Miya Pearson
There are several ways to wake up a sleeping computer on your network. One common method is to use Wake-on-LAN (WoL) software, which allows you to send a magic packet to the network interface card (NIC) of the target device, waking it up from sleep or hibernation mode. This can be done using programs such as TeamViewer, NirSoft's WakeMeOnLan, or mobile apps like Mocha WOL (iOS) or Wake On Lan (Android). Alternatively, you can use another computer on the same network to send a message to the sleeping computer, as long as the intermediary computer is turned on and has the appropriate software installed. Additionally, some people have found success using Task Scheduler or Moonlight Streaming, which has a built-in Wake-on-LAN feature.
How to Wake Up a Sleeping Computer on a Network
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Wake-on-LAN (WoL) |
| Requirements | Computer must meet certain configuration requirements, such as having WoL settings enabled and sufficient power for the device's network interface card (NIC) to remain receptive to communications in standby mode. |
| Tools | TeamViewer, NirSoft's WakeMeOnLan, Depicus, Mocha WOL (iOS), Wake On Lan (Android), WolOn, VPN, RDP, Magic Packet |
| Steps | Enable WoL in BIOS, enable WoL in Windows' Device Manager, use a WoL app on another device to broadcast a magic packet to the NIC of the target device |
| Limitations | Only works on the same network, may not work if the computer has been sleeping for too long (e.g., 48 hours) |
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What You'll Learn
Using TeamViewer's Wake-on-LAN tool
TeamViewer's Wake-on-LAN tool allows you to remotely turn a PC on or off from anywhere, quickly and easily. This tool is particularly useful for maintaining machines for extended periods, even if they are turned off or in low-power or hibernation mode. With TeamViewer's Wake-on-LAN functionality, you can ensure that devices are powered down when not in use and reactivated only when needed, helping organizations reduce their carbon footprints and overheads.
To use TeamViewer's Wake-on-LAN feature, the remote computer must meet certain configuration requirements, and its WoL settings must be enabled. This means that while the device is powered down, its network interface card (NIC) remains receptive to communications in standby mode. Additionally, your target computer's NIC must be configured to receive power and be capable of receiving "magic packets."
To set up TeamViewer's Wake-on-LAN, follow these steps:
- Start by opening the TeamViewer application on the computer.
- Click on "Extras" or "Options" in the main menu to open the TeamViewer options dialog box.
- Select the "General" category from the dialog box.
- Under "Network settings," locate the "Wake-on-LAN" option and click the "Configure..." button.
- If you have a public IP address or DNS name for the computer, click the "Public address" option. Enter the fixed IP address or DNS name in the "Address" field and the UDP port in the "Port" field (the default UDP port is 9).
- If you are using TeamViewer IDs within your network, select that option. Enter the TeamViewer ID within your network through which the wake-up signal will be sent.
- Click "OK" to complete the setup.
Once the setup is complete, you can use TeamViewer to wake up the target device by broadcasting a "magic packet" to its NIC. This "magic packet" is a small data signal that the NIC can process quickly and easily, using minimal power. It contains the target device's unique media-access-control (MAC) address. When the NIC receives the "magic packet," it verifies the information, and if the MAC address is valid, it powers on or wakes up the device.
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Using another computer on the same network
To wake up a computer on your network using another computer, you will need to use a Wake-on-LAN (WoL) tool. WoL is a networking protocol that has been in use since the 1990s, allowing you to wake up a computer from sleep mode or even a powered-off state.
To use WoL, the remote computer you want to control must meet certain configuration requirements and have its WoL settings enabled. This means that while the computer is powered down, there is still enough power for the device's network interface card (NIC) to remain receptive to communications in standby mode.
To enable WoL, you will need to access the computer's BIOS settings. This can usually be done by rebooting the PC and pressing a function key at the boot screen, such as Delete or F2. Once in the BIOS menu, look for the Wake-on-LAN option, which may be found in the sleep and wake settings.
After enabling WoL in the BIOS, you will also need to enable it on the OS side. On Windows, click the Start menu, search for "Device Manager," and launch the application. Find the "Network Adapters" section, expand it to reveal your network interfaces, and right-click on the Ethernet adapter. Select "Properties," then click the "Advanced" tab. Scroll down to "Wake On Magic Packet" and ensure it is set to "Enabled."
With WoL enabled, you can now use a WoL-capable application to wake up the computer on your network. One popular option is TeamViewer, which offers a built-in Wake-on-LAN feature. Simply open the program and click the "Wake Up" button to wake up any sleeping PC connected to your TeamViewer account. Other tools, such as NirSoft's WakeMeOnLan for Windows, Mocha WOL for iOS, or Wake On Lan for Android, can also be used.
It is important to note that WoL only works on the same network, so you cannot use it to wake up a computer on a different network or WiFi connection. Additionally, some computers may only support WoL from sleep, while others may allow it to wake up from a powered-off state. You may need to tweak the power options in the BIOS or Windows' Control Panel to ensure compatibility.
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Using a mobile device
If you want to wake up a sleeping computer on your network using a mobile device, you'll need to make sure that the computer is set up to support Wake-on-LAN (WoL). This feature allows you to turn on a computer using its network connection.
To enable WoL, you'll need to access the BIOS settings on the computer. This can usually be done by rebooting the PC and pressing a function key (such as Delete or F2) at the boot screen. Once in the BIOS menu, look for the Wake-on-LAN option, which may be labelled differently, such as "Onboard LAN Boot ROM". Enable this option.
