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Best FREE Wake-on-LAN Software and Tools for your Network
UPDATED: February 1, 2023
Wake-on-LAN (WoL) is a Network Protocol that sends packet to an IP address of your choice that is specially formulated with a broadcast frame that will wake up the machine on the other end – that is, if WOL is enabled on the machine.
Here is our list of the ten best free Wake-on-LAN tools:
- Engineer’s Toolset Wake-on-LAN – EDITOR'S CHOICE This WOL system is bundled into the Engineer’s Toolset, which contains more than 60 system administration tools. Runs on Windows and Windows Server. Start 14-day free trial.
- ManageEngine OpUtils – FREE EDITION A complete management system for network addressing and network traffic management that includes a Wake-on-LAN service. This package is available for Windows Server and Linux.
- ManageEngine Remote Access Plus – FREE TRIAL Offers WoL combined with various remote troubleshooting and management tools, making it an excellent option for SMBs.
- Nirsoft WakeMeOnLan A free utility that includes a network IP address scanner that allows one or multiple endpoints to be woken up. Available for Windows.
- WakeOnLANx A free utility that can command shutdown, reboot, or startup of any endpoint connected to the network. Runs on Windows.
- Depicus Wake On Lan GUI A WoL tool for Windows that allows the specification of a target with an IP address or MAC address.
- EMCO WakeOnLan Free This is a free version of a paid WoL utility and has a number of limitations but is a suitable service for a small network. Runs on Windows.
- Aquila Technology WakeOnLAN A free utility that will scan the network and load up all identifiers for each device and let shut one or more of them down, reboot, or wake them up. Runs on Windows.
- ManageEngine Free Wake On LAN Tool A free tool, which is the Wake-on-LAN utility that is offered as part of OpUtils. Available for Windows Server and Linux.
- FusionFenix Robust free tool with an Android app version.
The ability to perform a LAN wake on a system can be incredibly useful in a range of situations.
To put simply if there is any time you might want a system to be turned on when you aren't sitting in front of it, then Wake-On-LAN, aka WOL, is precisely what you need!
Whether used for testing, or perhaps on a back-up system, it's quite useful to be able to remotely control and change the power state of a computer.
Even just accidentally shutting it down, or someone turning it off and leaving, can make WOL very useful!
With the software installed the networks NIC continues to receive power even while turned off and listens for a specific packet to be sent that will trigger a startup.
It's as simple as that!
And due to the simplicity there are a range of tools with a range of features to provide this very functionality.
Some are as basic as just providing wake, while others offer a greater degree of flexibility and specificity in how they do what they do!
It's worth noting that WOL does often have to be enabled in the BIOS on the system to be roused remotely, of course.
We've compiled a small list of the Best Wake on LAN software and tools that will help you Wake up any PC on your internal network via the protocol.
Best Wake-on-LAN Software & Tools for Windows 7, 10, Server 2012/2018:
Our methodology for selecting these free Wake-on-LAN clients
We reviewed the market for Wake-on-LAN utilities and analyzed the tools based on the following criteria:
- An easy-to-manage utility that can be driven by a graphical user interface
- An autodetect function that can trace all connected devices and identify them by IP address or MAC address
- A simple tool that can issue a Wake-on-LAN instruction quickly
- Nice to have a free tool that is part of a wider endpoint management system
- Good to see other quick network and endpoint management utilities
- Action recording that creates logs for compliance auditing
- A worthwhile free tool or a Wake-on-LAN tool that is included for free with a paid package
With these selection criteria in mind, we have distilled a set of candidate Wake-on-LAN systems that are worth considering and included solutions for every major operating system.
1. SolarWinds Wake-on-LAN Utility – FREE TRIAL
SolarWinds Engineer’s Toolset includes more than 60 useful network management tools and one of those is a Wake-on-LAN service.
Key Features:
- A suite of more than 60+ administrative tools
- Powerful WOL options with automation and scripting capabilities
- Can schedule WOL commands to run automatically
With this tool, you can turn any PC connected to your network on or off without having to leave your desk. This function works even if the device is completely turned on as well as with computers that are in standby mode.
Other facilities in the Engineer’s Toolset include a network discovery system and SNMP network device monitoring services.
Pros:
- Lightweight WOL tool, no-frills or unneeded add-ons
- Easy to use, even for non-technical users
- Supports continuous and scheduled WOL monitoring
- Portable, making it a great addition to a USB toolkit
- Completely free
Cons:
- Better suited for smaller networks, large networks may prefer more comprehensive solutions
Price: This system is not free forever, but you can access it for free for 14 days with a trial.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
The Wake-on-LAN Tool from the SolarWinds Engineers Toolset is our top pic for Wake-on-LAN software because it is quick and easy to access. This no-fuss utility is accessible from the Engineer’s Toolset console so you don’t have to go hunting around for a small application that you don’t use very often. Get remote computers accessible even if they are turned off with this handy facility. Add in the free trial and you’ve got free access to this useful tool.
Download: Start 14-day Free Trial
OS: Windows Server
2. ManageEngine OpUtils – FREE EDITION
OpUtils gives you the option to manage and Monitor Wake-on-LAN Devices from an Easy-to-use dashboard!
