Finally, Windows 10 has a standard and simple function that allows you to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi from a laptop or computer. This feature is called "Mobile Hotspot". This is a separate tab in the settings, where you can literally launch a Wi-Fi access point in just a few clicks. All you need is to set the name and password of the Wi-Fi network that the laptop will distribute, and indicate the Internet connection from which you want to distribute the Internet to your devices.

Now, in order to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi in Windows 10, you do not need to perform complex configuration of an access point via the command line, as I wrote in the article How to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi from a laptop in Windows 10, or use third-party programs. It is enough to set up the “Mobile hotspot” and activate the wireless access point function. You might also be interested in 8 hidden features of Windows 10.

So, in order to enable the access point, click on the “Start” button on the taskbar and click on the “Settings” icon or press the keyboard shortcut + I

Go to the "Network and Internet" section.

In the “Network and Internet” section, open the “Mobile hotspot” tab

In the “Mobile hotspot” tab that opens, we see that the wireless network name (SSID) and password are assigned automatically, but you can change the network name and password by clicking on the “Change” button

In the “Change network information” window, change the network name and network password (at least 8 characters), click the “Save” button

Next, in the “Internet connection sharing” drop-down list, select the connection through which you are connected to the Internet, it does not have to be “Ethernet”, it can be a wireless network or the name of your 3G/4G modem. See also How to see the password hidden by asterisks in the browser and How to register on Instagram from a computer.

To launch the mobile hotspot, click on the switch next to “Allow the use of my Internet connection on other devices.”

Now that the mobile hotspot is configured and turned on, any Wi-Fi-enabled devices can connect to it. 8 devices can be connected to the access point at the same time. Information about connected devices will be displayed in the same window.

I decided to connect my 3G USB modem to my laptop and try to launch the Mobile Hotspot. After all, many people use the Internet through 3G/4G modems, and want to distribute it to their mobile devices, without buying a router. This method will suit you, everything works great.

This is roughly what it will look like for you

Managing the Mobile Hotspot feature

You can disable the function itself and stop distributing the Internet by simply setting the switch to the “Off” position. in the settings window.

Everything is very convenient and easy to set up. You will also be interested in TOP jokes from Google and Yandex developers and Temporary mailbox for registration.

Possible problems when distributing the Internet in Windows 10 through a mobile hotspot, and their solutions

As I wrote above, during the process of starting the access point, you may encounter various errors. When I tried to launch a mobile hotspot on a desktop computer with a TP-LINK TL-WN720NR adapter, I also encountered the error “Cannot set up a mobile hotspot. Turn on Wi-Fi.” No matter what I did, I could not start the virtual network. At the same time, on the same computer, with this adapter, it is possible to start Internet distribution via the command line without any problems.

Error "Cannot set up mobile hotspot. Please turn on Wi-Fi"

This error looks like this:

According to my observations, this error appears due to problems in the Wi-Fi adapter driver, or because the virtual adapter is disabled. At the same time, as I wrote above, I could not overcome this error on one computer. Although, all the necessary drivers were there in the device manager, and they worked. Even if your Wi-Fi is turned off with a button, the mobile hotspot starts up smoothly.

If you think logically, then the problem is definitely not the lack of a wireless adapter driver, because if there were no driver, then the “Mobile Hotspot” tab would not exist at all. Just like the "Wi-Fi" tabs in the settings.

The problem needs to be looked for in Device Manager. First of all, try updating the Wi-Fi adapter driver. Reinstall it by downloading it from the manufacturer's website. If this does not help, then go to Device Manager and check if "Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter" is there. It may have a number at the end. It is through this adapter that the laptop distributes Wi-Fi in this way.

To do this, you first need to enable the display of hidden devices. If there is an icon near the "Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter" adapter, then right-click on it and select "Enable".

A few more solutions

1 Error "This Internet connection cannot be shared because there is no connection to the mobile network."

I got this error when I tried to start distributing the Internet when connected via a 3G modem. Everything was resolved simply by restarting the Internet connection. Make sure the Internet on your computer is working. You can restart your computer, connect to the Internet and start everything again.

