“Restore after AC Power Loss” doesn’t work with my MSI motherboard

Troubleshooting “Restore after AC Power Loss” on MSI MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI Motherboard

Remote power management is an increasingly popular feature, providing users the convenience to turn their PCs on or off remotely or automatically restore power after an outage. However, some users experience difficulties with these functionalities not performing as expected. If you’re using an MSI MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI motherboard and find that the “Restore after AC Power Loss” setting isn’t working, this guide aims to help diagnose and resolve the issue.

Understanding the “Restore after AC Power Loss” Setting

The “Restore after AC Power Loss” option in BIOS/UEFI firmware determines how your system responds when power is restored after an outage. Typical options include:

• Power Off: The PC remains off after power resumes.
• Power On: The PC automatically powers on when AC power is restored.
• Last State: The PC restores to its previous power state before the outage.

Correct configuration is crucial for remote power management solutions such as smart plugs, which depend on the motherboard’s power-restoration settings to function correctly.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Steps

If you’ve configured your motherboard to “Power On” after AC power loss but experience no response, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify BIOS/UEFI Settings

2. Reboot your system and enter the BIOS/UEFI firmware setup.

3. Navigate to the Power Management or ACPI configuration section.
4. Confirm that the “Restore after AC Power Loss” is indeed set to “Power On.”

5. Save changes and exit.

6. Check for BIOS/UEFI Firmware Updates

7. Ensure your motherboard has the latest firmware installed. Manufacturers often release updates to fix bugs or improve hardware compatibility.

8. Visit MSI’s official website, locate your motherboard model (MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI), and follow their update procedures.

9. Test with Different Power Cycles

10. Unplug the power cord, wait for a brief period, then plug it back in to simulate a power outage.

11. Alternatively, restart the power supply manually if it has a switch or reset button.

12. Observe whether the PC powers on automatically.

13. Test the Smart Plug Functionality

14. Use your smart plug to remotely turn off/on power to the PC.

15. Note that some motherboards may require a soft reset or a specific BIOS setting (e.g.,