How to Create a Hotspot in Windows 11

Windows 11 allows you to turn your computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot. With this, you can broadcast your Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular data connection to allow other devices to connect to it.^[1] If you would like to do this, then follow the steps in this wikiHow article to learn how!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Turning on the Mobile Hotspot

1. Open the Start Menu, and then open settings.^[2]
   
2. Select "Network & Internet" in the left panel.^[3]
   
3. Click or touch the toggle switch in the box that says, "Mobile hotspot". This will enable the mobile hotspot.
   
4. Click or touch the box that says "Mobile hotspot".^[4]
   
5. Select "Properties" to expand the network information. This will show the network name and password, which you will need to connect to the network.
   

[Edit]Configure the Mobile Hotspot

1. Open the Start Menu, and then open settings.
   
2. Select "Network & Internet" in the left panel.
   
3. Click or touch the box that says "Mobile hotspot".
   
4. Know that you can change two main properties of how the connection is shared:^[5]
   
   • You can select the "Share my internet connection from" dropdown box to change if the connection is shared via Ethernet (wired internet), Wi-Fi, or a cellular connection. The dropdown box will only show the connections that you have available.
   • You can select the "Share over" dropdown box to decide how you want to share the internet connection. You can share the connection over Wi-Fi, or over Bluetooth. The dropdown box will only show the options that are available.^[6]
5. Decide if you want power saving on. Power saving will automatically turn off the mobile hotspot if it detects that no devices are connected to it for a while. This can help save power on your PC to conserve battery power.
   
   • Note: If the power saver turns off the mobile hotspot, then it will not turn back on if you try to connect a device to it. You will have to go back into settings and turn it on manually.
6. Select "Properties" to expand the network information.
   
7. Click or touch . This will bring up a dialog box that lets you edit the network name, password, and band. Change the text or options in the appropriate boxes to change that setting.
   
   • The network password must be at least eight characters long. You cannot have an open network (no password).
   • For the network band, 2.4 GHz is slower, but can go further. 5 GHz is faster, but cannot go as far, and older devices may not be able to connect to it. If you decide to choose a band, keep this in mind.^[7]
8. Click once you have configured the network settings.
   

[Edit]Tips

• You can use this as an emergency Wi-Fi router if your main one breaks.
• Windows 10 can also do this.

[Edit]Warnings

• This is not a complete replacement for a normal Wi-Fi router, as it can only accept eight devices. Don't use it as your day-to-day Wi-Fi router.
• Your PCs Wi-Fi card likely does not have the same power output as a router does, so the signal will not travel as far.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Create a Hotspot in Windows 10

[Edit]Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fixing computer issues, check out our in-depth with [v161108_b01].

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-your-windows-pc-as-a-mobile-hotspot-c89b0fad-72d5-41e8-f7ea-406ad9036b85#WindowsVersion=Windows_11
2. ↑ [v161108_b01]. 11 September 2019.
3. ↑ [v161108_b01]. 11 September 2019.
4. ↑ [v161108_b01]. 11 September 2019.
5. ↑ [v161108_b01]. 11 September 2019.
6. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-your-windows-pc-as-a-mobile-hotspot-c89b0fad-72d5-41e8-f7ea-406ad9036b85#WindowsVersion=Windows_11
7. ↑ https://kb.netgear.com/29396/What-is-the-difference-between-2-4-GHz-5-GHz-and-6-GHz-wireless-frequencies