Wake On LAN Tool Review

Introduction

Need to remotely boot a workstation, server, or lab machine — but it’s powered off? ManageEngine’s Wake On LAN Tool solves this with a simple, free Windows utility that sends “Magic Packets” to wake devices over your local network — no third-party services, no cloud dependencies, no per-device fees.

Ideal for IT admins, MSPs, and lab managers, this tool eliminates physical trips to power on machines for patching, backups, or remote access. In this hands-on review, we test its reliability, setup requirements, and real-world usability — including critical BIOS and network configuration steps.

What Is the Wake On LAN Tool?

This is a lightweight, free Windows desktop application that enables remote power-on of LAN-connected devices using the industry-standard Wake-on-LAN (WoL) protocol. You input a target machine’s:

• IP address
• MAC (physical) address

…and click Wake. The tool broadcasts a UDP “Magic Packet” (port 9 or 7) that triggers compatible NICs to power on the system — if WoL is properly enabled in BIOS and OS.

It’s part of ManageEngine’s suite of free Windows tools and integrates seamlessly with other utilities like Remote Command Prompt and Shutdown/Restart.

Key Features

• ✅ 100% Free — Forever — No license, no registration, no watermark
• ✅ Domain & Workgroup Support — Browse domains or manually enter target details
• ✅ Magic Packet Broadcast — Standards-compliant (RFC 2131)
• ✅ Minimal Footprint — <5 MB install; runs on Windows 7+
• ✅ No Remote Agent Required — Works with native NIC WoL support

⚠️ Critical prerequisite: WoL must be enabled in BIOS/UEFI and network adapter settings (see setup guide below).

How to Use It (Step-by-Step)

1. Download & install from https://www.manageengine.com/products/free-windows-tools/free-wake-on-lan-tool.html
2. Launch the tool
3. Select your Domain (or use Workgroup mode)
4. Choose Wake on LAN from the left pane
5. Enter the target machine’s:

• IP Address
• MAC Address (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E)

6. Click Wake

💡 Pro Tip: Use ManageEngine’s free Remote Device Manager or Device Info tools to scan and collect MAC addresses before machines go offline.

Setup Requirements (Must-Do)

For WoL to work, configure all three layers:

1. BIOS/UEFI Settings

• Reboot target PC → Enter BIOS (DEL/F1/F2/INS)
• Navigate to Power Management
• Enable:

• Wake on LAN
• Power On by PCI/PCI-E Device
• Resume by LAN (varies by vendor)

• Save & exit

2. OS (Windows) Settings

• Open Device Manager → Network adapters
• Right-click your NIC → Properties
• Under Power Management:
  ✔️ Allow this device to wake the computer
  ✔️ Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer
• Under Advanced: Enable Wake on Magic Packet

3. Network Considerations

• Target must be on the same subnet (or routers must forward UDP 7/9 broadcasts)
• Some switches disable WoL by default — check port settings
• Older PCs may require a WoL cable between NIC and motherboard (contact OEM)

Use Cases / Who Should Use This Tool

• 🖥️ IT Admins — Wake workstations for patching after hours
• 🏢 MSPs — Remotely assist clients without physical access
• 🧪 Lab & DevOps Teams — Power on test machines on-demand
• 🏭 Manufacturing/OT — Restart HMI or control PCs without floor downtime
• 🎓 Schools & Libraries — Boot lab PCs before class begins

It’s not designed for WAN/internet-based wake-up (no port forwarding or cloud relay).

Pros and Cons

Is It Free?

Yes — 100% free for commercial and personal use. No license key, no telemetry, no upsell.

Alternatives

• Depicus Wake On LAN GUI — Free & cross-platform, but less polished
• Advanced IP Scanner — Includes WoL, but bundled with ad-supported installer
• Command-line wolcmd.exe — Lightweight, but no GUI or domain integration

ManageEngine’s version stands out for domain-aware browsing and enterprise readiness.

Final Verdict

⭐ 4.4 / 5 — A rock-solid, no-frills utility that delivers exactly what it promises — if your infrastructure is WoL-ready. While setup requires upfront effort, the payoff in reduced truck rolls and after-hours access is substantial. Keep it in your IT toolkit alongside remote management essentials.

Highly recommended for Windows-centric environments with standardized hardware.

FAQ

Q1: Can I wake a laptop on battery?
A: Usually no — most laptops disable WoL when running on battery to conserve power. AC power is typically required.

Q2: Does it work over Wi-Fi?
A: Rarely — WoL over wireless is vendor-specific and often disabled. Wired Ethernet is strongly recommended.

Q3: Can I schedule automatic wake-ups?
A: Not natively — but you can trigger the tool via Windows Task Scheduler + command line (undocumented; use /ip and /mac flags).

Q4: What port does it use?
A: UDP port 9 (discard) by default — configurable in some NICs (port 7 also supported).

Q5: Is there a mobile app?
A: No — but pair it with ManageEngine’s Remote Command Prompt or RDP tools for full remote control post-wake.