Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Mobile Hotspot for Internet Sharing on Windows 11

Sharing your PC’s internet connection via the Mobile Hotspot feature on Windows 11 is incredibly useful, especially when you want to connect multiple devices without traditional networking equipment. This guide will walk you through the setup process, ensuring you’re connected in no time!

Understanding the Mobile Hotspot

Mobile Hotspot functionality allows your Windows 11 computer to act as a miniature Wi-Fi router, giving you the ability to share an internet connection—be it Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or mobile data—with other devices. It’s perfect for providing convenient access for other computers, smartphones, and tablets.

With the latest updates, you can even select the network band for sharing. Choose from:

2.4GHz: Offers better range and compatibility.
5GHz: Provides faster speeds with less interference, but with a shorter range.
6GHz: Supports ultra-fast speeds and low latency—given your hardware is compatible.

Prerequisites for Setting Up

Before diving into the setup, ensure you meet these basic requirements:

Your PC must be connected to the internet via either an Ethernet cable, a Wi-Fi connection, or a cellular network.
A second wireless adapter is necessary to create an access point, facilitating the connection for other devices.

Configuring the Mobile Hotspot on Windows 11

To get your Mobile Hotspot up and running, follow these detailed steps:

Launch the Settings menu on your Windows 11 device.
Navigate to Network & internet.
Click on the Mobile hotspot option.
Select Ethernet in the “Share my internet connection from” dropdown.
In the “Share over” section, choose the Wi-Fi option.
Click the Edit button found under the “Properties” section.
Name your mobile hotspot. This will be the SSID other devices recognize.
Create a strong password for access by other devices.
Select the desired network band: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, or 6GHz.

Quick note: Ensure your network adapter supports the chosen band. The 6GHz band requires modern hardware.
Press Save to finish your configuration.
Toggle the Mobile hotspot switch to enable internet sharing.
(Optional) Disable the “Power saving” mode if you want to maintain the hotspot connection even with no devices connected.

Quick note: Consider keeping power-saving enabled when running on battery to avoid excessive drain.

Upon completing these steps, your other devices can now connect to your PC’s hotspot just like any standard Wi-Fi network. Enjoy seamless connectivity!

Managing the Mobile Hotspot Feature

If you need to enable or disable the Mobile Hotspot, follow these straightforward instructions:

Access the Settings menu again.
Navigate to Network & internet.
(Option 1) Enable the Mobile hotspot toggle switch to start sharing.
(Option 2) Disable the Mobile hotspot toggle switch when you no longer need this feature.

Additionally, you can quickly toggle the hotspot on or off through the Quick Settings flyout using the keyboard shortcut Windows key + A.

Quick Setting hotspot option / Image: Mauro Huculak

Connecting Devices to Your Mobile Hotspot

To connect another device to your newly established Wi-Fi hotspot, simply follow these steps:

Open Quick Settings from the Taskbar by pressing Windows key + A.
Click on the Manage Wi-Fi connections button.
Select your hotspot connection name.
Hit the Connect button.
Enter the connection password you set earlier.
Click Next to complete the connection.

You may also opt to scan the QR code generated by your hotspot using a camera app from devices running Windows, macOS, or Android. Simply tap the link to connect seamlessly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Though setting up a Mobile Hotspot on Windows 11 is generally straightforward, you might encounter occasional hurdles. Here are some quick troubleshooting tips to get you back on track:

Disabling the hotspot: If your hotspot shuts down after being inactive, consider switching off the Power saving feature.
Driver check: Ensure your Wi-Fi drivers are current. A system restart can often resolve minor glitches. Verify you’re sharing the right internet source and that the hotspot is enabled. If other devices struggle to connect, try adjusting the band between 2.4GHz, 5GHz, or 6GHz if available.
Connection stability: Confirm the power-saving option isn’t tampering with your hotspot connection. Restarting your device might alleviate temporary issues, and updating your network drivers can improve stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this guide helpful? If you had any challenges while setting up your Mobile Hotspot, feel free to leave your comments below!

Additional Insights

1. How many devices can I connect to the Mobile Hotspot?

You can connect up to eight devices at once via the Mobile Hotspot feature on Windows 11. If you require connections for more devices, consider investing in a dedicated router.

2. Can I alter DHCP settings or reserve IP addresses for connected devices?

No, the built-in Mobile Hotspot feature lacks the functionality for custom DHCP settings or IP address reservation. It is primarily designed for general internet sharing.

3. Which network band should I select for my hotspot?

Your choice of network band depends on your needs:

2.4GHz: Expands range and supports older technology.
5GHz: Offers higher speeds with reduced interference, albeit with a shorter range.
6GHz: Provides the fastest speeds and least latency, but also has limited coverage.

Note that support for the 6GHz band is only available starting with Windows 11 February 2025 update.

4. Is it possible to use Mobile Hotspot as a replacement for a wireless access point?

While it permits multiple devices to connect, the Mobile Hotspot serves primarily for on-the-go internet sharing. For robust networking needs, a dedicated router or wireless access point is preferable.

5. Will running a hotspot negatively impact my laptop’s battery life?

Yes, utilizing the Mobile Hotspot feature can drain your laptop’s battery quicker than usual, so ensure you have a power source available when possible.

6. Does using the hotspot deplete my data plan?

Absolutely. If sharing a cellular data connection, monitor your data limits, as utilizing a Mobile Hotspot can lead to significant data consumption.

Source & Images