Wake-on-LAN (WoL) , you must configure the hardware, operating system, and the AnyDesk application itself. This feature allows you to remotely power on a computer from a sleep or low-power state. 1. Enable Hardware Support (BIOS/UEFI)
The motherboard must allow the network card to wake the system. AnyDesk Help Center Access BIOS : Restart your PC and press during startup. : Look for Power Management Enable Options : Activate settings named Wake-on-LAN Power On by PCI-E Resume on LAN PME Event Wake Up Save & Exit to save and restart. AnyDesk Help Center 2. Configure Operating System Settings
You must permit the network adapter to receive the "Magic Packet". Network Adapter Device Manager and expand Network adapters Right-click your Ethernet card (e.g., Realtek) and select Properties Wake on Magic Packet Power Management tab, check Allow this device to wake the computer Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer Disable Fast Startup (Windows) Control Panel Power Options Choose what the power buttons do Change settings that are currently unavailable Turn on fast startup and save changes. Spiceworks Community
AnyDesk is designed primarily for remote desktop access while the operating system is running, but with the right configuration, you can use Wake-on-LAN (WoL) to turn on a computer that is shut down or in sleep mode. This is a highly requested feature for users who want to access office machines from home without leaving them running 24/7.
Here is a breakdown of how WoL works with AnyDesk, the requirements, and the setup process.
ip helper or port forwarding UDP 7/9 to broadcast address – not always safe).Products like AnyDesk WoL Gateway (not widely available) or a DIY ESP8266/ESP32 that listens for a secure signal (HTTPS/MQTT) and sends magic packet on LAN. This eliminates need for router forwarding.
This combination—treated as an integrated service rather than ad hoc hacks—delivers the productivity benefits of hot-desking with controlled risk.
Wake on LAN and AnyDesk: Transforming Your Lifestyle and Entertainment
Imagine being out at a coffee shop, mid-flight, or lounging on a beach, and suddenly needing a file from your powerful home workstation. Or perhaps you’re settled on the couch and realize your media server is powered down. In the modern digital era, the combination of Wake on LAN (WoL) and AnyDesk is the "power couple" of remote access, offering a seamless blend of convenience for your lifestyle and a massive upgrade to your home entertainment setup. What is Wake on LAN (WoL)?
Before you can control a computer, it has to be on. Wake on LAN is a networking standard that allows a computer to be turned on or "awakened" by a network message (a "Magic Packet"). Instead of leaving your power-hungry desktop running 24/7, WoL lets it sleep peacefully until the exact moment you need it. Why AnyDesk?
AnyDesk is a high-performance remote desktop application known for its low latency and ease of use. While there are many remote tools, AnyDesk excels in "lifestyle" integration because it feels like you are sitting right in front of your computer, even on a mobile connection.
AnyDesk's Wake-on-LAN (WoL) feature allows you to remotely power on or wake a computer from a low-power state (sleep or hibernation) by sending a "Magic Packet" through another active device on the same network. Essential Requirements
To use this feature, both the target hardware and your AnyDesk configuration must be prepared:
Active Helper Device: AnyDesk requires at least one other device (PC, server, or smartphone) to be online in the same local network as the sleeping computer to act as a bridge and send the wake signal.
Wired Connection: For maximum reliability, the target computer should be connected via an Ethernet cable.
Hardware Support: The motherboard and network interface card (NIC) must support the WoL standard. Step-by-Step Setup Guide 1. BIOS/UEFI Configuration
Restart the target computer and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing Del, F2, or F10 during startup). Navigate to the Power Management or Advanced tab.
Enable settings such as Wake-On-LAN, Power on by PCI-E, or Remote Wake Up. 2. Operating System Settings (Windows)
Network Adapter: Open Device Manager, right-click your Ethernet adapter, and select Properties. Advanced Tab: Set Wake on Magic Packet to Enabled. wake on lan anydesk hot
Power Management Tab: Check Allow this device to wake the computer and Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer.
Power Options: Open Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do. Click "Change settings that are currently unavailable" and uncheck "Turn on fast startup". 3. AnyDesk Client Setup
Open AnyDesk on the target computer and go to Settings > Wake-on-LAN (found under the Application or Security category depending on the version). Select Enabled.
(Optional) You can specify which specific AnyDesk IDs are allowed to wake this device for added security. How to Wake the Device
Once configured, the device will appear as "Offline" in your AnyDesk address book. To wake it:
Click the Power On button or link that appears next to the device's entry.
AnyDesk will automatically find an active online peer in that local network to send the Magic Packet.
Wait a few moments for the machine to boot up, and then connect as usual. Remote Access Wake-on-LAN Explained - AnyDesk
How to Use Wake-on-LAN with AnyDesk: A Step-by-Step Guide Ever needed to access your office computer from home, only to realize you left it turned off? It is a frustrating hurdle for remote workers. Fortunately, AnyDesk supports Wake-on-LAN (WoL). This feature allows you to "wake up" a sleeping or powered-down computer over the internet. What is Wake-on-LAN?
Wake-on-LAN is a networking standard. It allows a computer to be turned on by a network message. When enabled, your network card stays in a low-power mode, "listening" for a specific packet of data called a "Magic Packet." Prerequisites for Success Before you start, ensure your hardware is ready:
Ethernet Connection: WoL is most reliable via a wired cable. Some laptops support Wake-on-Wireless-LAN (WoWLAN), but it is less stable. Power Source: The target PC must be plugged into AC power.
AnyDesk Version: Ensure you are running the latest version of AnyDesk on both devices. Step 1: Enable WoL in BIOS/UEFI
The most important step happens before your operating system even loads.
Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, Del, or F12). Navigate to Power Management or Advanced Settings.
