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Wake On LAN Not Working on Windows [Solved]

Expert-tested solutions to fix WOL on your PC right now

12 min. read

Updated onMay 16, 2024

updated onMay 16, 2024

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Your Windows device can be used in different ways and for various tasks since Microsoft added useful built-in features that can ease your daily schedule.

But, maybe the most popular feature that can be used in Windows 10 and Windows 11 is Wake-on-LAN. Unfortunately, more and more users are complaining about WOL issues, so we must find a way to fix these problems.

So, due to some reasons, if the Wake on LAN is not working on your device, try to use the guidelines from below in order to easily correct that.

Why is my Wake-On-LAN not working?

How can I fix Wake On LAN not working on my PC?

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1. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a feature that can be activated or disabled from your Windows 10 settings. When enabled, you will be able to power off your device faster than usual. But, in some cases, the WOL protocol will not work when the mentioned feature is activated. Therefore, you need to disable it to fix the problem.

After making these changes, check if the Wake-on-LAN feature is working. This also helps whenWake on Magic Packetis missing.

When you can’t perform this procedure, learnhow to fix Control Panel if it’s not opening.

2. Use Network Configuration Settings

If you can’t perform this method oursolutions on how to fix the Start buttonwill help you solve this problem right away. Most users don’t know what to do when the Windows key stops working.

3. Install the older network driver

If Wake-on-LAN is not working in Windows 10, the problem might be related to your network driver.

According to users, they managed to fix the issue simply by installing the older version of their network driver.

Once the default driver is installed, check if the problem is resolved. If the issue persists or if that default driver doesn’t work at all, install the driver that you downloaded inStep 1.

After installing the older driver, check if the Wake-on-LAN feature works. If the older driver solves the problem, you’ll have toprevent Windows from automatically updating itin the future.

In case the manual process doesn’t work out and you need a more streamlined method, the standalone driver manager will help you in any matter.

4. Install the latest network driver

Your network drivers can cause problems with the Wake-on-LAN feature, and if you have this issue, you should try removing your current network driver and updating it to the latest version.

We mentioned how to remove and download the driver for your network adapter inSolution 3, so be sure to check it out for detailed instructions.

Once your network driver is up to date, the issue should be completely resolved, and you’ll be able to use the Wake-on-LAN feature again.

If you don’t want to fix the drivers manually, we suggest doing it automatically by usingthird-party software that will download and update the driversthat better match your needs.

These applications have been developed to prevent PC damage due to incorrect driver version installations. After you select the drivers to update, the software will do all the work on your behalf automatically.

5. Check your BIOS settings

After enabling these features the problem should be resolved. If you can’t enter BIOS, follow oursolutions on what to do if your PC skips BIOS.

6. Modify your registry

6.1 Find the Registry key for your network adapter

6.2 Change the network adapter Registry key values

If Wake on LAN isn’t working in Windows 10, the problem might be related to your registry. To fix the issue, you need to find your network device and change its settings.

6.3 Change the NDIS Parameters key

7. Change your power plan settings

According to our readers, you might be able to fix the problems with the WOL not working simply by changing yourPower Settingsso follow the steps above to do that.

8. Upgrade BIOS

If you’re having problems with Wake-on-LAN, you might be able to solve them by updating BIOS to the latest version. BIOS update is a complicated procedure that can be potentially dangerous if you don’t perform it properly.

To see how to properly update your BIOS, check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions.

In addition to upgrading BIOS, a few of our readers reported that downgrading BIOS to the older version fixed the problem for them, so you might want to try that if the BIOS upgrade doesn’t work.

9. Reset BIOS and enable APM

If Wake-on-LAN isn’t working, you might be able to fix the problem simply by resetting your BIOS. You can do that from BIOS or by removing your battery from the motherboard for a few minutes.

Again, this is a delicate procedure, so you should check the precise instructions from your manufacturer or leave this for professionals. If opening the PC case voids your warranty, do not attempt this.

After resetting your BIOS, be sure to enable APM in BIOS. You can do that by going to theAdvancedsection. Once you do all that, Wake-on-LAN should start working.

What can I do if Wake On LAN is not working on Windows 11?

Although the solutions above are technically for Windows 10, you can safely use them on a Windows 11 PC as well to solve WOL issues.

The steps to solve Wake on LAN not working on Windows 11 are mostly the same, and the best solution remains tweaking your Power Settings.

What is Wake-on-LAN?

Wake-on-LAN is a Windows default feature that basically allows a computer to be turned on by a network message.

This awakening message will be sent from a program running on another computer, laptop, tablet, or desktop located on the same local area network.

Wake-on-LAN can be easily and safely used on any Windows 10-based device, though in rare cases, you might notice that you can’t use this protocol.

This is a useful feature that allows you to wake up your PC remotely, but sometimes issues with it can occur. To learn more, we have a great guide on how toenable wake on LAN in Windows 11, so don’t miss it.

How can I find the MAC address on Windows 10?

To use the Wake-on-LAN feature and wake up your or another PC from sleep, you will need its Mac address, a unique 12-digit code for any network adapter.

There are a few ways to find out that information but we’re going to show you only the easiest method below:

Now, the Wake-on-Lan feature should work just fine on your Windows device.

If these steps aren’t helpful for you, try to put your computer to hibernate instead of shutting it off – usually, this resolves all the problems.

And while we are on the subject, you might be interested in thebest remote PC wake-up softwareto use right now.

We also have a list of thebest VPN for LANthat you can use right now to ensure your privacy.

Be careful because the Wake-on-LAN is a two-way street feature. If someone has physical access to your PC, it can set it up to be awakened and control it afterward with remote software.

This can cause a major data breach, so if it’s not absolutely necessary to enable the Wake-on-LAN, don’t do it.

Also, use the comments field below if you have questions regarding the Wake On LAN not working issue or if you need our assistance, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Wake On LAN Not Working on Windows [Solved]#

How can I fix Wake On LAN not working on my PC?#

1. Disable Fast Startup#

2. Use Network Configuration Settings#

3. Install the older network driver#

4. Install the latest network driver#

5. Check your BIOS settings#

6. Modify your registry#

7. Change your power plan settings#

8. Upgrade BIOS#

9. Reset BIOS and enable APM#

What can I do if Wake On LAN is not working on Windows 11?#

What is Wake-on-LAN?#

How can I find the MAC address on Windows 10?#