2 Error: "The mobile hotspot could not be set up because the computer does not have an Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular network connection."

You will most likely see this error only if your computer is not actually connected to the Internet. Check the connection.

This error also appears when you are connected to the Internet via PPPoE (high-speed connection). The mobile hotspot does not see such Internet connections.

3 Devices do not connect to the running Wi-Fi network. I have not encountered such a problem, but anything can happen. Most often, the connection is blocked by antiviruses and firewalls. Disable them and check your network connection.

What is a hot spot? This is a feature of mobile devices that makes them an impromptu access point for other devices equipped with a Wi-Fi module. Simply put, a device in hotspot mode serves as a repeater: it accesses the Internet via a mobile network, while simultaneously acting as a Wi-Fi access point for other devices. A simple way to distribute Internet from your phone to your laptop and vice versa.

How to distribute Internet from an Android smartphone to a laptop?

Do you urgently need Internet access, but as luck would have it, your provider started repairs, or you find yourself outside the Wi-Fi coverage area? The problem will be solved by any mobile device equipped with both Wi-Fi and GSM modules - you just need to activate and configure the hotspot function.

Using the hotspot function is possible on Android version 2.2 and higher. This is done like this:

1. Go to settings by clicking on the “gear” icon on the desktop or in the “curtain”.
2. Going to the “networks and connections” section, select “modem and access point”.
3. Click "create a Wi-Fi hotspot." When you first start it, you will need to come up with a name for the access point - this is how it will be displayed in the list of possible connections of other devices.
4. Next, configure network security by selecting “open (network)”, WPA PSK or WPA PSK2.

Reference. WPA is a signal encryption system for wireless data exchange between devices, protecting information from unauthorized interception. The higher the degree of protection, the greater the load on the device operating in hotspot mode. You can select an open network when connecting multiple devices for general Internet surfing. WPA PSK is suitable for working with 1-2 devices. WPA PSK2 is recommended for storing important data - for example, when online banking or exchanging confidential information.

1. It is advisable to set a password in the appropriate field to prevent users from connecting “from the street” - this can significantly “drain” the speed. The password must contain at least 8 characters, one of which is a Latin letter.

Connecting to an improvised access point is no different from joining a regular Wi-Fi network. That is, you can easily connect a device on IOS or Windows to the access point on Android.

What to do if there is no button on your smartphone?

This instruction is relevant for “pure” Android. Many developers install shells on smartphones that change the algorithm of actions. The main thing is to understand the principle, which is the same in any case. One of the useful additions from manufacturers is the placement of the activation button in the “curtain”. This innovation is indispensable if you have to use the hot spot frequently.

Users of shells that do not provide for turning on a hotspot with one touch can, if desired, correct the situation by installing the appropriate application for placing a button on the desktop.

The latter offer the user convenient widgets that display the network status, data exchange speed, number of connected devices and other information. Naturally, such programs require greater performance from the platform.

Hotspot on iOS

Apple also allows its users to run hotspots on their iPhone. This is done like this:

1. In the “Settings” section, select the “Cellular” item.
2. In the menu, find the “Modem Mode” option and move the slider to the “On” position. Please note that if your operator's tariff does not include mobile Internet traffic, this option may not be available.
3. The hotspot is activated, you can connect. On the status bar you can see the number of connected devices.
4. If necessary, set or change the password, setting a minimum 8-digit code that includes numbers and letters of the Latin alphabet.

Please note that some features of your iPhone may not be available when using hotspot mode. Basically, functions associated with a large volume of traffic do not work: uploading photos to a remote media library, backing up data to the iCloud cloud service and the like.

With the Instant Hotspot feature, you can use multiple (Mac, iPhone, iPad) connected to one access point without entering a password. To do this, the same Apple ID account must be active on all gadgets.

Important information

Hotspot is a great way to quickly access the Internet in case of an emergency. But you should not perceive this function as a replacement for a fixed access point. The connection speed may be insufficient or too expensive.