Key Features:
- Includes manual and automatic WOL tools
- Cross-platform support for Windows and Linux
- Includes traffic management and network address tools
They provide information about Devices, scheduling and even go as far as allowing you to group computers or systems to start all at once!
Some options that you have with this tool are as follows:
- Create Groups & Schedule WOL
- Schedule ALL or Individual PC's for WOL
- Boot Systems Across VLANs & Other networks!
- Automatically Scan & Discovery Devices with WOL Capabilities!
- and much More!
Click on the Link below to get started and download this great tool today!
Pros:
- Designed with large networks in mind
- Offers a suite of tools that provide WoL, IP address management, and physical switch port mapping
- Gathers hostname, device status, and MAC address alongside IP address scans
- Identifies new machines via autodiscovery, great for larger deployments
- Available for both Windows server as well as Linux
Cons:
- ManageEngine is a large monitoring platform that offers a host of tools and features that may take time to fully explore
Price: The free edition of the OpUtils product includes 16 tools. The paid edition starts off with a 30-day free trial.
Download: https://www.manageengine.com/products/oputils/wake-on-lan.html
3. ManageEngine Remote Access Plus – FREE TRIAL
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus is a remote access and management software solution that allows users to remotely control and manage their computers and other devices from a central location. It provides a range of features and tools for managing and accessing remote devices, including remote desktop access, file transfer, remote printing, and more.
Key Features:
- Allows users to remotely access and control other computers and devices from a central location
- Enables users to transfer files between remote computers and devices, including the ability to drag and drop files for easy transfer
- Allows users to remotely wake up sleeping or powered-off computers and devices, making it easier to access them for remote support or management
It also offers a range of security and authentication options to ensure that remote access is secure and controlled. Remote Access Plus can be used by businesses, schools, and other organizations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their remote support and management processes.
If you’re looking for a wake-on-LAN solution that brings a bit more to the table, Remote Access Plus is a great option.
Pros:
- Offers a suite of tools that provide WoL, IP address management, remote administration, and troubleshooting
- Identifies new machines via autodiscovery, which is great for larger deployments
- Simple yet powerful interface making learning the platform easy
Cons:
- Ideal for small to medium-sized networks
Price: Manage unlimited computers on your 30-day free trial.
Download: https://www.manageengine.com/remote-desktop-management/
4. Nirsoft
NirSoft, a common name when dealing with passwords and utilities revolving around them, also has a nice lightweight tool for handling WOL.
Key Features:
- Completely free
- Easy to install and use
- Can push WOL command to multiple devices at once
It has a nice simple interface that allows for managing a series of systems all at once and can even broadcast a WOL packet to a handful of systems at the same time to save you a little extra work.
It also offers command-line functionality that is ideal for scripting or bat files.
Pros:
- A simple tool, very easy to use
- Lightweight uses very few system resources
- Provides extra information such as hostname, MAC actress, as well as the current status
- Can run the program via CLI
Cons:
- Lacks graphical reporting or visualization features
- Not the best option for larger networks
- Enterprise networks may find NirSoft features lacking
Download: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/wake_on_lan.html
Price: Free
Compatibility: Any version of Windows from 2000 and up, including 64-bit
5. WakeOnLANx
Another simple and free tool that is purely focused on getting the job done without an excess of bells and whistles.
Key Features:
- Supports remote WOL, shutdown, restarts, and more
- Can perform a WOL request to any device on your network
- Easy to use and completely free
This one has a particularly customizable GUI, much more than many of the similar programs, and even offers a little bit of system information that can be requested from the target machine, such as drive space, MAC address, last boot time, a built-in remote access request, and several other handy features.
As far as free WOL tools, it's a pretty robust one for sure!
Pros:
- Available as a CLI tool as well as standard GUI
- Provides stats such as hostname, current status, MAC address, and last boot time
- Can send remote commands to reboot, calculate free space, and run ping checks
Cons:
- Lacks graphical reporting or visualization features
- Larger networks will find it hard to view all machines on the GUI
- The interface can take time to get used to,
- Needs improvement around the toolbar area
Download: https://wakeonlanx.com/download/
Price: Free
Compatibility: Most versions of Windows, also needs .NET Framework 4.0 or higher
6. Magic Packet
It doesn't get any more simple than this! This is essentially a straight-up front-end UI for fully command-prompt based native WOL functionality.
Key Features:
- Lightweight tool
- Can perform WOL based on IP or MAC address
- Easy to use
It provides the most basic level of WOL needs with a nice and concise little graphical interface.
Pros:
- Extremely simple, best for one-off WOL commands on small networks
- Completely free
Cons:
- Lacks alerting and visualization capabilities
- Does not offer scheduling or automation
- Users must specify the target machine’s information manually
- Not ideal for larger networks – lacks the ability to send commands in bulk
Download: https://www.depicus.com/wake-on-lan/wake-on-lan-gui
Price: Free
Compatibility: Most versions of Windows from 2k and up
7. EMCO
This program is a bit fancier looking than most of the more simple WOL tools, but it also offers a bit more functionality as a result.
