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How to Fix Wake on LAN Not Working in Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Wake on LAN (WoL) lets you turn on your Windows 11 PC remotely. It’s a handy feature, especially if you want to access your computer without physically pressing the power button.

Sometimes, WoL might not work as expected, leaving you frustrated. Fortunately, fixing this issue is usually straightforward with a few simple checks and adjustments.

In this guide, we will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to troubleshoot and fix Wake on LAN on Windows 11. No advanced skills are required—just a bit of patience and attention to detail.

By the end, you’ll know how to get WoL working smoothly again, so you can wake your PC remotely without any hassles.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into troubleshooting, make sure you have the following:

  • A compatible network adapter: Not all network cards support Wake on LAN. Check your PC or network card specs to confirm.
  • Proper network connection: WoL usually works over Ethernet. Wi-Fi WoL is less common and more complex.
  • Administrative access: You need administrator rights on your Windows 11 PC to change system and device settings.
  • Correct WoL software or tool: Ensure you’re using a reliable WoL app or script to send the wake-up signal (magic packet).

Step 1: Enable Wake on LAN in BIOS/UEFI Settings

The BIOS or UEFI firmware controls hardware-level features like WoL. If WoL is disabled here, Windows cannot wake the PC remotely.

  1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI settings. Usually, you press Delete, F2, or Esc just after powering on.
  2. Look for settings related to Wake on LAN, Power Management, or Advanced settings.
  3. Enable options like Wake on LAN, Power On By PCI-E, or Resume By LAN.
  4. Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

Why this matters: BIOS ensures the network card can listen for magic packets even when the PC is off or in sleep mode.

Step 2: Enable Wake on LAN in Windows Device Manager

Windows also needs to allow the network adapter to wake the PC.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your Ethernet adapter and select Properties.
  4. Go to the Power Management tab.
  5. Check the boxes for Allow this device to wake the computer and Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer.
  6. Click OK to save.

Why this matters: This setting lets Windows know that the network adapter should stay alert for the magic packet to wake the PC.

Step 3: Configure Network Adapter Advanced Settings

The network adapter has advanced properties that influence WoL.

  1. In Device Manager, right-click your Ethernet adapter again and open Properties.
  2. Go to the Advanced tab.
  3. Find options like Wake on Magic Packet, Wake on pattern match, or Shutdown Wake-On-Lan.
  4. Set Wake on Magic Packet to Enabled.
  5. Disable other wake options if you want only magic packets to wake the PC.
  6. Click OK to apply.

Why this matters: Sometimes these advanced settings are disabled by default and need manual enabling for WoL to work properly.

Step 4: Check Windows Power & Sleep Settings

Windows power options can interfere with WoL if the PC is set to shut down or enter deep sleep states.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Navigate to System > Power & Battery > Additional power settings (under Related settings).
  3. Click Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
  4. Click Change advanced power settings.
  5. Expand Sleep > Allow wake timers and set it to Enable.
  6. Apply changes and exit.

Why this matters: Wake timers allow Windows to respond to wake events like WoL magic packets.

Step 5: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can cause issues with WoL by partially hibernating the system.

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Power Options.
  2. Click Choose what the power buttons do from the left panel.
  3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
  5. Save changes and restart your PC.

Why this matters: Disabling Fast Startup ensures the PC fully shuts down, allowing WoL to work correctly.

Step 6: Verify Network Configuration and Firewall Settings

Wake on LAN requires that magic packets reach your PC on the local network or over the internet.

  • Make sure your PC’s IP address or MAC address is correctly configured in your WoL tool.
  • If you use a router, enable port forwarding for UDP port 9 or 7 if you are waking over the internet.
  • Temporarily disable Windows Firewall or third-party firewalls to check if they block WoL packets.
  • Ensure your PC is connected via Ethernet cable, as WoL over Wi-Fi is often unsupported or requires special setup.

Why this matters: Firewalls or incorrect network settings can block the magic packet, preventing WoL from working.

Advanced Tips and Alternative Methods

If the basic steps don’t fix the problem, consider these options:

  • Update Network Drivers: Outdated or buggy drivers can cause WoL issues. Download the latest drivers from your manufacturer’s website.
  • Use Command Line to Enable WoL: Open Command Prompt as admin and run powercfg -deviceenablewake "Your Network Adapter Name".
  • Check Event Viewer: Look for wake events to confirm if magic packets are received.
  • Try WoL over Different Network Tools: Sometimes third-party apps handle WoL better than built-in ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use Wake on LAN over Wi-Fi on Windows 11?

Generally, WoL works best with Ethernet connections. Some Wi-Fi adapters support WoL via Wireless Multimedia Extensions (WoWLAN), but it is less common and may require special drivers and BIOS support.

My PC wakes up but immediately goes back to sleep. What should I do?

This can happen if Windows power settings put the PC back to sleep quickly. Adjust the sleep timeout settings or disable deep sleep states in BIOS.

Do I need a static IP address for WoL?

A static IP is not mandatory but recommended, especially if you wake your PC over the internet. Alternatively, you can use Dynamic DNS services to handle changing IPs.

Is it possible to wake a PC from a full shutdown?

Yes, if WoL is properly enabled in BIOS and Windows, and the PC is connected to power and network, it can wake from a full shutdown.

What is a magic packet?

A magic packet is a special network message containing the MAC address of the target PC, which signals it to power on.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and Wake on LAN still does not work, consider these final options:

  • Check the official support pages of your PC or motherboard manufacturer for BIOS updates or WoL-specific instructions.
  • Consult Microsoft’s official Windows 11 support for any known issues or patches related to WoL.
  • Try using a different network adapter or a USB Ethernet adapter that supports WoL.
  • Reach out to online forums or communities with your specific PC model and network setup for tailored advice.

Conclusion

Wake on LAN is a convenient feature that can save time and improve remote accessibility. Fixing WoL issues on Windows 11 involves checking BIOS settings, enabling the right options in Device Manager, adjusting power configurations, and ensuring network settings allow magic packets through.

By following the steps outlined here—from enabling WoL in BIOS to verifying network permissions—you should be able to restore WoL functionality on your PC. Remember, patience and systematic troubleshooting are key to solving Wake on LAN problems effectively.

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