Setting up remote computer so that it can boot up when making remote connection (without having to turn off/on Web power switch) - Forums

Topic starter

Apr 3, 2025 · Edited: Apr 3, 2025

Hi!

I currently have a Windows 11 machine at my remote site. When I turn off Windows on my remote machine, the only way to boot it back up is to turn off the web power switch, wait a few minutes, turn it back on and wait a few minutes and then connect with the remote machine.

Is it possible to turn off the remote computer and have it come back on without having to turn off/on the WPS? The tech at the remote site said that the BIOS settings Boot on LAN is enabled, as is Boot After Power Loss. But I still cannot get the machine to boot when I remotely connect.

Anyone know how to do this?

Thanks!
Jerry

Well Written Engaging

John Hayes

Frequent contributor

Apr 3, 2025

Jerry,
That's the way most folks run their remote PCs. Why is it a problem?

John

Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Apr 3, 2025

It's not so much a problem, but I read it's possible to have a remote PC boot up when it receives a LAN signal from a host computer, without having to shut the power off and turn it back on. Not that big of a deal but I am curious if it's possible to boot when I log in via Windows Remote.

AmyWarble

Apr 3, 2025

How are you trying to activate the Wake-on-LAN feature? WoL requires the sending of a magic packet to turn on the device.

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Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Apr 3, 2025

AmyWarble:
How are you trying to activate the Wake-on-LAN feature? WoL requires the sending of a magic packet to turn on the device.

I'm not sure. I am 1000 miles away from the PC and cannot access the BIOS remotely. How does one send a magic packet to the device if it's off?

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AmyWarble

Apr 3, 2025

There are apps that can send such magic packet. Google "wake on LAN apps". I've not done this myself so I can't recommend any particular app. You'll need to be able to route that packet across the networks… If you're doing this over the internet that might be an issue, I'm not sure. To my knowledge, WoL is intended to be used over a local network.

Once Wake-on-LAN is enabled in the device BIOS and in the network adapter settings, it will listen for the magic packet and boot the device when it's detected.

Helpful

Alfonso Caschili

Apr 3, 2025

My best advice would be to setup a pikvm onsite which you leave always on. It will allow you to turn on your computer from remote as it simulates the actual power button on your pc and lets you control the pc even if windows is not booted up, so you can access the bios and do recovery if needed.
That's additional hardware (cost me less than 200e) that you will have to install on site if that's an option.

Helpful

Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Apr 3, 2025

Thanks Alfonso & AmyWarble. This might be more trouble than it's worth. I'll have to check with the network administrator at the dark sky site…

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Julio Maset

Apr 22, 2025 · Edited: Apr 22, 2025

There are some computers that have on BIOS an option to boot when receive power. Then an intelligent plug (Tapo-like) makes the magic. Hope it works. In my mele 4C is called “auto power on”. Look for it in internet for your motherboard and bios.