File Extension Database

Open WOL File

The .WOL (Wake On LAN) file format is primarily associated with the technology used to activate systems remotely. This capability allows network administrators to power on machines remotely, especially beneficial during off-hours maintenance or when a system needs to be accessed remotely when the system is powered down. However, handling these files often demands specialized software or deep understanding of computer network protocols.

Wake-On-LAN Technology and WOL file Extensions

Wake-On-LAN (WOL) is a protocol that allows a computer to be turned on or awakened by a network message. The message is usually sent by a simple program executed on another computer on the same local area network. This protocol involves sending a "magic packet" with the business end comprising of six bytes of 255 (in hexadecimal FF) followed immediately by sixteen duplicates of the target computer's MAC address. Being a data link layer protocol, it relies heavily on the physical address (MAC address) of the network card. Files with the .WOL extension essentially contain instructions for this protocol to execute. More details can be found here.

Software for Implementing Wake-On-LAN

To send the magic packet over a network, one needs software. Different varieties of software are available to both send the magic packet and ensure that your system can receive and interpret it. A software like Depicus Wake On Lan is an example of a simple GUI-based software that sends magic packets correspondingly. A list of compatible software to use with the WOL files, either for creating or executing them, can be found on the official Wake-on-LAN website.

Dedicated Sleep Mode: A Key Element

One crucial component to using Wake-On-LAN technology is to ensure the target machine is set to a dedicated sleep mode. Doing this has the effect of cutting power to much of the system while keeping the network card active and listening for the magic packet. Details on how to set up a system to accommodate this can vary widely from one system to another, but a good guide on organizing this for different operating systems can be found at the howtogeek website.

WOL File Important Information

A file extension is the set of three or four characters at the end of a filename that indicate what kind of file it is. For programs to open WOL files, it is required for the software to understand how to interpret the data inside. This is not to mean that any .WOL files in computers pose a security risk. It only implies that incorrect usage doesn't have any effects. In conclusion, while the WOL file extension helps effectively in remote access activities, it also requires specialized understanding and software to make use of it.

How Can I Open WOL File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open WOL file is to find a WOL file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a WOL file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open WOL file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as WOL file opener then try to search online for "WOL viewer", "application to open WOL file" or "open WOL file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open WOL file

How Can I Open WOL File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a WOL file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a WOL file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with WOL file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as WOL file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open WOL file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open WOL file then try to search for "WOL viewer", "application to open WOL file" or "read WOL file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read WOL file

How Can I Open WOL File on Android

If you downloaded a WOL file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded WOL file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "WOL".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "WOL viewer", "WOL file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open WOL File on iPhone or iPad

To open WOL File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the WOL file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "WOL". This way you can find apps which can open WOL files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "WOL viewer" or "WOL file" online in your favorite search engine.

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