How to set up Mobile Hotspot to share your internet on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can share your PC’s internet connection with other nearby devices through the Mobile Hotspot feature, and in this guide, I’ll outline the steps to set up the feature.

What is a Mobile Hotspot?

The Mobile Hotspot feature transforms your computer into a mini Wi‑Fi router, allowing you to share an internet connection (whether it’s Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, or cellular) with your other devices, including other computers and phones.

You can also choose the network band to share the internet. You can use the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band, but a recent update allows you to use the 6GHz band on supported hardware.

What are the requirements?

Before you begin, make sure that:

• Your computer is connected to the internet through an Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, or cellular adapter.
• Your device includes a second wireless adapter that will work as an access point for other devices.

In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to set up a Mobile Hotspot on Windows 11. (You can use these instructions to set up the hotspot feature on Windows 10.)

Set up Mobile Hotspot feature on Windows 11

To configure a Mobile Hotspot on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on Network & internet.

3. Click the Mobile hotspot page.

   

4. Select the Ethernet option in the “Share my internet connection from” setting.

5. Choose the Wi-Fi option in the “Share over” setting.

   

   Quick tip: You can also share an internet connection over Bluetooth, but this is an alternative for low‑bandwidth or proximity‑limited connections.

6. Click the Edit button under the “Properties” section.

7. Confirm a name for the mobile hotspot.

8. Create a password that other devices will use to access the connection.

   

9. Choose the network band, including 2.4GHz, 5GHz, or 6GHz.

   Quick note: The option will be available if the network adapter supports these bands. You will also need a modern adapter to access the 6GHz band.

10. Click the Save button.

11. Turn on the Mobile hotspot toggle switch to start sharing the internet.

    

12. (Optional) Turn off the “Power saving” toggle switch to keep the feature running when no device is connected.

    Quick note: On laptops running on battery, it’s recommended to keep this feature turned on to prevent draining the battery.

Once you complete the steps, you can connect other devices to it just like you would connect to a regular Wi-Fi network.

Enable or disable the Mobile Hotspot

To enable or disable the hotspot feature, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Network & internet.

3. (Option 1) Turn on the Mobile hotspot toggle switch to enable the feature.

   

4. (Option 2) Turn off the Mobile hotspot toggle switch to disable the feature.

You can also open the Quick Settings flyout (Windows key + A) and toggle the hotspot button on or off.

Connect devices to the Mobile Hotspot

To connect another computer to the Wi-Fi hotspot, follow these steps:

1. Open Quick Settings from the Taskbar (Windows key + A).

   Quick tip: You can also click the network area in the Taskbar System Tray.

2. Click the Manage Wi-Fi connections button.

   

3. Select the wireless hotspot connection name.

4. Click the Connect button.

   

5. Confirm the connection password.

6. Click the Next button.

Alternatively, you can scan the barcode using the Camera app on Windows 11 (and 10), macOS, or on your Android or iPhone device, tap the link, and then connect your phone or computer to the internet.

Troubleshooting tips

Setting up a mobile hotspot on Windows 11 is a straightforward process, but you may sometimes run into problems that will need troubleshooting. For example:

• Windows 11 may turn off the hotspot after a period of inactivity to conserve battery power. If you require a constant connection, disable the “Power saving” feature in the hotspot settings.

• If the feature isn’t working, confirm your computer Wi‑Fi drivers are up to date. A simple reboot may also resolve temporary glitches. You should also double-check that the correct internet connection is selected and the hotspot is toggled on. Finally, if devices have trouble connecting, try switching from 5GHz to 2.4GHz. You can also try the 6GHz if available.

• If the hotspot disconnects unexpectedly, confirm that the power-saving feature isn’t automatically turning off your hotspot. Restart the computer to clear temporary glitches. You can also update the network adapter drivers, which may be outdated and cause connection instability.

Q&A

Below are common questions and answers when using the hotspot feature on Windows 11.

How many devices can I connect to the Mobile Hotspot?

Windows 11 supports up to eight concurrent connections. If you need more, consider a dedicated router.

Can I change the DHCP settings or reserve IP addresses for connected devices?

The built‑in mobile hotspot feature does not offer custom DHCP settings or IP reservations.

What network band should I choose?

The best option depends on your requirements and availability:

• 2.4GHz: Better range and compatibility with older devices.
• 5GHz: Faster speeds and less interference but a shorter range.
• 6GHz: Fastest speeds and lowest latency but also a shorter range.

The 6GHz band support is available starting with the release of the Windows 11 February 2025 update.

Can I use Mobile Hotspot to replace a wireless access point?

Although you can connect multiple devices, the Mobile Hotspot is designed to share the internet on the go. For a proper wireless setup, it’s best to use a dedicated access point or a router with built-in Wi-Fi.

Does running a hotspot have a negative impact on my laptop’s battery?

Yes, running a wireless hotspot can drain your laptop’s battery faster, so make sure you have enough power or are connected to a power source.

Does the hotspot feature use my data plan? 

Yes, if you’re sharing a cellular data connection, be aware of your data limits, as using a mobile hotspot can consume a lot of data.

Did you have any issues setting up this feature on your computer? Let me know in the comments.