Look for "Wake on LAN," "Remote Wake Up," or "Power on by PCI-E." Set it to Enabled. Save and exit. Step 2: Configure Windows Settings
Your operating system needs to give the network card permission to wake the system. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand Network adapters and right-click your Ethernet controller. Select Properties and go to the Power Management tab.
Check "Allow this device to wake the computer" and "Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer." Wake-on-LAN (WoL) , you must configure the hardware,
(Optional) Go to the Advanced tab and ensure "Wake on Magic Packet" is Enabled. Step 3: Set Up AnyDesk
AnyDesk makes the "Magic Packet" part easy by using other AnyDesk devices on the same network to "ping" the sleeping PC. Open AnyDesk on the target computer. Go to Settings > Wake-on-LAN. Choose "Enabled". You have two options:
Standard: Uses other AnyDesk IDs on your local network to wake the PC. Custom: Allows you to specify a specific "wake-up" device. How to Wake Your PC
When you are away and see the target computer is offline in your AnyDesk address book: Open AnyDesk on your current device. Right-click the offline computer in your list. Select "Power On" (or click the power icon).
Wait about 30–60 seconds for the PC to boot, then connect as usual. Troubleshooting Tips
Fast Startup: Disable "Fast Startup" in Windows Power Options, as it can sometimes prevent the network card from listening.
Firewalls: Ensure your router isn't blocking the ports required for internal network communication.
The "Helper" Device: Remember, for AnyDesk WoL to work, at least one other device with AnyDesk must be turned on and active on the same local network as the target PC.
If you'd like to make this post even more specific, let me know: Should I add a section for macOS or Linux? I can adjust the tone and depth to fit your readers!
AnyDesk’s Wake-on-LAN (WoL) is a "hot" feature for remote users because it allows you to power on a sleeping or shut-down computer without leaving it running 24/7. However, its reliability often depends on having a second active device
on the same local network to act as a "helper" to send the wake signal. Key Features & Performance Review Convenience: Once configured, AnyDesk provides a simple "Power On" button when you try to connect to an offline device. Energy Efficiency:
You can keep your high-performance PC in a low-power state (Sleep or Hibernate) and only wake it when needed, saving electricity. Limitations:
AnyDesk typically requires at least one other device (PC, tablet, or Raspberry Pi) to be
on the same network to relay the "Magic Packet". Direct "Wake-on-WAN" (waking via the internet without a local relay) is not natively supported in the same way by their current cloud infrastructure. Setup Guide: Making it Work
For a successful "hot" setup, you must configure three different layers:
Wake-on-Internet silently killed — no warning, no respect : r/AnyDesk
AnyDesk's Wake-on-LAN (WoL) feature allows you to remotely power on a computer from a sleep, hibernate, or shutdown state. This is achieved by sending a "Magic Packet" through the network to the target machine's network card. Core Requirements for AnyDesk WoL
To successfully wake a device, the following conditions must be met: Assign static IP to target PC or set
Active "Helper" Device: At least one other device running AnyDesk must be online and active on the same local network as the sleeping computer to relay the wake signal.
Hardware Support: The motherboard and network interface card (NIC) must support WoL and remain connected to a power source.
Wired Connection: WoL is most reliable over a wired Ethernet connection; while some Wi-Fi cards support it, success rates vary. Setup Guide 1. Enable WoL in BIOS/UEFI
Restart the target computer and press the BIOS key (usually F2, Del, or F10). Navigate to the Power Management or Advanced tab.
Find and enable settings like Wake-on-LAN, Power On by PCI-E, or Remote Wake Up. Save and exit. 2. Configure Windows OS Settings Open Device Manager and expand Network Adapters.
Right-click your network card → Properties → Advanced tab. Set Wake on Magic Packet to Enabled.
Go to the Power Management tab and check Allow this device to wake the computer and Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer.
Disable Fast Startup: Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do → Uncheck Turn on fast startup. Wake up a device remotely - AnyDesk Help Center
AnyDesk’s Wake-on-LAN (WoL) feature is a powerful, though technically demanding, tool that allows users to remotely power on a computer from a sleep, hibernate, or even a full shutdown state. By using another active device on the same local network as a "relay," AnyDesk sends a "Magic Packet" to the target machine's network card, triggering it to boot up without manual intervention. ⚡ The "Hot" Take: Convenience vs. Complexity
While highly rated for its convenience and energy-saving benefits, the feature is often criticized for its complex setup.
🚀 High Impact: Perfect for accessing high-performance office PCs from home or performing IT maintenance after hours.
🔌 Efficiency: Eliminates the need to keep computers running 24/7, reducing electricity costs and hardware wear.
🛠️ Setup Barrier: Requires precise configuration across BIOS/UEFI, Windows Device Manager, and AnyDesk settings.
📡 Reliability Issues: Users frequently report that it can be "finicky," often failing due to Windows "Fast Startup" or specific motherboard power states. 🔍 Key Performance Factors
For the feature to work reliably, several "layers" must be correctly aligned: How to Enable Wake on LAN in Windows 11
You cannot send a WoL packet from the sleeping PC itself. You need a secondary device on the same local network that stays awake 24/7 (e.g., a Raspberry Pi, a router with WoL features, or an old Android phone).
Linux:
macOS:
Wake-on-LAN (WoL) lets you power on a sleeping/off PC remotely by sending a magic packet to its network interface. AnyDesk can be used alongside WoL so you can remotely wake and then connect to a machine that wasn’t previously powered on. This guide covers prerequisites, BIOS/UEFI and OS configuration, router/network considerations, how to send WoL from within AnyDesk and other devices, troubleshooting, security considerations, and example commands.