How to Set Up MyPublicWiFi to Share Wi-Fi from Your Computer: A Complete Guide

Create a virtual Wi-Fi hotspot using MyPublicWiFi — one of the easiest ways to share internet from your computer to other devices without buying a router. The program turns your PC or laptop into a full-fledged hotspot, supporting up to 32 connected devices simultaneously. But despite the interface's simplicity, many users encounter setup errors—from the network not appearing in the connections list to internet access issues.

In this guide we will cover not only the basic installation MyPublicWiFi, but also hidden settings, which will help optimize speed, protect the network from unauthorized access, and avoid common failures. We will pay special attention to compatibility with Windows 11, where standard virtual adapter drivers often require manual configuration. If you've previously tried distributing Wi-Fi via the command line (netsh) and encountered errors - this method will become a reliable alternative.

1. System requirements and computer preparation

Before installation MyPublicWiFi Make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements. The program officially supports:

• 🖥️ Operating systems: Windows 7/8/10/11 (32- and 64-bit versions). On Windows 11, you may need to disable driver signature verification.
• 🔌 Network adapters: Any Wi-Fi module that supports the mode Hosted Network (most built-in and USB adapters after 2012).
• 📶 Internet connection: Ethernet, 3G/4G modem or other active connection that will be “shared”.

Critical point: if your Wi-Fi adapter does not support Virtual WiFi (virtual network), the program won't be able to create an access point. You can check this via the command line:

netsh wlan show drivers

Look for the line in the output Hosted network support - there should be YesIf it's worth it No, update the adapter driver from the manufacturer's website (not through Device Manager!).

2. Download and install MyPublicWiFi

The official website of the program is mypublicwifi.comDownload the installer only from there: versions from torrent trackers and third-party sites often contain viruses or limited functionality. At the time of publication, the current version is MyPublicWiFi 8.0 (supports Windows 11 23H2).

Installation process:

1. Run the downloaded file MyPublicWiFiSetup.exe on behalf of the administrator.
2. Accept the license agreement (click I Agree).
3. Select the installation folder (default is C:\Program Files\MyPublicWiFi).
4. Tick ​​the box Create a desktop icon for convenience.
5. Wait for the installation to complete and do not run the program immediately - A reboot is required first.

Restart your computer after installation|Disable your antivirus (it may be blocking the creation of a virtual adapter)|Make sure your primary internet connection is active (the network icon in the tray without an exclamation mark)|Check that the "WLAN AutoConfig" service (WlanSvc) launched (via services.msc)-->

After reboot, run MyPublicWiFi as administrator (required!). If the program doesn't open or gives an error Failed to start the driver, Means:

• 🔴 The Wi-Fi adapter driver does not support virtual networks (see section 1).
• 🔴 Service WlanSvc disabled (turn it on manually).
• 🔴 Antivirus blocks the creation of a virtual adapter (add MyPublicWiFi.exe (in exceptions).

3. Setting up an access point: step-by-step instructions

Interface MyPublicWiFi consists of three tabs: Setting (basic settings), Clients (list of connected devices) and Management (service management). Let's start with the tab Setting:

1. Network Name (SSID): Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network (in Latin characters, without spaces). For example, MyHomeWiFi_5G.
2. Network Key: Create a password of length from 8 characters (We recommend using numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters).
3. Enable Internet Sharing: Check this box if you want to distribute the Internet (and not just create a local network).
4. Choose Connection: In the drop-down list, select the connection that will be “shared” (for example, Ethernet or PPPoE).
5. Click Set up and Start Hotspot.

If everything went well, an icon will appear in the tray. MyPublicWiFi with a green checkmark, and your new access point will appear in the list of networks on other devices. If not:

• 🔹 Check that in Network connections Windows now has a virtual adapter. MyPublicWiFi.
• 🔹 Make sure your primary internet connection is active (for example, the Ethernet cable is connected and the green light on your router is on).
• 🔹 Try restarting the service WlanSvc via command line:

  net stop WlanSvc & net start WlanSvc

Smartphone (Android/iOS)|Laptop or Tablet|Smart Speakers (Yandex Station, Alexa)|Game Console (PS5, Xbox)|Other-->

4. Solving typical mistakes

Even with the correct settings MyPublicWiFi may be unstable. Let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them:

A special case - Windows 11A common error occurs here. We couldn’t start the Mobile Hotspot due to security policy. Solution:

1. Open Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
2. Follow the path: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Network → Network Connections.
3. Find the parameter Deny access to the properties of the Local Area Connection component and install it in Disabled.
4. Restart your PC.

What should I do if my access point stops working after a Windows update?

After major Windows updates (for example, from 10 to 11 or when installing a Feature Update), virtual adapter settings are reset. In this case:

1. Remove MyPublicWiFi through Control Panel → Programs and Features.

2. Remove the virtual adapter in Device Manager (chapter Network adapters, look for a device with the name Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter).

