How to Turn On a Computer From Another Device

Remote power-on requires hardware and network setup you may not have

Turning on a computer from another device is possible, but it depends on whether your machine has the right hardware and is connected to the right network. Most home computers cannot be powered on remotely without extra equipment or setup. The most common method is Wake-on-LAN (WoL), which sends a signal over your local network to wake a sleeping computer—but it only works if the computer is asleep, not completely powered off, and only if the network card supports it.

If your computer is completely shut down, you cannot wake it remotely without a physical power switch or a specialized device. This is a safety feature: a computer with no power has no way to listen for incoming signals. If you need true remote power-on from anywhere in the world, you will need either a smart power strip, a remote management card (common in business servers), or a dedicated out-of-band management system.

Key Takeaways

Wake-on-LAN can turn on a sleeping computer over your home network, but requires the network card to support it and the computer to be in sleep mode, not powered off.
You must enable WoL in the BIOS or UEFI settings on the computer you want to wake, and in the network card driver settings on Windows or Mac.
A smart power strip plugged into an outlet can power on any computer remotely if you have internet access and the manufacturer's app, and works even if the computer is completely off.
Remote management cards like Intel AMT or IPMI are built into some business computers and servers but are rare in consumer machines.
If you only need to wake a computer on your home network, Wake-on-LAN is free and requires no extra hardware beyond what you likely already have.

Understanding Wake-on-LAN and when it works

Wake-on-LAN is a network standard that lets a computer in sleep mode listen for a special signal called a magic packet. When the magic packet arrives, the computer wakes up and boots normally. This works only if the computer is asleep (not powered off), the network card is powered and listening, and the computer is connected to your local network by Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.

Wake-on-LAN does not work across the internet by itself. You can only send the magic packet from another device on the same local network—your home Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, for example. If you want to wake a computer from outside your home, you need a second step: a router that supports port forwarding, or a service that relays the packet to your home network.

Not all network cards support WoL. Most modern Ethernet cards do, but Wi-Fi cards often do not. If your computer connects only by Wi-Fi, WoL may not be an option. Ethernet is more reliable for this reason.

Enabling Wake-on-LAN on Windows

To set up WoL on a Windows computer, you must make changes in two places: the BIOS or UEFI firmware, and the network driver settings.

First, restart the computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI setup. The key to press varies by manufacturer—common keys are Delete, F2, F10, or F12. Look for a setting called "Wake on LAN", "Power on by PCI", "Resume on LAN", or similar. The exact name and location depend on your motherboard. Enable this setting and save the changes.

Second, open Device Manager on Windows. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager, or search for it in the Start menu. Expand Network adapters, right-click your Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter, and select Properties. Go to the Advanced tab. Look for a setting called "Wake on Magic Packet" or "Wake on Pattern Match" and set it to Enabled. Then go to the Power Management tab and check the box that says "Allow this device to wake the computer". Click OK and restart.

After restart, the computer should wake when it receives a magic packet on your local network.

Enabling Wake-on-LAN on Mac

Mac computers support WoL, but the setup is simpler than Windows because most of the work happens in System Settings rather than firmware.

Open System Settings and go to General, then Shut Down. Check the box for "Wake for network access". This tells the Mac to listen for network signals even when asleep. Restart the computer for the change to take effect.

Unlike Windows, you do not usually need to change BIOS settings on a Mac. The network card will listen for the magic packet automatically once this setting is enabled.

Sending the magic packet from another device

Once WoL is enabled on the target computer, you need a way to send the magic packet from another device. You will need the MAC address of the network card on the computer you want to wake.

To find the MAC address on Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /all. Look for "Physical Address" next to your network adapter. On Mac, go to System Settings, Network, and click the network connection. The MAC address is listed as "Wi-Fi Address" or "Ethernet Address".

Once you have the MAC address, you can use a WoL app or tool to send the magic packet. Common options include:

WoL apps on your phone: Apps like "Wake on LAN" (Android) or "Reachability" (iOS) let you send the magic packet from your phone if you are on the same network.
WoL software on another computer: Programs like WakeMeOnLan (Windows) or Amphetamine (Mac) can send the packet from a computer on your network.
Router-based WoL: Some routers have built-in WoL features in their admin panel. Log into your router's settings and look for a WoL or power-on option.

If you need to wake the computer from outside your home network, you will need to set up port forwarding on your router to relay the magic packet to your home network, or use a third-party service that does this for you. This is more complex and carries security risks, so it is best done only if you have a specific reason.

Using a smart power strip for remote power-on

A smart power strip is a simpler alternative if you do not want to configure WoL. Plug the computer's power cable into one outlet on the smart strip, then plug the strip into the wall. You can then turn the outlet on or off using the manufacturer's app on your phone, usually from anywhere with an internet connection.

Smart power strips work even if the computer is completely powered off, because the strip itself is powered and listening. Popular brands include TP-Link Kasa, Meross, and Amazon Smart Plug. Most cost between $15 and $40 per outlet.

The downside is that powering on a computer with a smart strip is like flipping the power switch—it does not give the computer a chance to shut down gracefully. Use this method only if the computer is already off and you do not have unsaved work. For a computer that is asleep or in use, WoL is safer.

Remote management cards in business and server computers

Some business computers and servers have a built-in remote management card, such as Intel AMT (Active Management Technology) or IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface). These cards have their own network connection and can power the computer on or off remotely, even if the main computer is completely off.

If your computer has one of these cards, you can access it through a web browser or management software using a separate IP address. However, these cards are rare in consumer computers and laptops. They are most common in business desktops, workstations, and data center servers. If you are unsure whether your computer has one, check the motherboard manual or contact the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wake my computer from outside my home network?

Not directly with Wake-on-LAN. You would need to set up port forwarding on your router to relay the magic packet, or use a third-party service. A smart power strip is simpler if you want remote power-on from anywhere, because it uses the internet directly.

Will Wake-on-LAN work if my computer is plugged into a power strip?

Yes, as long as the power strip is turned on and the computer is in sleep mode. The network card will still receive power and listen for the magic packet. However, if the power strip is off, the computer cannot wake.

What if my computer does not have an Ethernet port?

Wake-on-LAN over Wi-Fi is possible but unreliable on most computers, because Wi-Fi cards often power down completely when the computer sleeps. Ethernet is much more dependable. If you only have Wi-Fi, a smart power strip is a better option.

Does Wake-on-LAN work on laptops?

It can, but it is not reliable on most laptops. Laptop network cards often power down when the lid is closed or the computer sleeps, even if WoL is enabled. A smart power strip is more practical for a laptop.

Is Wake-on-LAN a security risk?

Wake-on-LAN itself is low-risk if you only use it on your home network. If you set up port forwarding to allow WoL from the internet, make sure your router is find and your network is password-protected. A smart power strip is generally safer for remote access because it does not require opening ports on your router.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.