How does the Wake On LAN function work?

The Wake On LAN (WOL) function allows a computer to be woken up from a low-power state (like sleep or shutdown) by a network message. For this to work, the computer's network card must support WOL and the feature must be enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings. When the network card receives a special data packet, known as a 'Magic Packet,' it signals the motherboard to power up the computer.

In which states can a computer be woken up via Wake On LAN?

A computer can be woken up via Wake On LAN from various low-power states, including standby (sleep mode), hibernation, and in some cases, even from a fully shut down state (soft-off), provided the network card remains powered.

What is a Magic Packet?

A Magic Packet is a special network broadcast frame that contains the MAC address of the target computer repeated 16 times. When a network card that is in a WOL-enabled state receives this packet, it recognizes its own MAC address and initiates the system wake-up process.

Do I have to change settings in the BIOS to use Wake On LAN?

Yes, in most cases, you need to enable the Wake On LAN feature within the computer's BIOS or UEFI settings. This setting is often found under the 'Power Management' or 'Advanced' sections of the BIOS menu.

Where in the Windows operating system can I find the settings for Wake On LAN?

In Windows, you can configure Wake On LAN settings in the 'Device Manager.' Navigate to your network adapter's properties, and under the 'Power Management' and 'Advanced' tabs, you will find options related to Wake On LAN and Magic Packets that need to be enabled.

Support · FAQ

Prevent PCs from shutting down during core business hours

Use Auto Shutdown Manager (ASDM) Time Rules to keep PCs available during working hours, then allow automatic shutdown or power saving again after the business day ends.

Time RulesBusiness hoursGroup settings07:00–18:00 example

Disable Auto Shutdown at 07:00

Keep office PCs, labs or classrooms available during the business day.

Enable Auto Shutdown at 18:00

Allow ASDM to apply the normal power policy again after hours.

Applies to

Single clients and centrally managed ASDM groups

For a single client, open the Time Rules tab. On the ASDM Server, open Management Console → Groups & Settings, then select the target group.

07:00 · Monday–FridayAction: Disable Auto Shutdown
Repeat every: 1

18:00 · Monday–FridayAction: Enable Auto Shutdown
Repeat every: 1

Rule 1: block shutdowns during working hours

Open Time Rules.
Click Add.
Choose Day of Week.
Set Start time to 07:00.
Select Monday to Friday.
Leave Repeat every set to 1.
Set Action to Disable Auto Shutdown.
Save the rule.

Rule 2: allow shutdown after hours

Add another Time Rule.
Set Start time to 18:00.
Select Monday to Friday.
Leave Repeat every at 1.
Set Action to Enable Auto Shutdown.
Click Accept Changes. When Apply changes to other Policy Group? appears, select additional policy groups if needed.

Two Time Rules: Disable and Enable Auto Shutdown — Final setup: disable at 07:00, enable at 18:00.

What to look for

The rule list should contain one rule that disables Auto Shutdown at the start of the working day and one rule that enables it again after business hours.

Use the same pattern for maintenance periods, classrooms, labs or other recurring availability windows.

Important limitation: Time Rules control ASDM Auto Shutdown behavior. They do not automatically control every operating-system sleep, hibernation, or third-party power event outside ASDM policy.

The PC still shuts down during business hours. What should I check?

Confirm that the 07:00 rule uses Disable Auto Shutdown, Monday to Friday are selected, and the rule was deployed to the correct client or group.

The PC no longer shuts down after work. What is usually missing?

Check for the matching 18:00 rule with Enable Auto Shutdown.

Shut down safely. Wake reliably. Prove the savings.

Validate business-hour power rules in your own environment

Use the 45-day Enterprise Trial to test Time Rules, user protection, scheduled wake and post-hours shutdown with your own hardware, policies and routines.

Download 45-Day Enterprise Trial Calculate ROI Weekly WOL FAQ

Prevent PCs from shutting down during core business hours

Use two Time Rules: one to disable, one to re-enable Auto Shutdown.