Can You Use Chrome Remote Desktop with Wake on LAN? Exploring the Possibilities

Key Notes

  • Chrome Remote Desktop cannot wake a sleeping PC on its own.
  • Configuring Wake on LAN requires BIOS, Device Manager, and router adjustments.
  • Third-party software is necessary to implement Wake on LAN effectively.

Unlocking Remote Access: Utilizing Wake on LAN with Chrome Remote Desktop

If you’re looking to wake a sleeping computer remotely with Chrome Remote Desktop, you’re in the right place. This guide will clarify the distinct challenges involved and provide detailed solutions.

Understanding Wake on LAN with Chrome Remote Desktop

Step 1: Enable Wake on LAN in BIOS

To enable Wake on LAN, restart your computer and press F2 or Del to enter the BIOS settings.:

  1. Navigate to Advanced Mode.
  2. Select APM Configuration under the Advanced menu.
  3. Enable Power on by PCI-E.

Pro Tip: Consult your motherboard’s manual for specific instructions, as these steps can vary widely across different models.

Step 2: Activate Wake on LAN via Device Manager

Open the Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting Device Manager. Then:

  1. Locate your Ethernet adapter and double-click it.
  2. Go to the Advanced tab, and set Wake on Magic Packet to Enabled.
  3. In the Power Management tab, ensure only Allow this device to wake the computer and Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer are checked.
  4. Click OK to save changes.

Pro Tip: Once done, you can use external software on your other devices to wake this PC.

Step 3: Adjust Your Router Settings

To configure your router for Wake on LAN:

  1. Log in to your router’s admin panel.
  2. Find the port-forwarding section.
  3. Identify your computer’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.2).
  4. In the port forwarding settings, change the last digit of your IP to 255 (e.g., 192.168.1.255).
  5. Set the port to 7 and select UDP.
  6. Create a Dynamic DNS entry to maintain this setting even if your IP changes.

Pro Tip: Not all routers allow this setting, so check your router’s guide for compatibility.

Step 4: Utilize WakeOnLAN Software

Download a Wake on LAN software like WakeOnLAN or WakeMeOnLAN. Follow these steps:

  1. Install the software on another device in your network.
  2. Input the necessary details (IP address, subnet mask, MAC address).
  3. Once configured, you can wake your PC remotely.

Pro Tip: Make sure the software is allowed through your firewall to operate correctly.

Overall, since Chrome Remote Desktop lacks built-in Wake on LAN functionality, these alternatives offer plans for configuration and access.

Additional Tips

  • Always verify if your BIOS supports Wake on LAN features.
  • Ensure your network is wired; Wake on LAN tends to work better over Ethernet than Wi-Fi.
  • Use reliable Wake on LAN software for ease of use, like the ones mentioned above.

Summary

In this guide, we explored how to use Wake on LAN in conjunction with Chrome Remote Desktop. We covered the necessary BIOS settings, device manager configurations, router adjustments, and third-party software installation to efficiently wake a sleeping PC remotely.

Conclusion

Although Chrome Remote Desktop doesn’t support waking a sleeping PC natively, the comprehensive steps outlined can empower users to implement Wake on LAN effectively. Embrace this capability for a hassle-free remote access experience!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I wake my computer using Chrome Remote Desktop?

No, Chrome Remote Desktop cannot wake sleeping computers on its own without Wake on LAN configuration.

What do I need to set up Wake on LAN?

You will need to configure settings in BIOS, use Device Manager, modify router settings, and potentially install Wake on LAN software.