No Wake-on-LAN with USB Type-C Docking Station

Summary: USB Type-C USB 3.0-based docking stations and adapters equipped with an Ethernet port may only support Wake-on-LAN (WOL) from the sleep state. The system cannot be powered on from power off state using WOL. ...

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Symptoms

Computer Does Not Wake-on-LAN

If your computer is powered off (not in a sleep or hibernate state) and Ethernet connected using a USB Type-C based docking station or Ethernet adapter, you cannot wake the system from a complete power off state using Wake-on-LAN.

Cause

Dock Sleep State Support Scenarios

  • The Dell Thunderbolt 3 Dock (TB16) is not affected by this issue. It will Wake-on-LAN (WOL) from S3, S4, or S5 sleep states.
  • The Dell USB Type-C Dock (WD15) versions A00 through A03 only support WOL from the S3 power state.
    NOTE: A firmware update is available on the Dell Support site: Drivers & Downloads.
  • WD15 Docks version A04, like the TB16 supports WOL from S3, S4 or S5 sleep states.
  • The DA200 multiport adapter only supports WOL from the S3 power state.
  • The Dell Docking Station WD19 Supports Wake-on-LAN from S3, S4, or S5 sleep state with select Dell systems.
  • Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD19TB Supports Wake-on-LAN from S3, S4, or S5 sleep state with select Dell systems.
NOTE: See the Dell Docks Compatibility Guide for which computers are compatible with what docking stations (English Only).

Resolution

Enable Wake-on-LAN From Sleep State

There are several settings that must be configured to enable Wake-on-LAN with USB docks/adapters. 

The BIOS must be configured to allow USB devices to wake the system. See the manual for your computer for the options available in the BIOS for your computer.

NOTE: See the Dell Knowledge Base article Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product on how to obtain the manual for your computer.

Power settings for the USB Ethernet adapter must be configured. To configure the power settings, perform the following steps.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Click the arrow next to Network adapters.
  3. Right-click the USB Ethernet adapter (the exact name varies) listing, and select Properties.
  4. Select the Power Management tab, ensure that all three boxes are checked.
  5. Next, select the Advanced tab.
  6. Scroll down to the Wake on Magic Packet listing, and ensure it is Enabled from the Value menu.
  7. Scroll down to the Wake on pattern match listing, and ensure it is Enabled from the Value menu.
  8. Scroll down to the WOL & Shutdown Link Speed property listing, and select Not Speed Down from the Value menu.
  9. Click OK.
  10. The final requirement is that the computer must be plugged into AC power in order for Wake-on-LAN to function.

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Affected Products

Dell Dock WD15, Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16, Dell Adapter - USB-C to HDMI/VGA/Ethernet/USB 3.0 DA200, Dell Dock WD19, Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD19TB
Article Properties
Article Number: 000144618
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 24 Oct 2025
Version:  8
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