How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time
This wikiHow teaches you how to make your PC or Mac computer start up at a specific time. If you're using a PC running any operating system (Windows or Linux), you can schedule automatic startups in the system BIOS. If you're using a Mac,...
Method 1 of 2:
Using a PC
-
How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 1
Reboot your PC into the BIOS. The option to start your PC on a particular schedule is available in the BIOS, which you can access by pressing a specific key at boot time. This key is usually Del, F8, or F12, or F10. If you're using a newer Windows 10 PC, try using these steps to enter the BIOS:[1]:- Right-click the Start menu and select Settings.
- Click Update & Security.
- Click Recovery.
- Click Restart Now under "Advanced Startup."
- When the computer comes back up, click the Troubleshoot menu.
- Click Advanced Options
- Click UEFI Firmware Settings and click Restart.
-
How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 2
Navigate to Power on Alarm or RTC Alarm option. The name of this menu varies by manufacturer and may be in a menu called Advanced.[2] -
How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 3
Select a schedule frequency. The steps to do this vary by PC, but you'll usually use the arrow keys on the keyboard to highlight the day of the week on which you want the computer to start at a certain time, then press a key to toggle on Enable or Disable for that day.- Depending on the BIOS, you may have the option to choose a broader option like Every Day.
-
How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 4
Enter the time you want the PC to power on. You'll usually use the arrow keys to select an option called Time, though some BIOS settings require you to enter the hour, minute, and second separately.[3] -
How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 5
Save your changes and exit the BIOS. If your BIOS has a menu running along the time of the screen, you can usually save an exit by selecting the File menu and choosing Save Changes and Exit. If not, the Save or Save and Close key should be clearly marked on the screen. Once you've exited the BIOS, the PC will restart as normal and your changes will be saved.
Method 2 of 2:
Using a Mac
-
How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 6
Click the AppleHow to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 7
-
How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 8
Click System Preferences. It's near the middle of the menu. -
How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 9
Click Energy Saver. This is a light bulb-shaped icon.[4] -
How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 10
Click the Schedule button. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. -
How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 11
Check the box next to "Start up or wake." This option is at the top of the Schedule window. -
How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 12
Select a schedule frequency. To do so, click the drop-down box to the right of "Start up or wake", then select a frequency (e.g., Every Day, Weekends, etc.). -
How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 13
Set the start-up time. You'll do this by adjusting the time in the box in the top-right side of the Schedule window. -
How to Automatically Turn On a Computer at a Specified Time Picture 14
Click OK. It's at the bottom of the window. Your Mac will now start itself at your specified time.
4 ★ | 2 Vote
You should read it
- How to Check BIOS Version
- How to view the Last BIOS Time index in Windows 10
- How to Enter BIOS
- How to access BOOT, BIOS menu on Asus, Dell, Lenovo laptops
- Instructions for accessing BIOS on Windows 8
- How to Disable BIOS Memory Options
- How to fix the loss of the New menu in the right-click menu
- 5 tips for using the BIOS to help you master your computer
- Instructions for entering BIOS on different computers
- How to Change How Long Until a Mac Asks for Your Password
- 2 simple ways to remove SkyDrive Pro option in Windows 10 Right-click Menu
- How to Change Computer BIOS Settings