Next, you'll need to configure your LAN network interface adapter. On Windows, you can do this by going to the Control Panel, then the Device Manager, and selecting the Network Adapter. Right-click on the Ethernet adapter and select Properties. Make sure that the "Allow this device to wake the computer" checkbox is selected.
Additionally, you may need to configure your Windows settings to allow the network adapter to wake the PC. You can do this by accessing the Device Manager, selecting the Power Management tab, and ensuring that Windows will allow the device to wake up the computer with a "Magic Packet".
With WoL set up on your computer, you can now use a mobile device to wake it up remotely. There are several apps available for this purpose, such as:
- Mocha WOL (iOS)
- Wake On LAN (Android)
- Splashtop On-Prem (iOS and Android)
- WolOn (Android)
Each app will have its own specific instructions, but generally, you will need to launch the app, connect to your computer, and then tap a "Wake Up" button.
Note that WoL requires the computer to be connected to the network via an Ethernet cable, and it may not work if the computer is on a different network or if certain firewall settings are enabled.
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Using a VPN
Additionally, you'll need to make sure that your VPN client has the correct routes and that you're able to broadcast the WoL packet correctly from the target VPN gateway. This may involve configuring the VPN gateway to forward broadcast traffic from VPN remote clients to the local network.
It's also important to note that a powered-off PC can't communicate its MAC address to the router, which can cause the router to drop the packet. This can be mitigated by configuring a directed broadcast (which may pose a security risk) or adding a static ARP entry on the router.
- Ensure your VPN service supports WoL: Not all VPN services are created equal, and some may not support WoL functionality. Check with your VPN provider to confirm if WoL is supported.
- Configure your VPN connection: Set up your VPN connection according to the instructions provided by your VPN service. This may involve installing software or configuring network settings on your computer.
- Keep your computer from sleeping: To ensure your computer doesn't go to sleep and can receive the WoL packet, you can adjust your power settings. On Windows, go to Power & Sleep Settings and adjust the timers for when your screen turns off or when your PC sleeps. On macOS, go to System Preferences -> Energy Saver and adjust the settings to prevent your computer from sleeping automatically.
- Send the WoL packet: Use a tool or script to send the WoL packet to the IP address of the sleeping computer. Make sure to send it immediately after powering off the computer to ensure it's within the ARP expiration period.
- Connect to the VPN: Establish a VPN connection to the network where the sleeping computer is located.
- Wake up the computer: The WoL packet should reach the router and wake up the sleeping computer as long as it's within the ARP expiration period and the VPN connection is configured correctly.
It's important to note that there may be variations in the specific steps or settings depending on your operating system, VPN service, and network configuration. Additionally, some users have reported issues with VPN connections preventing their computers from sleeping or causing internet failures, so it's always a good idea to test and troubleshoot your specific setup.
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Using a separate Wake-on-LAN program
To wake up a sleeping computer on your network using a separate Wake-on-LAN (WoL) program, you'll need to ensure that your computer meets certain configuration requirements. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Check Hardware Compatibility: Verify that your computer's hardware supports WoL. This typically involves checking the settings in the BIOS/UEFI (Basic Input/Output System/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). Depending on your system, you may need to reboot your PC and access the BIOS/UEFI menu to enable WoL. Look for the Wake-on-LAN option or a similar setting, such as "Resume By PCI-E Device" or "Wake for Network access."
- Enable WoL in Settings: Once you've confirmed that your hardware supports WoL, enable the feature in your operating system's settings. For Windows, this may involve adjusting power options in the Control Panel under Hardware and Sound > Power Options. You may also need to disable fast startup or adjust settings related to what the power buttons do.
- Use a WoL Program: Install and use a separate WoL program to wake up your sleeping computer. There are several options available:
- TeamViewer: TeamViewer Remote offers built-in WoL support. Open the program and click the "Wake Up" button to wake up any sleeping PC connected to your TeamViewer account.
- NirSoft's WakeMeOnLan: This tool scans your network and provides a list of devices, so you don't need to remember IP addresses. Simply click on the machine you want to wake up.
- Depicus: With Depicus, you'll need to enter the IP address, MAC address, subnet mask, and port number for the remote PC.
- Mobile Devices: For iOS devices, try Mocha WOL, and for Android devices, use WolOn or Wake On Lan. These apps allow you to wake up your PC from anywhere.
- Configure Network Adapter : On Windows, you may need to set up your network adapter to allow it to wake up the PC. Access the Device Manager, select the Power Management tab, and ensure that Windows will allow the device to wake up the computer with a "Magic Packet."
- Understand Limitations: Keep in mind that WoL is designed to wake up computers on the same network. It won't work on computers on a different network, such as a PC at home when you're in a coffee shop. Additionally, some computers may only support WoL from sleep mode, while others may allow a wake-up from a powered-off state.
By following these steps and using a separate WoL program, you can conveniently wake up a sleeping computer on your network.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a Wake-on-LAN (WoL) app on another device, such as a phone or laptop, to wake up a computer on your network. Some programs, such as TeamViewer, NirSoft's WakeMeOnLan, and Depicus, already come with WoL built-in. Alternatively, you can use an intermediary computer that is on the same network as the target computer to send a message and wake it up.
You can use a mobile application that supports WoL, such as Mocha WOL for iOS or Wake On Lan for Android.
First, you need to enable WoL at the hardware level in your computer's BIOS. Then, ensure that your computer's WoL settings are enabled. Finally, configure your computer's network adapter to wake the PC with a magic packet.
A magic packet is a small data signal that is broadcast to the network interface card (NIC) of the target device. It contains a header and the target device's media-access control (MAC) address, a unique identifier assigned to each NIC.
