How to enable Wake-on-LAN and turn on your computer remotely
Imagine being able to open your computer from anywhere in the world! Wake-on-LAN is an amazing feature that allows you to "wake up" your computer remotely, even if it's completely turned off. In this article, we'll show you step-by-step how to set it up easily and securely.
What is Wake-on-LAN?
Wake-on-LAN (WoL) is like a "magic packet" that you send to your computer over the internet to wake it up from sleep mode or even when it's completely off. It's like having a remote control for your computer that works from anywhere!
Energy saving
Keep the computer turned off when you are not using it.
Remote Access
Open the computer from anywhere in the world
Immediate Availability
You don't have to wait until you get home.
Preparation - What do you need?
Before we begin, make sure that:
- Your computer supports Wake-on-LAN (most modern machines support it)
- You have a wired internet connection (not just Wi-Fi)
- You can access your router settings
Step 1: Enable in BIOS/UEFI
Restart the computer and press and hold the button F2, F12Or Delete (depending on the manufacturer) to enter the BIOS.
- "Wake on LAN" or "WoL"
- "Power Management"
- "Advanced Power Settings"
Activate the option and save the changes (usually with F10).
Step 2: Settings in Windows
Open Device Manager:
Right-click "This PC" → "Properties" → "Device Manager"
Finding a network card:
Open "Network adapters" and find the wired network card (usually says "Ethernet" or "Gigabit")
Card properties:
Right click → "Properties" → "Power Management" tab
✅ "Allow this device to wake the computer"
✅ "Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer"
Step 3: Router Setup
To work from the internet, you need to configure your router:
- Open the browser and type the router's IP (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
- Connect to the router details
- Find the "Port Forwarding" or "Virtual Server" section
- Create new rule for port 9 (WoL)
Port Range: 9
Protocol: UDP
Internal IP: [your computer's IP]
Step 4: Find MAC Address
The MAC Address is the unique "identity" of your network card. It is needed to send the "magic packet":
- Open Command Prompt (type "cmd" in the Start Menu)
- Type: ipconfig / all
- Find the "Physical Address" of the Ethernet card
- You will see something like: "00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E"
Important: Keep this code in a safe place!
Step 5: Testing and Applications
There are many free apps for mobile and computers:
• Wake On Lan
• WolOn
• Wake on LAN (by Mike Webb)
• Mocha WOL
• Wake On Lan
• Remote Wake Up
• WakeMeOnLan
• Wake-On-LAN Sender
• Online WoL tools
Dealing with Problems
1. Check the connections:
- Is the Ethernet cable connected?
- Is the computer plugged in?
2. Check the settings:
- BIOS: Wake-on-LAN enabled?
- Windows: Power Management configured correctly?
- Router: Port forwarding active?
3. Try locally first:
Before trying from outside, try from another computer on the same network.
Helpful tips
- Create shortcut: Save your details in an app for quick access
- Try regularly: Settings may change after updates
- Backup settings: Keep notes of your settings
- Static IP: Consider giving your computer a static IP
Now you can turn on your computer from anywhere! This feature will save you time and energy, while giving you the flexibility to access your files whenever you need them.
Last updated: February 2026
