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How to Fix Wake on LAN Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Wake on LAN (WoL) is a useful feature that lets you turn on your Windows 11 PC remotely. It can save time and make managing multiple devices easier.

However, sometimes WoL may not work as expected. This guide will help you troubleshoot the common reasons why WoL is not working on Windows 11.

Each step is explained in a simple way, so even beginners can follow along without confusion.

By the end, you should be able to identify and fix the problem to get WoL working smoothly again.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, make sure you have the basics covered. These quick checks can save you time:

  • Check if your PC supports Wake on LAN: Not all network adapters or motherboards support WoL. Refer to your device manual or manufacturer website.
  • Ensure the PC is connected via Ethernet: WoL typically doesn’t work over Wi-Fi. Use a wired connection for reliable results.
  • Confirm the PC is in a supported sleep or shutdown state: WoL usually works from Sleep, Hibernate, or Shutdown (S5) states, depending on hardware settings.
  • Have the MAC address of your PC’s network adapter ready: This is needed to send the magic packet that wakes the PC.

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

The BIOS or UEFI firmware controls low-level hardware settings. If WoL is disabled here, Windows cannot wake your PC remotely.

  1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI: Usually, you press Del, F2, or Esc during startup. Check your PC’s manual for the exact key.
  2. Find the Power Management or Advanced settings: This section contains WoL options.
  3. Look for options like “Wake on LAN,” “Power on by PCI-E,” or similar: Enable these settings.
  4. Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI: Your PC will restart with WoL enabled at the hardware level.

Why this matters: Without BIOS-level support, Windows settings alone cannot enable WoL.

Step 2: Enable Wake on LAN in Windows Device Manager

Once BIOS settings are correct, Windows needs to have WoL enabled on the network adapter.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters category.
  3. Right-click your Ethernet adapter and choose Properties.
  4. Go to the Power Management tab.
  5. Check the boxes:
    • Allow this device to wake the computer
    • Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer
  6. Switch to the Advanced tab.
  7. Find and enable any options related to “Wake on Magic Packet,” “Wake on LAN,” or “Wake on Pattern Match.”
  8. Click OK to save settings.

Why this matters: These settings control how Windows handles network signals that trigger WoL.

Step 3: Configure Windows Power Settings

Windows power plans can sometimes interfere with WoL. Adjusting power settings ensures your network adapter stays ready to receive a wake signal.

  1. Open the Control Panel and go to Power Options.
  2. Click on Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
  3. Select Change advanced power settings.
  4. Expand Sleep > Allow wake timers.
  5. Set it to Enable for both “On battery” and “Plugged in” (if applicable).
  6. Click OK to save.

Why this matters: Disabling wake timers can prevent WoL from working properly.

Step 4: Check Firewall and Network Settings

Firewalls or network restrictions can block the magic packet needed to wake your PC.

  1. Temporarily disable Windows Firewall or any third-party firewall software: This helps test if the firewall is the issue.
  2. Make sure your router supports forwarding WoL packets: Some routers block broadcast packets by default.
  3. If you are sending WoL packets from outside your local network: Configure your router to forward UDP port 9 or 7 to your PC’s local IP address.

Alternative: Use WoL tools that support subnet broadcasts or directed magic packets to improve success.

Step 5: Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers can cause WoL to fail.

  1. Open Device Manager and right-click your network adapter.
  2. Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
  3. If no update is found, visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver.
  4. Install the driver and restart your PC.

Why this matters: Updated drivers improve compatibility and fix bugs related to WoL.

Step 6: Test Wake on LAN Functionality

After applying the settings above, test if WoL works:

  1. Shutdown or sleep your PC.
  2. Use a WoL tool or app on another device to send the magic packet: You will need your PC’s MAC address.
  3. Check if the PC powers on.

If it doesn’t work, go back through the steps or try alternative WoL software.

FAQs

Q: Can I use Wake on LAN over Wi-Fi?

A: Most network adapters do not support WoL over Wi-Fi. It typically requires a wired Ethernet connection.

Q: Why does WoL only work sometimes?

A: This can happen if power settings or BIOS options are inconsistent or if network conditions change.

Q: Do I need a static IP address for WoL?

A: While not strictly required, a static IP or DHCP reservation helps your router forward magic packets correctly.

Q: What is a magic packet?

A: It is a specially formatted packet sent over the network to wake the target PC’s network adapter.

Q: Can antivirus software block WoL?

A: Yes, some antivirus or security suites may block network packets needed for WoL. Temporarily disabling them helps test this.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all steps and WoL still does not work, consider the following:

  • Double-check your hardware specifications: Some older or budget devices simply do not support WoL.
  • Reset BIOS/UEFI to default and re-enable WoL: This can fix misconfigured firmware settings.
  • Consult your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s support site: They may have specific instructions or firmware updates.
  • Use official Microsoft support or community forums: They can provide help tailored to Windows 11.

Conclusion

Wake on LAN is a powerful feature that can greatly improve your workflow by allowing remote PC startup. Ensuring WoL works on Windows 11 involves checking BIOS settings, enabling WoL in Windows device properties, adjusting power options, and verifying network and firewall configurations.

Following this step-by-step guide will help you systematically identify and fix common issues. Remember, WoL requires compatible hardware and proper network setup to function reliably.

With patience and careful configuration, you can enjoy the convenience of waking your PC remotely anytime you need.

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