Where is the Wi-Fi hotspot located on your computer and how to set it up?

When you urgently need to share internet from a laptop to a phone, tablet, or other computer, many people face a problem: Where can I find Wi-Fi hotspot settings on my PC?Unlike smartphones, where the "tethering and portable hotspot" feature is always visible, on desktop OSes this tool is hidden deeper—and it's not always obvious how to activate it.

In this article we will look at all possible ways Find and configure an access point on different operating systems - using standard tools Windows 10/11 to hidden commands macOS And LinuxYou'll learn where exactly these settings are hidden in the menu, how to enable them without unnecessary programs, and what to do if your computer refuses to distribute Wi-Fi. And also— Why might the feature be blocked at the driver level on some PCs with Intel Wi-Fi 6E? and how to get around it.

1. Access point in Windows: where to find it in the default settings

IN Windows 10 And Windows 11 Wi-Fi hotspot functionality is built into the system, but Microsoft periodically moves it around in the menu. Currently (2026), the most reliable way is:

  1. Open Settings through the menu Start or a combination Win + I.
  2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
  3. Turn on the slider Allow other devices to use my internet connection.

If this item is missing, check:

  • 🔄 Windows Updates: In older builds (before 20H2), the mobile hotspot might be missing.
  • 🖥️ Wi-Fi adapter driver: without it, the system will not see the distribution option (update through device Manager).
  • 🔒 Group policies: On corporate PCs, the administrator can disable the function (check in gpedit.msc).

IN Windows 11 The interface has changed a little: now in the same section Mobile hotspot you can do it right away change network name (SSID) and passwordby clicking on the button ChangeThe default password is generated automatically, but it's best to change it to something more memorable (at least 8 characters, including numbers).

Make sure your Wi-Fi adapter is enabled (Fn+F2/F12 key on your laptop)|

Please check that your primary internet connection is active (Ethernet/4G)|

Disable antivirus firewalls (they may block distribution)|

Restart your PC if the hotspot doesn't turn on the first time.

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2. Alternative method: command line (for experienced users)

If the graphical interface does not work or you prefer manual control, the access point is configured via Command Prompt (CMD) with administrator rights. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Open CMD as administrator (right click on Start → Command Prompt (Administrator)).
  2. Check distribution support with the command: 
    netsh wlan show drivers

    Look for the line Hosted network support: yes. If there No - update your Wi-Fi driver.

  3. Set network parameters: 
    netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyHotspot key=12345678 keyUsage=persistent

    Replace MyHotspot And 12345678 to your name and password.

  4. Start the access point: 
    netsh wlan start hostednetwork
  5. Allow internet sharing:
    • Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
    • Click on the primary connection (Ethernet/4G) → Properties → Access.
    • Check the box Allow other network users to share your Internet connection and select the created network (usually Local Area Connection* X).

⚠️ Attention: After restarting your PC, the hotspot will be disabled. To restart it, run the command again. netsh wlan start hostednetworkTo start automatically, create .bat-file with this command and add it to startup.

What to do if the netsh command returns the error "Failed to start the hosted network"

The error is often related to the Wi-Fi adapter driver. Try:

1. Uninstall the current driver via Device Manager (right click → Uninstall).

2. Download the latest version from the manufacturer's website (not via Windows Update!).

3. For Intel adapters, use the utility Intel PROSet/Wireless Software - She often solves problems with hostednetwork.

4. If nothing helps, check if Wi-Fi virtualization is disabled in the BIOS (parameter Wireless LAN Virtualization or similar).

3. macOS: Where is the hotspot hidden and how to activate it

On MacBook or iMac With a Wi-Fi adapter, the hotspot function is called "Common Internet" and is located in the system settings. Here's how to enable it:

  1. Open System Preferences → Sharing.
  2. In the left menu, select Public Internet.
  3. In the drop-down list General connection Specify the Internet source (Ethernet, Thunderbolt or other Wi-Fi).
  4. In the section For computers using mark Wi-Fi.
  5. Click Wi-Fi settingsto set the network name (SSID), channel and password.
  6. Activate sharing by pressing the button Turn on.

⚠️ Attention: On macOS Sonoma (2023+) Apple added a limitation: if your Mac is connected to Wi-Fi, it can't simultaneously share the internet via Wi-Fi (only via Ethernet or USB). This is designed to prevent "double NAT," but it's inconvenient. The solution is to connect to the internet via a cable or use a USB modem.

For older versions macOS (to Monterey) manual configuration may be required via Terminal:

sudo ifconfig awdl0 down

sudo ifconfig en0 down


networksetup -setairportpower en0 on

These commands reset the network interfaces if the access point does not turn on.

