, WoL has very clear advantages both at home and in the office.

At home, being able to turn on your desktop computer from the sofa or another room lets you access your files, games, home servers, or shared network drives without having the PC always on . You wake it up when you need it, work, or play, and then turn it off normally.

In businesses, system administrators use Wake-on-LAN to power up dozens of PCs outside of business hours, install updates, perform maintenance, and then shut them down again . This saves energy, reduces hardware wear and tear, and greatly speeds up support tasks.

Furthermore, if you combine WoL with remote desktop tools (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Splashtop, Iperius Remote, etc.), you can have a very convenient workflow: turning the computer on, controlling it, and shutting it down without moving from your location . It's fantastic for remote work or support.

From an environmental and economic point of view, not having to leave computers and servers switched on 24/7 unnecessarily translates into less electricity consumption and lower bills, something that is not exactly a minor detail these days.

Enable Wake on LAN in BIOS/UEFI

The first essential step is to enable Wake-on-LAN (WoL) in your motherboard's BIOS or UEFI . If this fails, no matter how much you try to configure Windows, Linux, or your router, your PC will not wake up.

In Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can access the UEFI from within the system itself: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now . From there, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI firmware settings , and the computer will restart directly into the BIOS/UEFI.

Once inside, you'll need to find the power management menu . Depending on the manufacturer, it might be called Power Options , Advanced , ACPI Settings , Power Management Setup , or something similar. This is where you'll usually find the options related to powering on over network.

The specific option may appear under different names: Wake on LAN, Power On by LAN, Boot from PCI/PCI-E, PCI Power Up, Allow PCI wake up event , or “Wake from PCIe device”, “Wake up by network”, etc. The common pattern is that the word Wake always appears , and there is usually some reference to LAN or PCI/PCIe.

What you need to do is enable that option , save the changes, and exit the BIOS/UEFI. From that moment on, your motherboard will be ready to respond when the network card receives the corresponding data packet.

Configure Wake on LAN in Windows 10 and Windows 11

With the BIOS/UEFI configured, it's time to prepare the operating system. The steps in Windows 10 and Windows 11 are virtually identical , so what you see for one will apply to the other.

In Windows 11, you can start with the Settings app: go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings . There you'll see your network adapters (Ethernet, WiFi, etc.).

Locate the network adapter you'll be using for WoL (ideally the Ethernet adapter connected to your router), click the arrow to expand the options, and then go to Edit > More adapter options . This will open the standard network properties window.

In that window, click Configure on your network adapter and go to the Power Management tab . Check at least the boxes for “Allow this device to wake the computer” and, for added security, “Only allow one Magic Packet to wake the computer ,” so that it doesn't wake up due to just anything circulating on the network.

Now go to the Advanced Options tab of the same adapter and locate the entry called Wake on Magic Packet (or similar). Make sure it's set to Enabled . Many controllers also have settings for "Wake on pattern match" or similar options, but the important thing for our purposes is that the magic packet is enabled.

Enable WoL from Device Manager (Windows)

Another complementary and very clear way to check everything is by using the Windows Device Manager . This method is valid for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Open the Start menu and search for “Device Manager” . Once inside, expand the Network adapters category and locate the adapter you want to use for WoL (usually the integrated Ethernet adapter on your motherboard).

Right-click on the adapter and go to Properties . On the Power Management tab , make sure the options to allow the device to wake the computer are enabled, and if available, that it only wakes the computer using a Magic Packet.

Next , go to the Advanced Options tab and, in the properties list, look again for Wake on Magic Packet (or “Wake on LAN”, “Shutdown Wake-on-Lan”, etc.). In the Value field, select Enabled and save.

An important detail: on some computers, for WoL to work when the PC is completely off, it is necessary to disable Windows "Fast Startup" in the power options, as this mode alters the shutdown state and can prevent the network card from receiving the correct signal.

Wake on LAN in Linux (example with Ubuntu and ethtool)

If you use Linux, you can also easily enable and check WoL with the ethtool utility . It's a command-line utility that allows you to view and modify network interface parameters.

On distributions like Ubuntu, you can install it with: `sudo apt-get install ethtool` . Once installed, you first need to identify the interface name (for example, eth0, enp3s0, ens33 , etc.). You can find this using `ip link` or `ip addr`.

To check if the interface supports Wake-on (WoL), run: ` sudo ethtool interface | grep Wake-on ` . You'll see something like `Supports Wake-on: pumbag` and `Wake-on: d` . The key part is the ` Supports Wake-on` line , where the letters indicate the types of events that can wake the computer.

