How to Use Windows 11 PC as a Mobile Hotspot

There are times when you need to share your computer’s internet connection with other devices — whether your phone has weak Wi-Fi, your router is down, or you just want to connect a tablet on the go. Fortunately, Windows 11 includes a built-in feature that lets you turn your PC into a mobile hotspot.

This feature allows your Windows 11 computer to share its internet connection — wired, wireless, or cellular — with other nearby devices over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up, customize, and troubleshoot the mobile hotspot feature in Windows 11.

What You’ll Need

You’ll need a Windows 11 PC with an active internet connection and a wireless network adapter that supports hotspot functionality.

Tip: Most modern laptops include built-in Wi-Fi adapters that support mobile hotspot mode. If you’re using a desktop, make sure your Wi-Fi card or USB adapter supports network sharing.

Step 1: Open Mobile Hotspot Settings

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet from the left sidebar.
3. Scroll down and click Mobile hotspot.

This opens the configuration panel where you can enable and customize your hotspot.

Step 2: Choose the Internet Connection to Share

Your PC can share any active network connection, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or a mobile data connection (if supported).

1. Under Share my internet connection from, select the source you want to share.
   • If your PC is connected via Ethernet, choose Ethernet.
   • If you’re sharing your Wi-Fi connection, choose Wi-Fi.

This tells Windows which connection to route through your hotspot.

Step 3: Configure the Hotspot Name and Password

Next, customize your hotspot’s name and password so other devices can identify it.

1. Click Properties (or Edit if you see it).
2. Enter a Network name (SSID) — for example, MyLaptopHotspot.
3. Set a Network password (minimum eight characters).
4. Choose Network band — select Any available for best compatibility.
5. Click Save to apply the changes.

Once configured, your PC will broadcast this network name when you enable the hotspot.

Step 4: Turn On the Mobile Hotspot

After setting up your network name and password:

1. Toggle the Mobile hotspot switch to On.
2. The status will change to “Mobile hotspot on”.
3. You’ll see a counter showing how many devices are connected.

Your PC is now acting as a Wi-Fi access point, and nearby devices can connect to it using the password you set.

Step 5: Connect Another Device to the Hotspot

To connect a phone, tablet, or another computer:

1. Open Wi-Fi settings on the device.
2. Find the hotspot name (SSID) you created.
3. Enter the password when prompted.
4. Once connected, test the internet connection.

You can connect up to eight devices simultaneously using Windows 11’s hotspot feature.

Step 6: Enable Power Saving (Optional)

To reduce battery drain on laptops:

1. In the Mobile hotspot settings, turn on Power saving mode.
2. Windows will automatically turn off the hotspot when no devices are connected for a while.

This helps conserve energy when you’re running on battery power.

Step 7: Share Internet Over Bluetooth (Optional)

If you want to share your connection with a nearby device without Wi-Fi (for example, a desktop or older smartphone), you can use Bluetooth.

1. Under Share over, select Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi.
2. Pair your PC with the target device via Bluetooth.
3. Once paired, enable Internet access from the Bluetooth connection options.

Bluetooth sharing is slower than Wi-Fi but useful for quick text-based browsing or lightweight tasks.

Step 8: Turn On Mobile Hotspot Quickly from Quick Settings

You can enable or disable your hotspot without opening Settings every time.

1. Click the Network, Sound, or Battery icon on the taskbar to open Quick Settings.
2. Click the Mobile hotspot tile (if not visible, click the pencil icon to add it).
3. Toggle it On or Off instantly.

This makes it easier to share your connection on the fly.

Step 9: Troubleshoot Common Hotspot Issues

If your mobile hotspot doesn’t work properly, try the following:

• Restart the PC and toggle the hotspot off and on again.
• Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on (even if you’re sharing Ethernet).
• Update your network adapter drivers via Device Manager.
• Run the built-in Network Adapter Troubleshooter:
  • Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
  • Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter.
• Disable any VPN or firewall that may block hotspot traffic.

If you get a “We can’t set up mobile hotspot” error, ensure your network adapter supports hosted networks. You can verify by running:

netsh wlan show drivers

Look for the line Hosted network supported: Yes.

Step 10: Turn Your PC into a Persistent Hotspot (Advanced)

If you frequently share your internet, you can create a hotspot shortcut on your desktop for quick activation.

1. Right-click your desktop → New → Shortcut.
2. In the location field, enter: ms-settings:network-mobilehotspot
3. Name it “Mobile Hotspot.”
4. Click Finish.

You can now double-click the shortcut anytime to open hotspot settings instantly.

Wrapping Up

Windows 11’s Mobile Hotspot feature is one of the most convenient ways to share your PC’s internet connection with other devices. Whether you’re sharing your wired Ethernet connection with your phone or using Wi-Fi to connect other laptops, the setup is quick and flexible.

Just toggle the hotspot on, set a password, and your Windows 11 computer becomes a fully functional access point — perfect for emergencies, travel, or remote work.

Once you’ve configured it once, turning your PC into a hotspot takes just one click.