Windows 10 Wake on LAN Not Working: Switching a PC On Remotely Over the Network

Wake on LAN lets you start a sleeping or switched-off PC from another device, which is useful for remote access or file sharing. When Windows 10 Wake on LAN not working leaves the PC asleep no matter slot online how many “magic packets” you send, the feature becomes useless.

Wake on LAN needs cooperation from four places: the BIOS, the network adapter’s settings, Windows power options, and the device sending the wake signal.

Fast Startup is a frequent hidden obstacle, because it puts the PC into a state where many network adapters stop listening.

Checking each layer in order usually gets it working.

Why This Happens

Wake on LAN fails for these reasons:

• Wake on LAN is disabled in the BIOS or UEFI settings.
• The network adapter is not allowed to wake the computer, or “Wake on Magic Packet” is off.
• Fast Startup or a deep power state cuts power to the network adapter.
• The magic packet is sent to the wrong address or over Wi-Fi, which most PCs cannot wake from.

Wake on LAN generally requires a wired Ethernet connection.

Start With These Basic Checks

Enable it in firmware and Windows.

1. Restart into the BIOS and enable options such as “Wake on LAN,” “Power On by PCI-E,” or “Resume by LAN.” Disable “ErP” or deep sleep modes if present.
2. In Windows, open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, and open your Ethernet adapter’s properties.
3. On the Power Management tab, tick “Allow this device to wake the computer” and “Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer.”
4. On the Advanced tab, set “Wake on Magic Packet” to Enabled.
5. Turn off Fast Startup in Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.

Test first from sleep, which is easier than from full shutdown.

Going a Step Further

Check the sending side.

1. Note the PC’s MAC address using ipconfig /all.
2. Use a reputable Wake on LAN app on another device and enter the MAC address.
3. Make sure the sending device is on the same local network.
4. Update the network adapter driver from the manufacturer.
5. Check the router for options that block broadcast packets.

A Word of Caution

Exposing Wake on LAN to the internet requires careful router configuration and can create security risks. Keep it on the local network unless you understand port forwarding and VPNs.

Final Thoughts

Wake on LAN needs BIOS, adapter, and Windows settings aligned. Enable the BIOS option, allow the adapter to wake the PC, disable Fast Startup, and send packets over Ethernet.

Once it works, test it from the device you will normally use to send the wake signal, since some apps and routers behave differently.