Have you ever wished you could power on your computer remotely? With Wake on LAN (WoL), you can wake up your PC using your phone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through setting up WoL on your computer and using the Wolow app to control it from your mobile device.
What Is Wake on LAN (WoL)?
Wake on LAN (WoL) is a networking standard that allows a computer to be powered on or awakened from sleep mode using a special network signal known as a Magic Packet.
To use WoL, your device must be connected via an Ethernet cable, as wireless connections typically do not support this feature.
We will be using Wolow, a mobile app that simplifies WoL by providing remote power management through an easy-to-use interface.
Part 1: Setting Up Your PC for Wake on LAN
Step 1: Enable Wake on LAN in BIOS
Before you can wake your PC remotely, you must enable WoL in the BIOS:
- Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Delete during startup).
- Navigate to the Advanced Mode settings.
- Click on Advanced > APM Configuration (this may vary depending on your motherboard).
- Disable ErP Ready and enable Power on by PCI-E or Wake on LAN.
- Save changes and exit BIOS.
Step 2: Enable Wake on LAN in Your Network Adapter
You also need to configure your Ethernet adapter to allow WoL:
- Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter to open Network Connections.
- Right-click your Ethernet connection and select Properties.
- Click Configure and go to the Advanced tab.
- Enable the following options (if available):
- Enable PME → Set to Enabled
- Wake on Magic Packet → Set to Enabled
- Wake on Magic Packet when system is off → Set to Enabled
- Switch to the Power Management tab and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
Step 3: Disable Windows Fast Startup
Windows Fast Startup can interfere with Wake on LAN functionality. If enabled, your PC may not respond to wake-up signals.
To disable Fast Startup:
- Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
- Click Choose what the power buttons do.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Scroll down and uncheck "Turn on fast startup".
- Save changes and restart your computer.
Part 2: Turning Your PC On with Your Phone
Now that your PC is configured for Wake on LAN, let’s set up the Wolow app to send wake-up commands.
Step 1: Install Wolow Companion on Your PC
- Go to the Wolow website and download Wolow Companion for Windows.
- During installation, allow firewall access for Private and Public networks.
Step 2: Install Wolow App on Your Phone
- Download Wolow from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open Wolow and tap Select Devices > Scan Network > Get Started.
- When your PC appears in the list, tap on it and select Add.
- If Scan Network doesn’t work, manually add your device:
- Run ipconfig /all in Command Prompt to find your PC’s IP address and MAC address.
- Enter the details manually in Wolow.
Step 3: Use Wolow to Wake Your PC
- Open Wolow, select your PC from the device list, and tap the power button.
- If configured correctly, your computer will wake up instantly.
Additional Features in Wolow Premium
- The free version allows only wake-up commands.
- If you upgrade to Wolow Premium, you can also send Shutdown, Reboot, and Sleep commands.
- To access these, swipe left on a device and tap Shutdown, Reboot, or Sleep.
With Wake on LAN and Wolow, you can power on your PC remotely using your phone, making remote access easier and more efficient. Whether you need to wake your computer for gaming, remote work, or file transfers, this setup ensures seamless control at your fingertips.