Newer Dell system models will not Wake-On-LAN with Deep Sleep Control set to S5 in the Windows

You may observe that some newer model systems (OptiPlex 790, 7010 & 9010 desktop & mini-tower system models for example) will not Wake-On-LAN (WOL) from a power off state.

Modern improvements in power management of computer systems have caused problems for some system users as the newer model systems do not react to Wake On LAN requests in the same manner as older models due to WOL behavior changes in the Windows operating system. These changes include:

• Wake from hard shutdown (S5) and hibernate (S4) does not work any longer. This is by-design Windows behavior.
• This change is due to Microsoft design changes in Windows 7 & Windows 8.
• For optimal Wake-On-LAN operation, power management setting should not go into a deeper sleep state than S3.
• A full explanation of these changes can be found in these Microsoft Articles to learn more about Windows Power States and Device Power States.

There are now multiple system, device power states and proper configuration of the system power state will determine success in waking the system from LAN. The many Dell systems have a BIOS Deep Sleep Control option that must be disabled before configuring the operating system power management settings to Wake-On-LAN. Boot the system and press F2 at the Dell Splash Screen to enter the system setup. Expand the power management section and highlight the Deep Sleep Control. Click DISABLED save settings and exit the system setup.

Once the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) system setup is configured, then all that remains is to configure the Windows 10 system shutdown to the required power state. To configure the power button to shutdown then system to Wake-On-LAN states complete the following steps:

1. Update the Network Interface Controller (NIC) to the latest driver available on the Dell Support Website, Drivers and downloads, Network section.
2. Open Device Manager (Right click the start button and select Device Manager).
3. Update the system Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) to the latest driver available on the Dell Support Website, Drivers and downloads, BIOS section.
4. Restart the system and press the F2 key to access the BIOS, then in the Power Management section of the BIOS, enable Wake on LAN (WOL)
5. Also in the Power Management section of the BIOS, DISABLE the Deep Sleep option (Enabled by Default)
6. Finally, in Windows power management, disable the Fast Boot option.
   1. Type Power Options in the Search bar, then click Power Options on the drop down menu.
   2. On the left side of the Power Options page, click the hyperlink for Choose what the power buttons do.
   3. On the next page, click the Hyperlink to Change settings that are currently unavailable(this option will require local administrator rights to the system.)
   4. Scroll to the bottom of the page and uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option.
   5. Save changes.

These systems should wake from the System Power States: Sleep (S3) or Hibernate (S4). The SHUTDOWN (S5) and Hybrid SHUTDOWN (S4) power state are not supported in Windows 7. These power states require support from system BIOS level to wake from Lan.

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