How can I schedule a recurring Wake on LAN event?

To schedule a recurring Wake on LAN, you can use the Windows Task Scheduler. First, open the Task Scheduler by pressing Windows+R and entering taskschd.msc. Then, create a new task and in the 'Triggers' tab, set up a new trigger for the desired schedule, for example, weekly on a Saturday at a specific time.

What action should I configure in the Task Scheduler for Wake on LAN?

In the 'Actions' tab of your scheduled task, you need to create a new action. Set the action to 'Start a program'. For the program/script, you will need to specify the path to a Wake on LAN executable or a script that sends the magic packet to the target computer. You will also need to add arguments, such as the MAC address of the computer you want to wake up.

Are there any specific conditions I should set for the scheduled Wake on LAN task?

Under the 'Conditions' tab, it is recommended to uncheck the option 'Start the task only if the computer is on AC power' if you are using a laptop. Additionally, ensure that the network adapter is configured to allow Wake on LAN in the device's power management settings. In the 'Settings' tab, you can allow the task to be run on demand and configure what happens if the task fails.

Support · FAQ

Schedule Wake-on-LAN for weekly Saturday night maintenance

Use Auto Shutdown Manager (ASDM) to wake selected PC groups automatically for a recurring weekly maintenance window, then pause the plan during holidays, vacation periods or blackout dates.

Wake-on-LANWeekly maintenanceSaturday scheduleException periods

Quick answer

Create a Saturday Day-of-Week WOL plan and add exceptions for blackout periods.

Use the WOL Scheduler to define the recurring Saturday wake plan, select the PC groups that should wake, preview the next event and save the schedule. Use WOL Scheduler Exceptions to pause that plan during holidays or maintenance-free periods.

Create the Saturday wake plan

Open WOL SchedulerMaintenance Manager → Configure Up-Times → WOL Scheduler.

Choose timingSwitch to Day-of-Week timing, set the wake time and select Saturday.

Select targetsSelect the PC groups that belong to the maintenance window.

Preview and saveUse Preview Timing, add a clear plan name and click Add New.

Auto Shutdown Manager WOL Scheduler configured for a weekly Saturday Wake-on-LAN maintenance plan — WOL Scheduler with Day-of-Week timing and selected PC groups.

Add exception periods

Open exceptionsOpen WOL Scheduler Exceptions.

Set date rangeEnter the exception range, for example 12/23 – 12/28.

Select plansSelect the WOL plan that should pause during that period.

Add exceptionAdd a descriptive label and save the blackout period.

Auto Shutdown Manager WOL Scheduler Exceptions configured to pause a WOL plan during a holiday period — WOL Scheduler Exceptions pause selected plans during defined date ranges.

Operational check

Review the target groups and blackout periods before rollout

Group selectionConfirm that only the intended PC groups are included in the wake plan.

Timing previewUse the preview before saving so the next scheduled event is clear.

Exception datesAdd holiday, vacation or site-closure ranges before the weekly plan goes live.

Network readinessConfirm that Wake-on-LAN routing, proxies or broadcast handling already work for the target network.

Can I wake multiple groups with one weekly plan?

Yes. Select the relevant groups in the WOL Scheduler. Use the normal multi-select behavior when more than one group should be included.

Why should I preview the timing?

The preview confirms the next planned wake event before the schedule becomes active. It is the simplest way to catch a wrong day or time.

What should I use exception periods for?

Use exceptions for holidays, vacation periods, site closures or any maintenance-free period where a normal weekly wake event would be unwanted.

Does an exception delete the WOL plan?

No. It pauses the selected WOL plan for the defined date range. The regular schedule can continue outside that period.

Shut down safely. Wake reliably. Prove the savings.

Validate weekly Wake-on-LAN maintenance before rollout

Use the 45-day Enterprise Trial to test weekly WOL schedules, exception periods and group-based wake routines in your own environment.

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