The letters mean: d (disabled), p (PHY activity), u (unicast), m (multicast), b (broadcast), a (ARP), and g (magic packet) . For the classic WoL we are discussing here to work, the letter g (magic packet) must appear in the supported list.

If you see a 'g' but a 'd' (disabled) in the Wake-on line, you can enable it with: `sudo ethtool -s interface wol g` . From that moment on, the interface will listen for Magic Packet-type WoL packets and will be able to wake the system as permitted by the hardware and BIOS.

Obtain IP and MAC addresses to use Wake on LAN

For any WoL tool to successfully send the packet, you need two key pieces of information from the destination device: its IP address and its MAC address.

On Windows, the simplest way to view all network information is to open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run the command `ipconfig /all` . The output will show the network interface you're using (Ethernet, WiFi), and there you'll find both the IPv4 address and the physical (MAC) address.

The MAC address consists of six blocks of numbers and letters separated by hyphens or colons (for example, 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E). It is the unique identifier of the network card and is the data that the magic packet repeats 16 times internally so that the computer can recognize it.

If your intention is to turn on the PC from another room on the same network , the important thing is the local IP address of the target computer (it usually starts with 192.168.xx). You can also find this using ipconfig in the IPv4 Address field.

When you want to wake your PC remotely, you also need to know your internet connection's public IP address . You can find it instantly by visiting any speed test website or a "what's my IP" type site. This IP address is what many mobile Wake-on-LAN (WoL) apps enter when you're going to use them over the internet, along with your PC's MAC address.

Configure the router to use Wake on LAN from the Internet

So far, with the BIOS and operating system configured, you can already turn on your PC from any device on the same local network . But to make it work from outside (for example, from a mobile phone using data), you need to configure the router.

What you need to do is redirect the UDP traffic carried by the Magic Packet to your local network . The usual approach is to open UDP port 7 or UDP port 9, which are the most commonly used for Wake-on-LAN (WoL), and point them to the appropriate address.

Many tutorials recommend forwarding the port to the local network's broadcast port (for example, 192.168.1.255) so that the packet reaches all devices, but home routers don't always allow this. Another option is to point it directly to the IP address of the PC you want to turn on, although technically the Wake-on-LAN (WoL) packet is designed for broadcasting.

In any case, the key is for the router to forward the chosen UDP port (using port forwarding or virtual server) to the LAN. The configuration interface varies considerably from router to router and from ISP to ISP, so there's no universal step-by-step guide.

Some advanced routers even allow you to redirect the command to the device's MAC address , not just its IP address, which is ideal for Wake-on-LAN (WoL). And in many scenarios, it's advisable to assign a static IP address to your PC or reserve it via DHCP , so that it doesn't change and the forwarding always points to the correct device.

Security and best practices when using Wake on LAN

Wake-on-LAN itself is a very simple technology that doesn't incorporate authentication or encryption . If someone can send a valid Magic Packet on your network, they can try to wake your devices; therefore, it's important to know if hackers are using your connection to attack websites.

Within a home network, the risk is very low because your router already filters internet traffic. The problem arises when you open ports on the router to allow Wake-on-LAN (WoL) from outside . If done carelessly, you're creating a rather unique vulnerability in your network.

A much more secure option is to use a VPN . You connect via VPN to your home or business network and, once inside, send the WoL packet as if you were physically there. This way, you don't need to open the WoL port to the internet or leave a broadcast publicly accessible.

Another particularly convenient option is to use remote control software that already securely manages Wake-on-LAN (WoL) . Tools like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Splashtop, or Iperius Remote act as intermediaries: they connect to a computer that is powered on on the remote LAN and, from there, send the Magic Packet to the PC you want to wake up.

In any more serious deployment (enterprise, environments with sensitive data) it is also advisable to restrict the origin of WoL packets using a firewall (by allowed IPs) and combine it with robust authentication in remote access tools so that only authorized personnel can turn on machines.

Turn on a remote PC using Iperius Remote, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Splashtop

Several modern remote desktop programs have integrated Wake on LAN as part of their own workflow , greatly simplifying life for the average user who doesn't want to struggle with routers.

In the case of Iperius Remote , the program includes its own Iperius Remote Wake-on-LAN feature . If you have multiple computers with Iperius installed, you can see them in the address book or connection history, even when they are turned off.

If the PC you want to turn on is on the same LAN as another computer running Iperius , simply select it from the list (it will appear as offline) and use the "Wake on LAN" option in the context menu. Iperius will automatically send the magic packet across the local network, and the machine should boot up in a few seconds.

For scenarios where the remote PC is on a different network (for example, your office computer when you're at home), Iperius can use a "bridge" computer on the remote network . As long as there is at least one computer powered on with Iperius running on that LAN, the program can use it to forward the Magic Packet to the other powered-off machines on the same network.