4. Linux: Setting up a hotspot via the terminal

In distributions based on Ubuntu, Debian or Arch Linux The access point is configured through utilities nmcli (NetworkManager) or hostapdLet's consider both options.

Method 1: via NetworkManager (easy)

If your distribution uses NetworkManager (check with command systemctl status NetworkManager), run:

nmcli dev wifi hotspot ifname wlan0 ssid MyLinuxHotspot password "12345678"

Where wlan0 — the name of your Wi-Fi adapter (check via ip a), A MyLinuxHotspot And 12345678 — network name and password.

Method 2: via hostapd (for advanced users)

This method gives more control (for example, choosing a channel or standard 802.11ac), but requires manual configuration:

  1. Install packages: 
    sudo apt install hostapd dnsmasq
  2. Edit the config /etc/hostapd/hostapd.conf: 
    interface=wlan0

    driver=nl80211
    

    ssid=MyLinuxAP
    

    hw_mode=g
    

    channel=6
    

    wpa=2
    

    wpa_passphrase=12345678
    

    wpa_key_mgmt=WPA-PSK

  3. Start the access point: 
    sudo systemctl start hostapd

    4. ⚠️ Attention: On some laptops with adapters Broadcom You may need to disable Wi-Fi power saving, otherwise the connection will be interrupted: 

    sudo iwconfig wlan0 power off

    5. Problems and solutions: why the computer doesn't distribute Wi-Fi

    Even if you've configured your access point correctly, errors can still occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    Devices do not connect to the network Incorrect password or security standard Check the case of your password. Use WPA2-PSK (not WEP).
    No internet access Sharing is not configured Check the access settings in the properties of the main connection
    The access point turns off after 5 minutes. Wi-Fi adapter power saving Turn off in Device Manager → Wi-Fi Adapter → Power Management
    Error: "Failed to start hosted network" The driver does not support hostednetwork. Update the driver from the manufacturer's website (not through Windows Update)
    Low distribution speed 2.4 GHz channel congestion Switch to 5 GHz in the access point settings

    If the problem persists, check:

    • 🛡️ Firewall/antivirus: temporarily disable it (eg. Kaspersky or Avast may block distribution).
    • 🔌 Adapter operating mode: V Device Manager → Wi-Fi Adapter → Advanced install 802.11n/ac Wireless Mode instead of 802.11b/g.
    • 📡 Interference: If there are many networks nearby, select a channel manually (for example, 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).

    Through standard Windows/macOS settings|

    Via command line/terminal|

    Using third-party programs (Connectify, MyPublicWiFi)|

    I don't use PC sharing.

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    6. Third-party Wi-Fi sharing programs: when standard tools aren't enough

    If the built-in tools do not work or you need additional features (for example, traffic limitation or blocking devices), you can use specialized utilities. Here are the top 3 proven programs:

    Program Pros Cons Price
    Connectify Hotspot Simple interface, 5 GHz support, ad blocker Paid full version, ads in the free version From $35/year
    MyPublicWiFi Free, lightweight, portable version No Wi-Fi 6 support, outdated interface For free
    Virtual Router Plus Open-source, no installation required Not updated since 2016, may not work on Windows 11 For free

    ⚠️ Attention: Before installing third-party programs, check them for VirusTotal — Some "free" Wi-Fi hotspot utilities contain miners or spyware. Be especially wary of programs with names like WiFi Hotspot Hack or Free Internet Sharing.

    If you choose Connectify, pay attention to the function "Wi-Fi Repeater" - It allows you not only to distribute the Internet from your PC, but also boost the signal of another network (for example, if your laptop receives Wi-Fi from a router in a distant room, but your phone does not).

    7. Security: How to protect your access point from hacking

    Sharing Wi-Fi from your computer is convenient, but dangerous: if you don't set up security, strangers can connect to your network and steal your traffic or data. Follow these rules:

    • 🔐 Complex password: minimum 12 characters with letters, numbers and special characters (example: WiFi@MyPC_2026!).
    • 🛡️ Encryption standard: use WPA2-PSK or WPA3 (Not WEP!).
    • 📛 Hidden network name (SSID): disable SSID broadcasting in the settings (but then you will have to connect manually).
    • 🚫 MAC filtering: allow connections only to known devices (but this is not a panacea - MAC addresses can be spoofed).
    • ⏱️ Time limit: Turn off the hotspot when you don't need it.

On Windows You can further configure the firewall to block unwanted connections:

  1. Open Control Panel → Windows Firewall → Advanced settings.
  2. Create a new inbound rule (Inbox Rules → Create Rule).
  3. Select Customizable → All Programs.
  4. In the section Region please indicate Remote IP address and add a range of trusted addresses (eg. 192.168.137.1-192.168.137.10).

