How to Create a Wi-Fi Hotspot on Windows 11

Turning your Windows 11 PC into a Wi-Fi hotspot lets you share its internet connection (Ethernet, cellular, or another Wi-Fi) with your phone, tablet, or other devices. This guide walks you through the built-in Mobile Hotspot feature—no extra software needed—and covers common pitfalls and fixes.

What You’ll Need

A Windows 11 PC with a working internet connection (via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular).
The PC must have a Wi-Fi adapter that supports hosted networks (most do).
Administrator rights on the PC (to change network settings).
The device you want to connect (phone, tablet, etc.) with Wi-Fi capability.

Step-by-Step

Open Settings: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Go to Network & Internet: In the left sidebar, click Network & Internet.
Select Mobile Hotspot: Click on Mobile Hotspot in the list of network options.
Turn on the Hotspot: Toggle the Mobile Hotspot switch to On. Windows will automatically share your current internet connection (the one marked as “Connected” under Share my internet connection from).
Choose the connection to share (if needed): If you have multiple connections (e.g., Ethernet and Wi-Fi), click the dropdown under Share my internet connection from and select the one that has internet access.
Set the hotspot name and password: Click the Edit button (pencil icon). In the dialog, enter a Network name (SSID) and a Network password (at least 8 characters). Click Save.
Connect your device: On your phone or other device, open Wi-Fi settings, find the network name you set, enter the password, and connect.
Monitor connected devices: Back in the Mobile Hotspot settings, you’ll see a list of connected devices and their IP addresses. You can also turn the hotspot off/on from the quick settings panel (click the Wi-Fi/Network icon in the taskbar).

Common Mistakes

Choosing the wrong source connection: If your PC is connected to Wi-Fi and you also have Ethernet, make sure you share the connection that actually has internet. Sharing a dead connection will result in no internet on the hotspot.
Weak or no signal: The hotspot’s range is limited. Keep the host PC close to the device you’re connecting, and avoid thick walls or metal objects.
Forgetting the password: You set the password once; if you forget it, go back to Mobile Hotspot settings and click Edit to see or change it.
Turning off the PC: The hotspot stops when the PC sleeps or shuts down. Adjust power settings if you need it to stay on.

Tips

Use a strong password: At least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to prevent unauthorized access.
Keep the host PC plugged in: Sharing internet drains battery faster. Plug into a power outlet for long sessions.
Limit connected devices: The more devices, the slower the connection. Disconnect devices when not in use.
Use the quick toggle: Click the network icon in the taskbar, then click the Mobile Hotspot button to turn it on/off quickly without going into Settings.
Check data usage: If you’re sharing a cellular connection, monitor data usage in Settings > Network & Internet > Data usage to avoid overage charges.

Troubleshooting

Hotspot won’t turn on or devices can’t connect:

Restart the PC: A simple reboot often resolves temporary network issues.
Run the network troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, then run Network Adapter and Internet Connections.
Check if your Wi-Fi adapter supports hosted networks: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run netsh wlan show drivers. Look for Hosted network supported: if it says “No,” your adapter cannot create a hotspot with this method. You may need a USB Wi-Fi adapter that supports it.
Update Wi-Fi drivers: Go to Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, and choose Update driver. Search automatically for updates.
Disable and re-enable the Wi-Fi adapter: In Device Manager, right-click the adapter and select Disable device, then Enable device.
Turn off power saving for the adapter: In Device Manager, right-click the adapter, go to Power Management, and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
Check firewall or antivirus: Some security software may block the hotspot. Temporarily disable it (if safe) to test, then re-enable and add an exception if needed.
Reset network settings: As a last resort, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. This removes all network adapters and resets them to defaults. You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and reconfigure any VPNs afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share a Wi-Fi connection that I’m already connected to?
Yes, Windows 11 allows you to share a Wi-Fi connection. The hotspot will create a separate network, and your PC acts as a bridge.

Why is my hotspot slower than my regular internet?
The hotspot uses your PC’s Wi-Fi adapter, which may have a lower range and throughput than a dedicated router. Also, the distance between your PC and the connected device matters. Try moving closer.

Can I set a 5 GHz hotspot?
Yes, if your Wi-Fi adapter supports 5 GHz. In Mobile Hotspot settings, click Edit and choose 5 GHz under Band. Note that 5 GHz has shorter range but faster speeds.

How many devices can connect to my Windows 11 hotspot?
There’s no fixed limit, but in practice, 8–10 devices is typical. Performance degrades with more connections, especially if they’re all active.

Does using the hotspot use extra data?
It uses the data from your internet connection. If you’re on a metered connection (like cellular), yes, it counts toward your data plan.

Can I use the hotspot while the PC is in sleep mode?
No, the hotspot stops when the PC sleeps. To keep it active, change the sleep settings in Settings > System > Power & battery, or use the Power mode to keep the PC awake.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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