Setting Up Your Wi-Fi Enabled Computer As a Hotspot

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated August 24, 2020)

One great feature of Windows 10 is the ability to easily set up your Wi-Fi enabled computer as a hotspot so you can share your network with others. This capability was introduced a few years ago with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update which came out with relatively little fanfare.

To begin, click Start and Settings. This will take you to the Windows Settings. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Windows Settings.

Click the Network & Internet icon. This brings up the Network window: (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. Network Window.

Clicking the "Mobile Hotspot" link on the left changes the right side of the window whose top looks like: (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3. Turning on Mobile Hotspot.

By moving the slider from Off to On, you can start sharing your network connection with anyone in reach. What is not shown in the above figure is the network name and password, but anyone who wants to use your network will have to know these credentials. Also, if you don't like the default name and/or password, there's an Edit button you can click that will allow you to specify your own values for them.

 This tip (13487) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Using Resource Monitor

Maximizing your system's performance is an ongoing activity that requires in-depth knowledge of various components. ...

Discover More

Checking for Faulty RAM

Although it's rare for RAM to go bad, it does happen. This tip tells you how to check for faulty RAM by using the Windows ...

Discover More

Pin Items to File Explorer's Quick Access View

You can improve your efficiency at navigating the file system by using the Quick Access view. This tip shows you how to ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Closing an Open Port

On a routine security check, you may discover that a particular port is open that shouldn't be. This tip tells you how to ...

Discover More

Disable Edge Chromium Background Processes after Closing

Edge Chromium allows for many new improvements, features, and enhancements. One feature, Background Processes, can use up ...

Discover More

Google Drive

If you have files that you need to access from more than one device, or give access to someone else, Google Drive is a ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is four minus 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips