Power on your computer over the internet with WoL, or use your keyboard

Updated on October 23, 2023

What to Know

  • Enable Wake-on-LAN, then use an app like TeamViewer to trigger the startup over the internet.
  • Another method is to turn a key into the power button. This is possible after editing BIOS.

This article explains how to turn on your laptop without using the power button.

Use WoL to Turn on a Laptop Over the Internet

For modern computers, Wake-on-LAN (WoL) is a fairly common feature. This technology enables you to shut off your computer and use the internet to signal to your powered-off computer that it's time to turn on again.

Depending on your setup, enabling Wake-on-LAN will take different steps, but you can turn it on whether you've got a Mac, Linux, or Windows PC. Once it's set up, you'll have your choice of third-party applications to use to send the signal to turn your computer on.

TeamViewer is one example of an app I've used to turn on my computer remotely. If you use something else, such as Depicus, you'll also need to know your public IP address.

How to Set Up and Use Wake-on-LAN

How to Turn on a Laptop With a Keyboard

Many laptops can actually be turned on by pressing a key on the keyboard. This won't be toggled on by default, but if your laptop supports it, you'll be able to enable it in the BIOS.

  1. Turn your computer off, then boot it back up and enter the BIOS.

  2. Every BIOS will be structured differently, so you'll have to do some digging around the menus. You're looking for a Power On By Keyboard style of setting housed within a Power Management section.

    If you can't find anything like this, you're likely out of luck as your laptop doesn't support this feature. However, it's best to search online to confirm because it may be possible it's simply hard to find or it's only visible after you update BIOS.

  3. Once located, turn on Power On By Keyboard (or whatever your computer calls it). Some laptops will allow you to choose any key you like to use to power up your computer, and some might offer you a few select keys. Make sure you know what key you'll be using to turn on your laptop.

  4. When finished, save your settings, and exit the BIOS. Turn off your laptop, and test your new feature by turning it on with your newly selected power-on key.

FAQ

  • How can I turn on a Dell laptop without using the power button?

    In addition to one of the above methods, you can set up your Dell laptop to power on when the lid opens if your model supports it. Enter BIOS and look for Power on Lid Open and move the toggle to the on position. Select Apply or Apply Changes > OK > Exit. 

  • How do I turn on my Mac laptop without the power button?

    If your MacBook Pro came configured to auto-boot, it will turn on when you open the lid or plug it in to charge it. If your model has a Touch Bar, the Touch ID space on the far right end of this area acts as the power button. Press it to turn your MacBook on or off.

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