How to Automatically Turn on a Computer at a Specified Time

This updated guide examines How to Automatically Turn on a Computer at a Specified Time and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1

Using a PC

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 usuallyDel,F8, orF12, orF10. 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 .
2. Navigate toPower on AlarmorRTC Alarmoption. The name of this menu varies by manufacturer and may be in a menu called Advanced .^[2]
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 .
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]
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

Using a Mac

1. Click the Applemenu. It's in the menu bar at the top-left corner of the screen.
2. ClickSystem Preferences. It's near the middle of the menu.
3. ClickEnergy Saver. This is a light bulb-shaped icon.^[4]
4. Click theSchedulebutton. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window.
5. Check the box next to "Start up or wake. " This option is at the top of the Schedule window.
6. 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.).
7. 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.
8. ClickOK. It's at the bottom of the window. Your Mac will now start itself at your specified time.