⚠️ Attention: If you are distributing the Internet in a public place (cafe, coworking space), never use open network without a passwordAttackers can intercept your traffic through attacks. MITM (Man-in-the-Middle) or connect to your PC via SMB or RDP.

8. Alternative ways to share the Internet from a PC

If Wi-Fi isn't working for some reason, there are other options for sharing your internet connection with other devices:

  • 🔌 Through Ethernet (reverse tethering): connect your phone to your PC via USB and turn it on USB tethering in your smartphone's settings. Then, on your PC, enable sharing for this connection.
  • 📶 Bluetooth PANCreate a personal area network (PAN) via Bluetooth. The speed will be slow (~1 Mbps), but it's sufficient for messaging.
  • 🔗 USB modem: if you have USB internet (for example from Yota or Megaphone), connect it to your PC and share via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
  • 🖥️ VDSL/GPON router in bridge mode: If your PC is connected to the router via cable, configure the router as a bridge (Bridge Mode), and organize distribution from a PC.

For USB tethering on Android may need to be enabled USB debugging and install the driver ADBOn . iPhone This feature works out of the box, but only with iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the hotspot on a PC

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from a PC if the internet itself is connected via Wi-Fi (without a cable)?

Technically Can, but with reservations:

  • On Windows This only works if the main network and the distributed network are using different channels (for example, the main one at 5 GHz, distributed at 2.4 GHz).
  • On macOS With Sonoma 14.0+ this function disabled - you need to connect via Ethernet.
  • Speed ​​will be lower due to "double NAT" and routing delays.

The best solution is to connect the Internet via cable or use Wi-Fi repeater instead of a PC.

Why did Wi-Fi sharing stop working after a Windows update?

Most often this is associated with:

  1. Resetting network settings: check if the settings have been reset Mobile hotspot.
  2. Driver conflict: Update your Wi-Fi driver manually from the manufacturer's website (not via Windows Update!).
  3. Changes in policies: V Windows 11 23H2 Microsoft has tightened distribution rules for corporate devices. Check them out. gpedit.msc → Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Network → Bridged Connections.

If nothing helps, try rolling back the system to a previous version or using a third-party program (for example, Connectify).

How to increase the range of an access point from a laptop?

The range depends on:

  • Adapter power: Built-in Wi-Fi modules in laptops are usually weaker than routers (power ~15-20 dBm versus 20-27 dBm for routers).
  • Frequencies: 2.4 GHz goes further through walls, but is slower; 5 GHz is faster, but has less penetration through obstacles.
  • Antennas: If your PC has an external Wi-Fi adapter with an antenna (for example, TP-Link TL-WN822N), point it vertically for better coverage.

To improve the signal a little:

  1. Switch to a channel with less interference (use Wi-Fi Analyzer for analysis).
  2. Reduce the channel width to 20 MHz (instead of 40 MHz) - this will increase the range, but will reduce the speed.
  3. Raise your laptop higher (for example, on a table) to reduce the signal interference.

⚠️ Attention: Using signal amplifiers (eg Wi-Fi boosters) with a laptop are ineffective - they are designed for stationary routers with external antennas.

Is it possible to share internet from a PC to a Smart TV or game console?

Yes, but there are nuances:

  • Smart TV (Samsung, LG, Sony): connect like regular devices, but may not see the network if it is in the 5 GHz range (check your TV settings).
  • PlayStation/Xbox: Require a static IP address. Configure a fixed IP address in the connection properties on your PC or use DHCP reservation.
  • Android TV (Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box): There may be problems with IPv6 - disable it in the connection properties on your PC.

If the device does not connect:

  1. Check if it supports Wi-Fi standard your network (for example, old set-top boxes do not work with WPA3).
  2. Disable the firewall on your PC for 5 minutes for a test.
  3. Try connecting via cable (Ethernet) or via USB tethering (for some consoles).
How do I limit speed or traffic for connected devices?

There is no such function in the standard Windows/macOS settings, but there are workarounds:

  • Third-party programs: Connectify Hotspot (paid version) allows you to limit the speed for each device.
  • QOS in a router: If your PC is connected to the router via cable, configure QoS on the router to limit traffic to specific MAC addresses.
  • Firewall rules: On Windows, you can create rules that limit bandwidth for specific IPs (but it's complicated and imprecise).
  • VPN with limits: Connect the devices you want to limit to a VPN with limited speed (e.g. ProtonVPN Free).

For Linux can be used tc (Traffic Control) to limit speed:

sudo tc qdisc add dev wlan0 root tbf rate 1mbit burst 32kbit latency 400ms

This command limits the speed on wlan0 up to 1 Mbit/s.

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