The Mobile Hotspot feature in Windows 11 allows you to share your PC’s internet connection with other devices over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet. It’s a convenient way to provide internet access when a router isn’t available. However, many users report issues where Mobile Hotspot won’t turn on, disconnects automatically, shows “We can’t set up mobile hotspot,” or connected devices don’t get internet access.
This issue is usually caused by network adapter problems, incorrect sharing settings, outdated drivers, Windows services not running, or system glitches. Fortunately, most Mobile Hotspot problems in Windows 11 can be resolved with built-in troubleshooting steps.
If Mobile Hotspot is not working on your Windows 11 PC, follow the detailed fixes below.
How to Fix Mobile Hotspot Not Working in Windows 11
Go through each solution in order. After completing a step, try enabling Mobile Hotspot again to check if the issue is resolved.
1. Restart Your PC and Network Devices
Temporary network glitches are a common cause of hotspot failures.
- Turn off Mobile Hotspot in Settings if it’s currently enabled.
- Restart your Windows 11 PC.
- Restart your router or modem (if you are using Wi-Fi or Ethernet internet).
- After rebooting, press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot.
- Try turning it On again.
If the problem was caused by a temporary network conflict, this should resolve it.
2. Ensure Wi-Fi Is Enabled
Mobile Hotspot requires a working Wi-Fi adapter, even if you are sharing Ethernet internet.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Click Wi-Fi.
- Make sure Wi-Fi is turned On.
- If it is off, enable it and try turning on Mobile Hotspot again.
If your device does not show Wi-Fi, the adapter driver may be missing or disabled.
3. Enable Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
Mobile Hotspot depends on the Internet Connection Sharing service.
- Press Windows + R, type:
services.msc - Press Enter.
- Locate Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
- Double-click it.
- Set Startup type to Automatic.
- Click Start if the service is not running.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Restart your PC and test the hotspot again.
4. Update Network Adapter Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent Mobile Hotspot from working.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter.
- Select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- Repeat the process for your Ethernet adapter if applicable.
- Restart your computer.
If updating does not work, try Uninstall device and restart your PC to reinstall the driver automatically.
5. Change Mobile Hotspot Band (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
Sometimes compatibility issues prevent devices from connecting.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot.
- Click Edit under Network properties.
- Change the Network band (switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
- Save changes and try connecting again.
If your connected device doesn’t support 5 GHz, switching to 2.4 GHz may fix the issue.
6. Run Network Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in network troubleshooter.
- Press Windows + I.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Locate Network Adapter.
- Click Run.
- Follow on-screen instructions.
This tool automatically detects and fixes common network configuration issues.
7. Reset Network Settings
If network configuration is corrupted, a reset may resolve the problem.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Click Advanced network settings.
- Select Network reset.
- Click Reset now.
- Restart your PC.
This reinstalls network adapters and resets network-related settings to default.
8. Disable Power Saving for Wi-Fi Adapter
Windows may turn off the Wi-Fi adapter to save power, causing the hotspot to disconnect.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties.
- Go to the Power Management tab.
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Click OK and restart your PC.
Try enabling Mobile Hotspot again.
9. Check for Windows Updates
Hotspot issues can sometimes be caused by system bugs.
- Press Windows + I.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install available updates.
- Restart your PC.
Updating Windows ensures your system includes the latest network fixes and improvements.
Conclusion
When Mobile Hotspot is not working in Windows 11, the issue is typically related to disabled services, outdated network drivers, incorrect adapter settings, or temporary system glitches. In most cases, restarting the system, enabling Internet Connection Sharing, updating drivers, or resetting network settings resolves the problem.
By carefully following the step-by-step methods above, you should be able to restore Mobile Hotspot functionality and share your internet connection without interruption. If the issue persists even after a network reset, the problem may be related to hardware compatibility or advanced network configuration settings that require further investigation.
