Wake a Windows PC from sleep on a schedule.
WakeRunner is a free utility for Windows 10 and 11. It wakes the PC at set times, opens an app, and keeps the PC awake until each wake time ends.
- Free
- Windows 10 and 11
- Local only
- Tray app
How a night goes
Example: one wake time, 02:00 to 05:00.
- 23:30
Asleep
You put the PC to sleep, or Windows does after the idle timeout. WakeRunner has set a wake timer for 02:00.
- 02:00
PC wakes
Windows resumes from sleep on the wake timer.
- 02:00
WakeRunner opens the app
The default is Google Chrome. It can be any .exe, or nothing.
- 02:00 to 05:00
Kept awake until 05:00
WakeRunner holds a temporary power request until 05:00, so Windows does not sleep. The power plan is not changed.
- 05:00
Back to sleep
WakeRunner releases the power request. Windows sleeps again under the normal power settings. The wake is added to the history.
What it changes on Windows
WakeRunner asks before changing either setting. Both can be reverted in the app.
"Allow wake timers", on every power plan
Wake timers have no effect while this is off. WakeRunner turns it on for every power plan, so a plan switch does not cancel a wake.
Signing back in after an update restart
With this on, Windows signs back in to the account after an update restart. With it off, the restart ends at the sign-in screen and the app can't open.
What it needs
- Windows 10 or 11.
- Sleep or hibernate. A PC that is shut down or switched off at the wall can't be woken.
- Power. Plugged in, or enough battery to last until the end time.
- The wake test, once. WakeRunner puts the PC to sleep and checks that it wakes without input. Some laptops don't wake on timers.
Privacy
Nothing runs in the cloud. Schedules, settings and the wake history are stored on the PC.
FAQ
What is it used for?
Work that is scheduled for when nobody is at the PC:
- Overnight browser automation, or scheduled agents in Chrome
- Backups and syncs
- Large downloads, game updates and Windows updates
- Scheduled renders or builds
- A PC that is on and ready at the start of the working day
Does it work on a laptop with the lid closed?
Some laptops don't wake on timers with the lid closed. Run the wake test with the lid closed to check.
What happens if the wake test fails?
WakeRunner offers hibernate instead of sleep. Some PCs that don't wake from sleep on a timer do wake from hibernate. Run the test again after switching.
Can it start a PC that is shut down?
No. Wake timers only work from sleep or hibernate.
Does it work on a managed work PC?
Not if Group Policy disables wake timers or locks the power settings. Policy takes precedence over WakeRunner's change. Ask the PC's administrator.
Does it change my power plan?
Only the "Allow wake timers" setting. Staying awake until the end time uses a temporary power request. Sleep and screen timeouts are not changed.
Who makes WakeRunner?
Chief. WakeRunner is a free, standalone utility and doesn't need a Chief account.
Chief's website: gochief.net
Download
The first release isn't out yet.