Buzz
This guide explains how to create a Wi-Fi hotspot using your computer's internet connection by leveraging the Command Prompt. To proceed, you must have administrator privileges on your computer.
Steps
Create a hotspot
⊞ Win- On Windows 8, move your cursor to the top-right corner of the screen and click on the magnifying glass icon.
Type command prompt into the Start menu. This will display the Command Prompt icon.
- If you're using a laptop with a touchpad but no mouse buttons, tap two fingers on the touchpad to perform a right-click.
Click on Run as administrator (Run with admin rights). This option appears in the right-click menu.
- If the Run as administrator option is missing, you won't be able to create a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Click Yes when prompted. The Command Prompt window will open on your screen.
Type NETSH WLAN show drivers and press ↵ Enter. This command confirms whether your computer can create a hotspot using Command Prompt.
Look for "Yes" next to "Hosted network supported". If you see "Yes" here, your computer supports the Hosted Network feature, allowing you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot.
- If you don't see "Yes", your computer cannot create a Wi-Fi hotspot using Command Prompt.
Enter the following code into Command Prompt:
- Press ↵ Enter after entering the code. Replace "NETWORKNAME" (Network Name) and "PASSWORD" with your desired hotspot credentials.
netsh wlan ''set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=NETWORKNAME key=PASSWORD
Type NETSH WLAN start hostednetwork and press ↵ Enter. This activates your Wi-Fi hotspot.
Exit Command Prompt. Your hotspot is now active, and you can share it for others to connect.
Share Network
control panel
Click on Control Panel. This option appears at the top of the Start window.
Click on Network and Internet (Network and Internet). This option is located in the middle of the page.
Click on Network & Sharing Center (Network and Sharing Center). You'll find this option near the top of the page.
Click on Change adapter settings (Change adapter settings). This link is located in the top-left corner of the window.
Right-click on the name of your current network connection. You'll find this option at the top of the "Change adapter settings" window.
Click on Properties (Properties). This option is at the bottom of the displayed menu.
Click on the Sharing (Sharing) tab. This option is located at the top of the window.
Check the box "Allow other network users to connect..." (Allow other network users to connect…). This option is at the top of the window.
Click on the box below the heading "Home networking connection" (Home networking connection). You'll find this option in the middle of the page.
Click on the name of your hotspot. The name might appear as "Local Area Connection * #".
Click on OK. Now, nearby devices can connect to your Wi-Fi hotspot.
Tips
- Enter netsh wlan stop hostednetwork in Command Prompt to turn off the hotspot.
Warning
- Creating a hotspot will expose your network connection. Be cautious when doing this in crowded places like airports or coffee shops.