As a rule, mobile operators provide a prepaid traffic package as part of their tariff. In most cases, we are talking about several gigabytes - this is enough for surfing, mail and social networks. But when watching videos, using video calls, downloading large applications, or playing heavy online games, there may not be enough traffic. The package will be used up very quickly, and additional Internet “meters” will have to be purchased at an inflated price.

In addition, a hotspot drains the device’s battery very quickly, and using a smartphone while constantly recharging does not have the best effect on the battery life.

The Internet today is available on almost all devices. If you want to distribute the Internet from your computer on Windows 10, then you need two things - a module and download mHotspot for Windows 10. If you do not have the hardware component - a Wi-Fi module, then no program will help you. But the issue can be resolved if you purchase an additional Wi-Fi module. And if you use the OS on a laptop or modern tablet, then you probably already have all the necessary technologies and you just need the necessary software.

Download mHotspot to distribute the Internet from a PC on Windows 10

Sharing the Internet on a phone is much easier than on devices running Windows 10. Phones have this function in the basic settings, but in the Microsoft OS you have to install third-party software and configure it. But after this, you will be able to use the computer Internet even on your mobile phone, and this is a way to save on communications. mHotspot is a benchmark in the world of Internet software, and this is not just like that, but for the following reasons:

• The program does not load the computer;
• Quickly call functions from the tray;
• Possibility of additional network protection;
• Detailed connection statistics;

The Internet is a place where viruses await you. The latest version of mHotspot comes with a built-in simple antivirus that blocks unwanted and suspicious connections to your network. Remember, when you share the Internet, your device becomes more vulnerable. The network acts as a bridge between attackers and your devices. But if you create a network using the Russian version of mHotspot, then you can secure the network with a password, and you can also encrypt the traffic.

The program does not contain any complex settings, but at the same time it amazes with its functionality. Using a simple interface, you can create a network and adjust its parameters. mHotspot keeps detailed statistics inside, so you can study the traffic or the number of connected devices. You can do all this in the “Clients” tab. If necessary, you can use your PC to disconnect other devices from your network. If you want a network without a password or want to change the password, this is done through quick commands. It is clear that the developers wisely approached the design of mHotspot for Windows 10 32/64 bit, so out of all the variety of software for creating Wi-Fi points, we recommend that you download this one. At the same time, you can distribute the Internet speed if you now need speed for

Thanks to the mobile hotspot feature that has appeared, users can easily share the Internet with other computers and gadgets.

Contents:

Checking the OS version

The built-in hotspot creation feature appeared in the latest W10 OS update.

Previously, users could not set up wireless Internet distribution without the help of third-party gadgets or programs.

The mobile point option is supported only in version 1607 updates of the licensed dozen.

Before you start setting up distribution, you should check the version of the operating system you are using.

Follow the instructions:

• Press the key "Notification Center" ;
• A recent events tab and shortcut keys will appear on the left side of the screen. Click on the "Options" tile;

• In the window that opens, find the “System” tile and click on it;

• Open the "About" tab. Information about the PC parameters and installed OS will appear on the right side of the window;
• Check the value of the "Version" field. For the mobile spot function to work, only W 10 U pdate 1607 or newer system version.

If update 1607 is not installed on your computer, check for its availability on your PC and laptop you can as follows:

1 Go to the notification center again and open the "Options";

2 Click on "Update and Security";

3 In the new window, click on the check for updates button and wait for the process to complete. If there are available updates for your PC, a corresponding message will appear on the screen along with a button to start the installation. An active Internet connection is required for scanning and installation.

Important! Before installing updates, save the results of all open programs, as the computer will restart.

Update adapter drivers

After enabling the function, Internet distribution may not be supported by other gadgets due to the lack of the necessary network adapter drivers on the PC.

To update the software, you should do the following:

• Open Device Manager window by right-clicking on the “Windows” button;

• In the new window, find the tab "Network adapters" And unfold it. Then right-click on the section and click on the item "Update configuration". Make sure your WAN connection is turned on;

Now network devices will interact with this function without any problems.

Hosted network support

The feature will not work if the computer or laptop does not support the hosted network.

You can check this setting using the OS command line.

