F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems Enable wake-on-lan with Multiboot and select operating system from a remote location (such as Google Home)

Enable wake-on-lan with Multiboot and select operating system from a remote location (such as Google Home)

Enable wake-on-lan with Multiboot and select operating system from a remote location (such as Google Home)

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Ward12
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09-12-2023, 03:32 PM
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I’m attempting to utilize my Google Home mini to activate my PC and switch it to a particular operating system. Many users have searched online for methods to remotely adjust the OS during boot, though results so far have been limited, especially with consumer devices. The goal is simple: I say, “Hey Google, Boot Windows,” and the PC should start with Windows installed. If I say, “Hey Google, Boot Ubuntu,” it should boot Ubuntu instead. The only challenge is setting up a Raspberry Pi Zero W (model v1.3) between my PC and the Google Home. Using services like iFttt or custom commands in the Google app should make this feasible. Once the Pi receives the command, it should trigger a script that switches the boot device in Grub2 to the desired OS—potentially by connecting the Pi to the PC as a virtual USB drive (see the Raspberry Pi documentation). After that, the Pi would send a WOL packet to the PC, prompting it to load the selected operating system. This approach could also work without the Google Home, allowing remote control from anywhere. I haven’t tried this yet and would appreciate any guidance or tips you can offer. Once completed, I’ll let you know the outcome. PS: If any LMG employee sees this and decides to create a video tutorial, please share so I don’t have to figure it out myself. Sorry for the unclear English—I’m not a native speaker.
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Ward12
09-12-2023, 03:32 PM #1

I’m attempting to utilize my Google Home mini to activate my PC and switch it to a particular operating system. Many users have searched online for methods to remotely adjust the OS during boot, though results so far have been limited, especially with consumer devices. The goal is simple: I say, “Hey Google, Boot Windows,” and the PC should start with Windows installed. If I say, “Hey Google, Boot Ubuntu,” it should boot Ubuntu instead. The only challenge is setting up a Raspberry Pi Zero W (model v1.3) between my PC and the Google Home. Using services like iFttt or custom commands in the Google app should make this feasible. Once the Pi receives the command, it should trigger a script that switches the boot device in Grub2 to the desired OS—potentially by connecting the Pi to the PC as a virtual USB drive (see the Raspberry Pi documentation). After that, the Pi would send a WOL packet to the PC, prompting it to load the selected operating system. This approach could also work without the Google Home, allowing remote control from anywhere. I haven’t tried this yet and would appreciate any guidance or tips you can offer. Once completed, I’ll let you know the outcome. PS: If any LMG employee sees this and decides to create a video tutorial, please share so I don’t have to figure it out myself. Sorry for the unclear English—I’m not a native speaker.

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