Key Features:
- Free – but offers a more detailed paid version
- Very easy to setup and use
- Supports automated WOL requests
The free version doesn't really do much more than most of the others listed here, but it does have a snappy interface for easy navigation and adjustment of some of the basic parameters.
The paid version boasts a bit more flexibility and has some useful logging and management features for the systems added to it.
Pros:
- Features a free and paid version
- Designed to manage a large number of devices
- Uses multiple scanning protocols to find machines, workgroups, and domains
Cons:
- The interface can get cluttered quickly, a simpler home view would be a welcomed change
- Can be overcomplicated for smaller networks
Download: http://emcosoftware.com/wake-on-lan
Price: Freeware and paid versions available, paid has $179 site license and $265 enterprise versions
Compatibility: Windows XP and up
8. Aquila Tech
This program has a few handy features of note – it can also perform shutdowns on non-Windows systems via scripting, but it takes a bit of fiddling to get that working.
Key Features:
- Supports WOL, reboot, and shutdown commands
- Scans the network quickly for new devices
- Simple and intuitive interface
Aside from that it offers some functionality for troubleshooting WOL by monitoring the wake packets being sent and received, and has a built-in scanner for browsing host machines for WOL functionality.
Pros:
- Standalone WOL tool, ideal for those who aren’t looking for a suite of tools
- Simple interface that scales well
- Saves machines once entered allowing you to send WOL commands easier in the future
Cons:
- Better suited for medium to large-sized networks
Download: http://wol.aquilatech.com/
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP and up, .NET Framework 4.6 or higher
9. ManageEngine
This particular tool is part of a larger suite of basic management tools that comes part of a free program offered by ManageEngine.
Key Features:
- Works on both Windows and Linux operating systems
- Includes other helpful network troubleshooting tools
- Completely free
It can invoke remote command prompts, take inventory of software, pull up task manager remotely, and several other features as well as, of course, WOL.
This is a handy option when you have a need for more than just the most basic functionality, but anyone who is interested primarily in WOL features will find the rest of it just gets in the way.
Pros:
- Standalone WOL tool, ideal for those who aren’t looking for a suite of tools
- Simple interface that scales well
- Saves machines once entered allowing you to send WOL commands easier in the future
Cons:
- Better suited for medium to large-sized networks
Download: https://www.manageengine.com/products/free-windows-tools/free-wake-on-lan-tool.html
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7
10. FusionFenix
Another option that is pretty barebones that comes with a few strong limitations, but it has one particular offering that makes it worth mentioning!
Key Features:
- Offer simple WOL command options
- Includes an Android app version
- Designed for remote troubleshooting
This particular free tool has a mobile app version for triggering WOL for a configured system, which can be quite handy for quickly firing up a computer from your phone – especially if you then have remote capabilities via the same phone!
Pros:
- Simple, portable scanner – ideal for smaller networks
- Offers a free mobile app to send WOL commands from
- Completely free
Cons:
- Not suited for bulk WOL commands or network management
- Very barebones
- Lacks quality of life features that would make it a good tool for long-term use on a larger network
Download: http://fusionfenix.com/product/wol-1-0
Price: Free
Compatibility: Most Windows from 2000 and up, also has Android app version available for triggering WOL
Flexibility and functionality even while away from a computer is one of the most powerful tools we have in this day and age.
Being away from a system or office doesn't mean you can't repair, turn off, restart, and in this case, even turn back on a computer all from just about anyplace, and any device, with a network connection.
For a nice and easy, but still robust, option for WOL functionality the SolarWinds Free WOL Utility can be easily recommended for doing a great job! Its FREE, Easy to Use and gets the job done all the time!
Finding the Best Wake on LAN Software shouldn't be difficult and we hope the list above has served you well in finding one.
Wake-on-LAN Software and Tools FAQs
How does Wake-on-LAN software work?
Wake-on-LAN software works by sending a special "magic packet" to the target computer's network card. This packet contains the target computer's MAC address and is designed to trigger the network card to power on the computer. The target computer must have the "Wake-on-LAN" feature enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings and the network card driver must support this feature.
What are the requirements for using Wake-on-LAN software?
To use Wake-on-LAN software, the target computer must have the "Wake-on-LAN" feature enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings, and the network card driver must support this feature. Additionally, both the target computer and the device initiating the WOL command must be connected to the same network.
Can I use Wake-on-LAN software over the internet?
Yes, it is possible to use Wake-on-LAN software over the internet, but the target computer must have a static IP address, and the router must have port forwarding configured to forward the magic packet to the target computer.
Is Wake-on-LAN software secure?
By default, Wake-on-LAN packets are not encrypted, and can be intercepted by anyone on the same network. It is recommended to use a VPN or other security measures when using Wake-on-LAN software over the internet.
Are there any Wake-on-LAN software that are open source?
Yes, there are several open-source Wake-on-LAN software available such as WakeOnLAN, WOLcmd and many more.
Can I schedule wake-up for a specific computer?
Many Wake-on-LAN software provide scheduling options, where you can schedule the wake-up of a specific computer at a specific time, this feature is called Scheduled Wake-up.
