This wikiHow teaches you how to get a Windows or Mac computer to turn itself on at any given time. If you are using a computer with any operating system (Windows or Linux), you can schedule the computer to turn on automatically using the BIOS. On a Mac, you can set the computer to turn on automatically via System Preferences.
Step
Method 1 of 2: On Windows
Step 1. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS
The option to start the computer at a certain time can be done through the BIOS, which can be accessed by pressing a key while the computer is booting. The key to press is usually Del, F8, F12, or F10. On newer Windows 10 computers, enter the BIOS by performing the following steps::
- Right click Start and select Settings.
- Click Updates & Security.
- Click Recovery.
- Click Restart Now under "Advanced Startup".
- Click Troubleshoot when the computer restarts.
- Click Advanced Options
- Click UEFI Firmware Settings, then click Restart.
Step 2. Navigate to the Power on Alarm option or RTC Alarm.
The name of the menu will vary by manufacturer and may be in a menu named Advanced.
Step 3. Determine the frequency of the schedule
How to do this will vary depending on the computer you are using. However, you usually have to use the directional keys on your keyboard to highlight the day you want your computer to turn on at a certain time. After that, you have to press a button to change the option to Enable (activate) or Disable (disable) for the day you have specified.
Depending on your computer's BIOS, there may be an option to select something more extensive, for example Every Day (every day).
Step 4. Enter the time you want the computer to turn on automatically
Usually you have to use the arrow keys to select the option named Time, although some BIOSes require you to enter hours, minutes, and seconds separately.
Step 5. Save your changes and exit BIOS
If the BIOS on your computer has a menu that continues to appear on the screen, you can save your changes and exit the BIOS by selecting File → Save Changes and Exit. If no menu always appears, the button to select Save or Save and Close will be clearly stated on the screen. After exiting the BIOS, the computer will restart as usual, and your changes will be saved.
Method 2 of 2: On Mac
Step 1. Click the Apple menu
You can find it in the menu bar in the upper left corner.
Step 2. Click System Preferences
You can find it in the middle of the menu.
Step 3. Click Energy Saver
The icon is in the shape of a light bulb.
Step 4. Click Schedule
It's in the lower-right corner.
Step 5. Check the box next to "Start up or wake"
This option is at the top of the Schedule window.
Step 6. Determine the frequency of the schedule
You can do this by clicking the drop-down box to the right of "Start up or wake", then selecting the frequency (eg. Every Day, Weekends, etc.).
Step 7. Set a time to turn on the computer automatically
Do this by adjusting the time in the box at the top right of the Schedule window.
Step 8. Click OK
It's at the bottom of the window. Now your Mac computer will turn on itself at the appointed time.