TeamViewer also offers built-in Wake-on-LAN with two main methods : via a public address (IP or dynamic DNS) or via another TeamViewer device on the same LAN. In the first case, you configure TeamViewer with the PC's public IP and MAC address, and the program will send the power-on signal over the internet. In the second, you select an intermediate PC powered on in the destination network, which will act as a gateway for the WoL packets.

In AnyDesk, the idea is similar: you enable the Wake-on-LAN (WoL) option in the remote client's security settings and ensure that at least one other AnyDesk device is powered on in the same LAN. When you try to connect to a machine that's off, AnyDesk will offer a "Power On" button and use the intermediate machine as a channel to send the Magic Packet.

Splashtop, for its part, allows you to wake up both Windows PCs and Macs (in the case of Apple, usually only from sleep, not from a complete shutdown). From the Splashtop Business app or the web console, you'll see your computers listed, and those that can be woken up will appear as available. Simply select them and use the Wake command to power them on and make them ready for a remote session.

Mobile apps and specific tools for Wake on LAN

In addition to remote desktop solutions, there are applications specialized solely in sending WoL packets , for both mobile and PC, which you may find very convenient.

On Android, for example, there are apps like Wolon – Wake on LAN Widgets , which let you create shortcut widgets on your phone's home screen: you tap the icon and it automatically sends the Magic Packet to the configured PC. You just need to enter the IP address (local or public, depending on your location) and the MAC address of the computer.

On iOS, you can use apps like iNet WOL – Wake on Lan , which perform the same function. You configure your router's IP address or your local IP address, depending on the situation, enter the MAC address of the target computer or NAS, and with a tap in the app, the power-on packet is sent.

On Windows, the Microsoft Store itself includes several free utilities dedicated to Wake-on-LAN (WoL ), such as Easy WOL, Wake on LAN (Magic Packet), Simple Wake-on-LAN, and Wake PC on LAN. They all work similarly: you register a computer with its MAC address, IP address, and port, and then you can send the Magic Packet whenever you want.

Many users also choose to use AnyDesk or TeamViewer directly as a WoL tool , since, once configured, they allow you to send the power-on command from the same interface where you then establish the remote session.

Using a smart plug as an alternative to Wake on LAN

Not all scenarios are ideal, and some people have spent months struggling with WoL without getting it to work due to hardware limitations, router issues, or problems with their internet service provider. In those cases, there's a rather ingenious trick that completely bypasses Magic Packet.

The idea is to configure the "Restore after AC Power Loss" option in your motherboard's BIOS, or something similar, so that the computer automatically turns on when power is restored. On MSI motherboards, for example, this is found under Advanced > Power Management Settings and is usually called "Restore after AC Power Loss" or something similar, which you need to set to "Power On".

Next, connect your PC to a smart Wi-Fi plug or a wireless remote plug , which you can control from your mobile phone and which are relatively inexpensive. The sequence is simple: turn off your PC normally, and then turn off the smart plug to completely cut off the power.

When you want to turn on your computer from anywhere, simply turn on the smart plug using the mobile app. Since the BIOS is configured to boot automatically upon power restoration, the PC will power on as if you had pressed the power button.

It's not truly Wake on LAN and it doesn't use magic packets, but it achieves exactly the same practical effect for many users , and it's especially useful when the network card or router isn't cooperating.

Real-world use cases and final tips

A very common scenario is that of someone who works remotely: it's time to start their workday from home, and they discover they left their office PC turned off the day before . With Wake-on-LAN (WoL) properly configured, they simply open their remote desktop app or their mobile WoL app, send the Magic Packet, and wait a few seconds for the machine to boot up before connecting.

In IT environments, administrators often greatly appreciate being able to keep computers powered off most of the time and wake them up en masse when it's time to install updates, perform backups, or carry out after-hours maintenance. This reduces overall resource consumption and allows work to be concentrated into very specific time windows.

For all of this to work reliably, it is advisable to always have some "always on" device on each network (a server, a mini PC, a NAS... revive an old PC ) from which you can send WoL packets or that can act as a bridge for tools such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Iperius or Splashtop.

It's always a good idea to check Wake-on-LAN (WoL) functionality from time to time, especially after major Windows updates, router changes, or network card replacements . It's relatively common for some drivers to reset power settings and disable wake-up options without warning.

By combining a good BIOS/UEFI configuration, operating system, router or remote desktop software, Wake on LAN becomes an extremely convenient tool to have your PCs, servers and NAS available only when you need them , keeping energy consumption under control and without needing to be physically in front of the power button.