Wake a computer in sleep mode or powered off using Wake-On-LAN
When all requirements are met, you will be able to use Wake On LAN to switch on a computer that is in sleep mode (PC and Mac) or powered off (PC).
Minimum Requirements
- The computer you are trying to wake up must be on a wired connection (not on Wi-Fi)
- A second Host computer must be switched on and in the same network in order to send the wake request
- Wake On LAN must be enabled in the BIOS of the computer you want to wake up
Important: Make sure you are using up-to-date, officially supported third-party technology together with the host software. The host software is designed for use with third-party products and services (browser, OS, etc.) that are officially supported by their respective vendors and well-maintained by the end-user (latest patches and updates installed).
Wake On LAN for a Windows PC
Make sure Wake On LAN is enabled in the BIOS of the computer you want to wake up. Consult the user guide of your computer or motherboard to locate the appropriate BIOS switch, usually Wake On LAN from S5.
- Open the Quick Access Menu by using the Windows + X key combination.
- Select Device Manager.
- Expand the Network adapters list.
- Right-click the primary network adapter, and select Properties.
Tip: The first adapter in the list is usually the primary adapter.
- Select the Power Management tab.
- Check the Allow this device to wake the computer and Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer boxes.
- Select the Advanced tab.
- Highlight the Wake on Magic Packet option in the Property box.
- Set Value to Enabled.
- Select OK.
- Restart your computer.
Wake On LAN for a Mac
On the computer you want to wake up, under
, enable
Wake for Network Access .
- Can't access this feature? If your Mac is part of a domain or a network, your domain administrator may have restricted some of the features and settings available on your Mac. Contact your administrator for more information.
Important: You cannot wake a Mac that is powered off. Make sure your Mac is in sleep mode and not powered off.
Troubleshooting Wake On LAN on a Windows PC
- Check your hardware
-
If you're having trouble using Wake On LAN to start your Windows PC remotely, make sure the following items are using up-to-date drivers or firmware:
- Motherboard Chipset
- Network Adapter (especially important if you've recently upgraded to Windows 10)
- BIOS
Tip: In the BIOS under Power Management, Deep Sleep must be turned off.
- Check which sleep states your PC supports
-
Open a command line and type
powercfg -a to check the full list of available sleep states on your computer. Look for states S3 (Stand-by, Sleep, Suspend), S4 (Hibernation), and S5 (Soft Off) in the results.
Tip: To open a command line (Run box), use the Windows + R combination, and type in cmd, then select OK.
- Ensure Wake on LAN is enabled in Windows.
- Repeat the steps outlined in the Wake On LAN for a Windows PC section.
For additional information, visit the Microsoft support site.
Troubleshooting Wake On LAN on a Mac
- Check your hardware
-
First, confirm that you meet the hardware requirements for using Wake on LAN:
- Confirm that the computer is on a wired network (not Wi-Fi). Wake On LAN is not supported for Mac hosts on a wireless network.
- Make sure the host is in S3 (Stand-by, Sleep, Suspend), or S4 (Hibernation) mode.
- Adjust the Power Management settings in the System Configuration file
-
- Open Finder.
- Navigate to System Configuration by going to Go > Go to folder and typing /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/.
- Open the following file: com.apple.PowerManagement.plist.
- Set the <integer> Wake On LAN </integer> value to 1 for the following <keys>:
- <key> AC Power </key>
- <key> Battery Power </key>
- <key> UPS Power </key>
- Restart your Mac.
- Adjust the Power Management settings in Terminal
-
- Open Finder.
- Navigate to Terminal by going to and double-clicking on Terminal.
- Type pmset -g live.
- Look for the value womp and verify that it is set to 1.
For additional information, visit the Apple support site.
Article last updated: 30 January, 2025