3. Restart your PC and reinstall the program.

5. Optimize speed and security

By default MyPublicWiFi creates a network in mode 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) with channel width 20 MHzThis ensures maximum compatibility, but limits the speed to 72 MbpsTo increase throughput:

• 📈 In the router settings (if the Internet is distributed via Ethernet), enable the mode 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).
• 🔄 In MyPublicWiFi There is no direct channel width setting, but you can manually change the adapter settings via device Manager → Adapter properties → Additionally. Look for parameters Wireless Mode And Channel Width.
• 🔒 For security purposes, please disable this feature. WPS (if it is in the adapter settings) and use the password from 12+ characters with mixed register.

If the internet speed on connected devices is significantly lower than on your PC:

1. Check if your provider limits your data traffic (some plans block hotspots).
2. Disable background downloads on your main PC (torrents, cloud syncs).
3. IN Network connections Windows open the properties of the virtual adapter MyPublicWiFi and uncheck Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP/IPv6) - This can speed up the work.

6. Alternative methods of distributing Wi-Fi

If MyPublicWiFi not suitable (for example, due to incompatibility with the adapter), consider alternatives:

• 🪟 Built-in Windows Mobile Hotspot: Works without additional programs, but is limited to 8 connected devices. Turns on via Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
• 🐧 Connectify Hotspot: A paid program with advanced features (traffic filtering, ad blocking), but the free version limits the speed to 1 Mbps.
• 📡 Command line (netsh): Manual creation of a hotspot using commands:

  netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyWiFi key=12345678
  netsh wlan start hostednetwork

  Suitable for advanced users, but requires manual sharing setup.

Comparison of methods:

*When using a Wi-Fi 6-enabled adapter and a 1 Gbps Ethernet connection.

7. Security: How to protect your network

Wi-Fi distribution via MyPublicWiFi opens your computer to potential attacks if you don't take precautions:

• 🔐 Turn off file sharing: IN Network connections Open the properties of the virtual adapter and uncheck the boxes Client for Microsoft networks And File and Printer Sharing.
• 🛡️ Use a firewall: In Windows Firewall settings, create a rule that blocks incoming connections for the network MyPublicWiFi (except for ports required for the Internet).
• 🔄 Change your password regularly: In the program settings (Setting) update Network Key once every 1–2 months.
• 👁️ Monitoring connected devices: In the tab Clients All connected gadgets are displayed. If you see an unfamiliar device, change the password immediately.

For advanced users: you can restrict access to certain websites or services via a file hosts or third-party DNS (for example, OpenDNS). However, this requires additional configuration on the main PC.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to distribute Wi-Fi via MyPublicWiFiif the Internet is connected via a USB modem (3G/4G)?

Yes, but with some reservations. In the program settings (Choose Connection) select the connection that your modem creates (usually it is NDIS or the name of the operator, for example, MTS). Please note that:

• Many operators block Internet distribution via hotspots (check your tariff).
• The speed will be lower than with a direct connection to the modem.
• USB modems often conflict with virtual adapters - if the access point does not start, try disconnecting the modem, running MyPublicWiFi, and then reconnect the modem.

Why does the access point disappear after sleep or hibernation?

This is standard Windows behavior: virtual network settings are reset when waking from sleep. Solutions:

1. In the power settings, disable sleep mode for the Wi-Fi adapter.
2. Use a script to automatically restart the hotspot after waking up (an example script can be found at GitHub).
3. Launch MyPublicWiFi in mode Automatic Start (in the tab Management).

How to share internet from PC to PC (without a router)?

MyPublicWiFi is also suitable for this task. Scheme:

1. On the first PC (which distributes the Internet), configure MyPublicWiFi as described above.
2. On the second PC, connect to the created Wi-Fi network.
3. If you want the second PC to also have access to the local network of the first one, in the tab Management turn on the option Allow Other Clients to Connect (but this will reduce security!).

It is easier to use to transfer files between PCs Local area network via Ethernet cable or Nearby Share (on Windows 11).

Is it possible through MyPublicWiFi Share internet from phone to PC?

No, the program only works in the opposite direction: it distributes the Internet from PC to other devices. To share the Internet from the phone on PC:

• Use the modem mode on your smartphone (enabled in the settings) Access point and modem).
• Connect your phone to your PC via USB and turn it on. USB modem (usually faster than Wi-Fi).
• On iPhone, use the feature Modem mode via USB or Bluetooth.

How to completely remove MyPublicWiFi from a computer?

Standard removal via Control Panel It's not enough—virtual adapters and services remain. Complete cleanup:

1. Uninstall the program via Control Panel → Programs and Features.
2. Open device Manager, find MyPublicWiFi Virtual Adapter in the section Network adapters and delete it.
3. Run Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

   sc delete MyPublicWiFiService

4. Delete the folder C:\Program Files\MyPublicWiFi manually.
5. Restart your PC.