Wake on LAN Not Working on Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Wake on LAN (WoL) is a convenient feature that allows you to remotely power on your computer over a network. However, many Windows 11 users face issues with WoL not working as expected. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue.

Understanding Wake on LAN

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s crucial to understand how WoL works. When your computer is shut down (or in sleep/hibernation mode), the network card remains powered on, listening for a “magic packet.” This packet, sent from another device on the network, instructs the network card to signal the motherboard to power on the system.

Common Causes of Wake on LAN Issues on Windows 11

Several factors can prevent WoL from functioning correctly:

  • Incorrect BIOS Settings: The BIOS needs to be configured to allow WoL.
  • Network Adapter Settings: Windows 11 power management settings can disable WoL.
  • Fast Startup: This feature can interfere with the shutdown process, preventing the network adapter from listening for the magic packet.
  • Firewall Interference: The firewall may be blocking the magic packet.
  • Router Configuration: Some routers may need specific configurations to forward WoL packets.
  • Driver Issues: Outdated or incorrect network adapter drivers.

Troubleshooting Steps for Wake on LAN on Windows 11

Follow these steps to diagnose and fix WoL issues on your Windows 11 system:

1. Verify BIOS Settings

  • Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and press the designated key (usually Delete, F2, F12, or Esc) to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. Refer to your motherboard manual for the correct key.
  • Enable WoL: Look for power management settings related to Wake on LAN. The exact wording varies depending on the BIOS manufacturer, but common options include:
    • Wake on LAN: Enable this option.
    • Power On By PCI-E/PCI: Enable this to allow the network card to wake the system.
    • ERP/EuP Ready: Ensure this is disabled. When enabled, it cuts power to peripherals, disabling WoL.
  • Save and Exit: Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup. Your computer will restart.

2. Configure Network Adapter Settings in Windows 11

  • Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
  • Locate Network Adapter: Expand the “Network adapters” section.
  • Properties: Right-click on your Ethernet adapter (or Wi-Fi adapter if you are using WoL over Wi-Fi) and select “Properties.”
  • Power Management Tab:
    • Allow this device to wake the computer: Check this box.
    • Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer: Check this box (recommended for security).
  • Advanced Tab:
    • Wake on Magic Packet: Enable this option.
    • Wake on Pattern Match: Enable this option (may be required in some cases).
    • Energy Efficient Ethernet: Disable this option as it can interfere with WoL.
    • Shutdown Wake-On-LAN: Enable this option.
  • Apply Changes: Click “OK” to save the changes.

3. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can interfere with the shutdown process, preventing the network adapter from properly preparing for WoL.

  • Open Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Start menu and open it.
  • Power Options: Click on “Hardware and Sound” and then “Power Options.”
  • Choose what the power buttons do: Click on “Choose what the power buttons do.”
  • Change settings that are currently unavailable: Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable.” You may need administrator privileges to do this.
  • Turn on fast startup (recommended): Uncheck this box.
  • Save changes: Click “Save changes.”

4. Check Firewall Settings

Ensure that your firewall is not blocking the magic packet. While typically not an issue with the default Windows Firewall settings, it’s worth checking if you are using a third-party firewall.

  • Windows Defender Firewall: Search for “Windows Defender Firewall” in the Start menu and open it. Ensure it is enabled and configured to allow network traffic on your local network.
  • Third-Party Firewalls: Consult the documentation for your specific firewall software to ensure that it is not blocking WoL packets (usually UDP port 7 or 9).

5. Router Configuration (If Applicable)

If you are trying to wake your computer from outside your local network (over the internet), you may need to configure your router to forward the magic packet to your computer.

  • Port Forwarding: Configure port forwarding on your router to forward UDP port 7 or 9 to the static IP address of your computer. Refer to your router’s manual for instructions on how to configure port forwarding.
  • Static IP Address: Assign a static IP address to your computer on your local network to ensure that the port forwarding rule remains valid even after the computer is restarted.

6. Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can cause WoL issues. Update your drivers to the latest version.

  • Device Manager: Open Device Manager (as described in Step 2).
  • Update Driver: Right-click on your Ethernet adapter and select “Update driver.”
  • Search automatically for drivers: Select this option to let Windows search for and install the latest drivers.
  • Alternatively: Download the latest drivers from the network adapter manufacturer’s website and install them manually.

7. Test Wake on LAN

After implementing the above steps, test WoL to see if it is working.

  • Shutdown your computer: Completely shut down the system (do not use sleep or hibernate initially for testing).
  • Send a Magic Packet: Use a WoL application on another device (e.g., a smartphone app or a computer on the same network) to send a magic packet to your computer. Ensure the application allows you to specify the MAC address and optionally the IP address of the target machine.
  • Verify Wake-Up: Check if your computer powers on.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting Wake on LAN issues on Windows 11 can be complex, but by systematically following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the problem. Remember to check BIOS settings, network adapter configurations, Fast Startup, firewall rules, router settings, and drivers. With proper configuration, WoL can be a valuable tool for remote access and management.