To check the option follow the instructions:

• Launch Command Prompt using Window "Search in Windows";
• Enter the command shown in the figure below into the window and click Enter to carry it out;

• In the system information that appears find the line shown in the figure below. The parameter value must be positive. Only in this case will it be possible to set up a working Internet distribution for other gadgets.

If there is no hosted network support, it means that you need to purchase an additional physical USB adapter, which works with such a function. The device is connected to the computer and mobile access is configured using it.

Create through the OS interface

If you are sure that you are using the correct version, downloaded the latest ones and checked the support of the hosted network, you can start setting up distribution.

Preliminary testing of all functions will ensure that you do not encounter errors as a result of creating an access point.

An easy way to create a spot is to use the interface Windows :

1 Go to the window "Windows Settings" and click on the section "Network and Internet";

2 Listed "Sharing" Select the type of Internet connection that is used on the computer. Wireless communication – connected to a PC, Ethernet– connection via cable, 3G– connection to the global network via . If the PC is currently connected to the Internet using only one type of connection, the system will automatically detect it;

3 Open the tab "Mobile hot spot" and in the right part of the window, activate the option enable slider;

Also, the window will contain information for connecting to the network. The network name is the name of your computer that you specified during the initial .

The password is determined by a set of random characters. You can change these settings by creating a stronger password or a new network name.

Just click on the key "Change" And enter the required values ​​in the window that opens:

Now the created access point will be displayed on all devices that work with . Start scanning available networks and select the name of the access point you created earlier. Enter your password and connect. The Internet connection on another gadget will be active as long as the function is enabled on the computer "Mobile hot spot".

On the computer, in the creation and settings window, the number of devices that are connected to Wi-Fi distribution will be displayed.

Also, you can view the device name, its and physical identifier.

Distribution via command line - suitable for all versions of Windows

This option for creating a hotspot suitable for all system versions Windows 10 . The only disadvantage of the method is that the function is worked not through the software interface of the operating system, but via command line:

• Open a command prompt on behalf of the administrator;
• Enter the command shown in the figure below, where NetworkName is the name of the network, NetworkPassword - access password;

As a result of successful execution of the command the following message will appear:

Troubleshooting

When you try to create it, the function window may display error messages. Until the problem is fixed, you will not be able to use the function.

Let's look at all types of errors, which may be encountered during the setup of the access point.

Hotspot setup error

If you see a message saying setup failed, first check your connection to your router.

The access point is not created due to the fact that the computer does not have .

Check Wi-Fi connection status or you can connect to another router by clicking on the corresponding symbol on the main toolbar. The following message will be displayed next to the network with an active connection: "Connected", but not "No Internet access". Otherwise, reboot the router and try connecting again.

No network connection

Another type of error is that due to the lack of the necessary drivers, the system cannot configure the point. The Internet is on the computer, but it is not created.

If in the settings window you see the same message as in the figure below, run . The update instructions were described above as a separate subsection.

After updating the driver software, go to "Windows Settings" and open the tab "Network and Internet".

Then select "State" in the window that opens, click on the field "Network reset". Then connect to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or modem again.

Gadgets do not connect to hotspot. What to do?

There are cases when the user completed the distribution and no system error messages appeared, but other gadgets cannot.

In this case, you need to disable your computer's firewall. Standard or third-party antivirus software may block the global network sharing feature.

To disable standard Windows Defender, in the OS settings window, open the field "Defender" and deactivate the function as shown in the picture below.

Then disable and restart mobile access. Now the gadgets should connect to the Internet distribution without any problems.

Benefits of connection

Use has the following advantages:

• Mobility . The user can configure the access point anywhere, regardless of their location or external conditions. The only requirement is that you have Internet access on your PC;
• Wireless connection . Internet distribution does not require additional programs, adapters or gadgets. Use only your PC and other device that needs to be connected to the global network;
• Data transfer speed reaches 11 Mbit/second . It is worth noting that the connection speed also depends on the provider’s tariff plan and on the number of devices connected to the access point. The fewer there are, the better the Internet speed;
• Easy feature setup . It can be created in a few minutes using ;
• Hot spot is beneficial to use when traveling, business trips and just in everyday life, because this way you don’t need to connect a paid tariff for using the Internet for everyone and. One device that has access to the Internet is enough.

