How to Schedule PC to Turn On Automatically in Windows 11: A Complete Guide

By / September 16, 2025

Did you know you can set your Windows 11 PC to turn on automatically at a specific time? This feature is perfect for people who want their computer ready for work, study, or tasks without manually powering it on. In this guide, we’ll show you how to schedule your PC to turn on automatically in Windows 11 using built-in BIOS/UEFI settings and Windows tools.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Automatic power-on can be scheduled via BIOS/UEFI settings or Task Scheduler.

  • Useful for running automated tasks, downloads, backups, or preparing your PC for work.

  • Not all PCs support automatic wake-up; check your motherboard/BIOS documentation.

  • Requires the PC to be plugged in (desktop) or have sufficient battery charge (laptop).

Why Schedule Your PC to Turn On Automatically?

  • Productivity: Your PC is ready before you start work.

  • Automation: Run scheduled tasks like backups or updates.

  • Convenience: No need to manually power on each day.

  • Energy management: Combine with automatic shutdown for efficient usage.

Method 1: Schedule Automatic Turn-On via BIOS/UEFI

Most motherboards allow PCs to power on automatically at a specific time.

Steps:

  1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI settings.

    • Press F2, Del, F10, or Esc during boot (check your PC manual).

  2. Navigate to the Power Management or Advanced tab.

  3. Look for options like Power On By RTC Alarm, Wake Up Alarm, or Resume By Alarm.

  4. Enable the feature and set the time and frequency (daily, weekdays, specific date).

  5. Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

  6. Shut down your PC. It will now turn on automatically at the scheduled time.

💡 Tip: The exact wording and location of the option may vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer.

Method 2: Use Task Scheduler to Wake PC from Sleep

If you want to wake your PC from sleep instead of a complete shutdown, you can use Task Scheduler in Windows 11.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Task Scheduler, and open it.

  2. Click Create Basic Task in the right-hand panel.

  3. Enter a name (e.g., “Wake PC”) and click Next.

  4. Choose a trigger (Daily, Weekly, or One time) and click Next.

  5. Set the start date and time and click Next.

  6. Select Start a program and click Next.

  7. In the Program/script box, type:

    cmd

  8. Click Finish.

  9. Right-click the task and select Properties.

  10. Under Conditions, check Wake the computer to run this task.

  11. Click OK to save.

✅ Your PC will wake automatically from sleep to run the scheduled task.

Method 3: Schedule Turn-On Using Windows 11 Settings (Hybrid Sleep/Wake)

Some modern PCs support Wake Timers directly via Windows settings:

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System > Power & battery > Additional power settings.

  3. Click Change plan settings next to your active power plan.

  4. Click Change advanced power settings.

  5. Expand Sleep > Allow wake timers and set it to Enable.

  6. Use Task Scheduler to schedule a task with Wake the computer option.

✅ This allows automatic wake-up from sleep without entering BIOS.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Desktop PCs need to be plugged in for scheduled power-on.

  • Laptops may not support full power-on from shutdown due to battery constraints.

  • Windows updates or power loss may affect scheduled power-on.

  • BIOS/UEFI method works even if Windows is not installed or PC is off.

Troubleshooting

  • Option not available in BIOS/UEFI?
    → Your motherboard may not support RTC/Wake-on-Alarm. Check the manual or manufacturer site.

  • Task Scheduler task doesn’t wake PC?
    → Ensure Allow wake timers is enabled in power plan settings.

  • PC won’t turn on at scheduled time?
    → Make sure it’s fully shut down (for BIOS method) or in sleep mode (for Task Scheduler method).

Comparison of Methods

Method Works From Best For Notes
BIOS/UEFI RTC Alarm Shutdown Full automatic start-up Works even if Windows not installed
Task Scheduler Wake Timer Sleep Scheduled tasks while asleep Windows must be running in sleep mode
Windows Wake Timers Sleep Built-in Windows support Combine with Task Scheduler for tasks

Conclusion

Scheduling your PC to turn on automatically in Windows 11 is a powerful productivity tool. Depending on your needs:

  • Use BIOS/UEFI RTC Alarm for automatic power-on from shutdown.

  • Use Task Scheduler for waking your PC from sleep for automated tasks.

  • Enable Wake Timers in Windows settings to ensure tasks run reliably.

With these methods, your PC will be ready exactly when you need it, saving time and increasing efficiency.

FAQs: Schedule PC to Turn On Automatically in Windows 11

1. Can I schedule my laptop to turn on from a complete shutdown?
Yes, if your BIOS/UEFI supports RTC/Power On by Alarm.

2. Will Windows updates interfere with scheduled turn-on?
Occasionally, yes. Always check your schedule after major updates.

3. Can I schedule my PC to turn on only on weekdays?
Yes, BIOS alarms and Task Scheduler both support daily/weekly schedules.

4. Does my PC need to be plugged in?
Desktops must be plugged in. Laptops require sufficient battery for power-on.

5. Can I schedule multiple wake-up times?
Yes, create multiple tasks in Task Scheduler or set multiple alarms in BIOS if supported.

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