Turn On PC With Android: Wi-Fi WoW LAN Guide

The Potential of Smartphone-Controlled Computing

Consider the possibilities offered by modern smartphones. Do you envision navigating unfamiliar wilderness solely with GPS technology? Perhaps locating hidden objects using your phone’s geomagnetic capabilities? Or, imagine returning home and activating all your household computers with a simple touch.

This isn't a futuristic fantasy; it's a present-day reality.

Introducing PCAutoWaker

PCAutoWaker [No Longer Available] represents, in my assessment, one of the most innovative applications to recently appear on the Android Market. Its impact is already being felt, as evidenced by coverage on sites like Lifehacker and its inclusion in our own resource listings.

While many readers from the IT sector are likely acquainted with Wake-on-LAN technology, this guide aims to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step process.

Enabling Wake-on-LAN for PC Compatibility

The first step involves configuring any PC within your home network to function seamlessly with the PCAutoWaker Android application. This requires enabling Wake-on-LAN functionality.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Access your computer’s BIOS settings.
Locate the Power Management section.
Ensure that Wake-on-LAN is enabled.
Within your operating system’s network adapter settings, confirm that Wake-on-LAN is also activated.

Utilizing the PCAutoWaker Application

Once your PCs are configured, using the PCAutoWaker app is straightforward.

The application allows you to:

Scan your network for compatible computers.
Save the MAC addresses of your desired PCs.
Initiate remote power-on commands with a single tap.

This provides a convenient and efficient method for managing your computing resources from the palm of your hand.

Setting Up Your Computers for Wake-on-LAN Functionality

Experienced IT professionals may proceed directly to the PCAutoWaker review. However, configuring your computers and laptops for compatibility with PCAutoWaker is a relatively straightforward process for all users.

Begin by accessing the command prompt on the target PC and entering the command ipconfig /all. This will display detailed network configuration information.

Identify the ethernet adapter typically used when the computer is idle. It’s important to note that not all adapters support Wake-on-LAN. I initially attempted to utilize a wireless adapter, only to discover it lacked this capability. A wired ethernet connection proved successful in my case. Locate the preferred adapter in the list and record its Physical Address, also known as the Mac address.

Subsequently, navigate to your network settings (Control Panel -> Network Connections) and identify the name of your network connection. This name will vary depending on your operating system version; in Windows 7, it appeared as OWNER-PC_Network.

You will also need to determine the network name assigned to your computer. This information can be found within the System settings under the "Computer Name" section.

With these three pieces of information gathered, you are prepared to configure PCAutoWaker. The next step involves enabling your network card to allow it to wake the computer.

Access the Device Manager through the Control Panel -> System -> Hardware. Right-click on the ethernet card you intend to use for waking your computer – whether wired or wireless – and select Properties. The Power Management tab is where you will find the setting to enable wake functionality.

In some instances, the necessary option may be unavailable, as illustrated below (indicated by the grayed-out box).

Here’s an example of a correctly configured wired ethernet adapter.

If the option to enable Wake on LAN is not present, verify your BIOS settings. Reboot your computer and press F2 or F12 during startup to access the BIOS. Ensure that Wake on LAN (often abbreviated as WoW or WoL) is enabled within the Power Control or Network Card sections of the BIOS.

Configuring PCAutoWaker

Once you have completed the preceding steps for each of the computers you intend to manage from your mobile device, you can proceed to add these PCs to the PCAutoWaker Registration section. The application guides you through this process upon initial launch. The initial stage involves inputting the computer’s name.

On this screen, carefully enter the computer name that was previously recorded during the system information check.

The subsequent step focuses on PC Information. Here, you will input the physical MAC address, which was noted earlier when executing the "ipconfig" command and reviewing the ethernet card configuration.

Lastly, enter the name of your WiFi network SSID, which you also documented previously. If your phone is already connected to your home Wi-Fi network, simply select the "Use current WiFi connection SSID" option to automatically populate this field.

An optional feature is "Automatic WOL". Enabling this allows your phone to automate the power-on process for your home PCs and laptops. Specifically, when your phone detects and connects to your home Wi-Fi network, it can automatically activate PCs with this "Automatic WOL" setting enabled. This functionality offers considerable convenience.

If you prefer a manual approach, a menu will appear when you select any of the configured PC connections. This menu provides control options for that specific computer.

You can modify the Wake setting to automatic or manual for that computer, revise the connection details, or simply initiate a manual power-on by tapping the Wake option.

A key benefit of this application is its versatility; it isn't restricted to a single computer or location. Each PC maintains its own Wi-Fi configuration, enabling you to manage computers at your workplace, residence, or any other location where you have access and administrative privileges to adjust the necessary PC settings.

For Android users, consider trying this application and sharing your experiences. We are also interested in hearing about any innovative applications you discover for this wake-on-LAN tool – perhaps even a playful prank? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.