Rules for safe use of the access point

If you care about the safety of your data (information about payment cards, logins, passwords, messages), always follow Rules for safe use of the hotspot function:

• When creating a distribution for the network, always set a complex access password . You cannot leave the access point free for use by third party gadgets. The password must consist of numbers and letters of upper and lower case, as well as special characters;
• If a computer or smartphone finds a free access point in a public place, you should connect to it only if you are not going to make any payment transactions or enter logins/passwords in the browser. An attacker can easily find out this data on an open network. Another way to safely use free networks is programs for creating VPN ;
• If you still need to use an unreliable open network and log in to the site, use two-factor authentication . It can be enabled in the settings of a social network, online banking or email client. To enter the site, you will need to enter not only a login-password pair, but also a unique access code, which will be sent to the linked number in the form of an SMS message.

Thematic videos:

Before setting up a wireless access point, make sure that you have an Internet connection and a working Wi-Fi adapter.

How to enable wireless hotspot in Windows 10 settings

To set up a wireless access point in Windows 10, you can do without special programs or entering commands into the console. All you need to do is make a couple of clicks in Settings.

1. In the Start menu, click on the Settings gear → Network and Internet → Mobile hotspot.

1. In “Internet Connection Sharing”, specify the connection through which the computer accesses the Internet. For example, Ethernet.

1. Under the network data, click on “Edit”.
2. In the form that opens, specify the network name and password - users will enter them to connect. Save them.

1. At the top of the page, turn on “Allow other devices to use my Internet connection.”

Ready. Using the network name and password, you can connect up to eight devices to the hotspot. And you can turn off Internet distribution in the same place where wireless communication is turned off - in the “Network” window on the taskbar.

And a little life hack: to prevent the hotspot from running idle, you can launch it remotely from another device. The function is activated in the same access point settings and works if you turn on Bluetooth on both devices and connect them to each other.

What to do if the mobile hotspot on Windows 10 does not turn on

And here comes the most interesting part. Configuring a wireless access point in the parameters is very simple in theory, but in practice, the system gives one of the errors to many users.

The author, for example, got “Unable to set up a mobile hotspot. Turn on Wi-Fi." Judging by Google queries and forum threads, this problem occurs frequently and its cause may lie in the Wi-Fi adapter driver.

There are several options to solve the problem.

• Reset settings: “Network and Internet” → “Status” → “Reset network”.
• Remove the Wi-Fi driver and download a new one from the manufacturer’s website. If the manufacturer has not released drivers for Windows 10 (as is the case with the author's five-year-old laptop), you can download a driver for Windows 8.
• See if the Microsoft Virtual Adapter is listed in Device Manager and enable it.
• Ignore all this and set up a hotspot in .

How to set up a wireless access point via the Windows 10 command line

If the easy way didn’t work, then this one will most likely help distribute the Internet.

1. Right-click on the “Start” button, in the menu that opens, select “Command Prompt (Administrator)” and enter the following commands into it one by one.
   • netsh wlan show drivers- to find out whether the Wi-Fi device supports distribution. In the text that appears in the window, find the line “Support for a hosted network” and make sure that it says “Yes”. If "No", try reinstalling or rolling back the driver and try again.

• netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=Stacy key=4419E1z#- to create a hot spot. Only instead of Stacy And 4419E1z# Enter your network name and password.
• netsh wlan start hostednetwork- to start the wireless access point.

1. Right-click on the “Start” button again, select “Network Connections” → right-click on the active connection → “Properties”.

1. Open “Access”, check the box “Allow other network users to use this computer’s Internet connection.” And in the field below, select the number ending with “Local Area Connection...”.

That's it, now you can connect your device to the hotspot, just like any Wi-Fi source: select your network from the list of available ones, enter the password and use it.

You can turn off Internet distribution with the command netsh wlan stop hostednetwork.