How to Share Wi-Fi from an ASUS Laptop: 3 Proven Methods

Sharing Wi-Fi from a laptop ASUS — a convenient way to share internet with other devices when a router is not available. This feature is useful when traveling, at the cottage, or during temporary problems with the main router. Laptops ASUS at the base Windows 10/11 support Internet distribution through built-in system tools or third-party utilities.

In this article we will look at three main methods: through mobile hotspot, command line and the program MyPublicWiFiEach method has its own nuances, so you can choose the best option depending on your laptop model (for example, ASUS VivoBook, ZenBook or ROG Strix) and Windows versions. We'll also look at common errors and how to fix them.

1. Preparing your ASUS laptop for Wi-Fi sharing

Before setting up Internet distribution, make sure that your laptop ASUS meets the minimum requirements:

  • 📋 operating system: Windows 10 (version 1803+) or Windows 11.
  • 🔌 Wi-Fi adapter: must support the mode Hosted Network (check in Device Manager).
  • 🌐 Internet connection: via Ethernet, USB modem or other Wi-Fi (if you are distributing again).
  • 🔋 Battery charge: not less than 30% (Wi-Fi distribution increases energy consumption).

To check adapter compatibility, open device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager), find the section Network adapters and make sure that the name of your Wi-Fi module contains the words Wireless, Wi-Fi or 802.11. For example, Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4A or Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200.

⚠️ Attention: On some models ASUS (For example, TUF Gaming with adapters Realtek) You may need to update your drivers. If the access point doesn't start after setup, download the latest drivers from official ASUS website (Please indicate the exact laptop model).

Also check what's on your laptop airplane mode is disabled (Win + A → Airplane Mode) and there are no active VPN connections that could block distribution.

📊 Which Wi-Fi sharing method do you use most often?
Mobile hotspot
Command line
Third-party programs
I never gave it away

2. Method 1: Mobile hotspot (the easiest method)

Built-in tool Mobile hotspot — the most reliable way to distribute Wi-Fi from a laptop ASUS, if you have Windows 10/11It does not require knowledge of commands and works reliably on most models.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
  2. In the field Sharing an Internet connection select a source (eg Ethernet or Wi-Fi, if you are connected to a different network).
  3. Click Change next to Network name and passwordto ask:
    • 📛 Network name (SSID): for example, ASUS_Hotspot.
    • 🔑 Password: at least 8 characters (use numbers and letters).
  • Toggle the slider Internet Sharing in position On
  • Now other devices will be able to connect to your network. The maximum number of connected devices is 8 (Windows limitation).

    ☑️ Check before launching a hotspot

    Completed: 0 / 4
    ⚠️ Attention: If after turning on the hotspot the Internet disappears on the laptop itself, check the firewall settings. Sometimes Windows Defender blocks sharing. Add an exception for svchost.exe into the firewall rules.

    3. Method 2: Command line (for advanced users)

    This method is suitable if Mobile hotspot If it doesn't work or you need advanced settings (for example, changing the Wi-Fi channel), use the built-in utility. netsh.

    Step 1: Launch Command prompt as administrator (Win + X → Terminal (Admin)) and run the command to create the network:

    netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyASUS_Hotspot key=12345678 keyUsage=persistent

    Where:

    • ssid=MyASUS_Hotspot — the name of your network (replace with your own).
    • key=12345678 — password (minimum 8 characters).

    Step 2: Activate the giveaway:

    netsh wlan start hostednetwork

    Step 3: Enable Internet Sharing:

    1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
    2. Click Changing adapter settings.
    3. Find your primary connection (eg. Ethernet), right-click → Properties → tab Access.
    4. Check the box Allow other network users to share your Internet connection.
    5. On the list Connecting a home network select the created network (the name will contain Local Area Connection*).

    Done! Devices can now connect to your network. To stop seeding, use the command:

    netsh wlan stop hostednetwork
    What to do if the netsh command doesn't work?

    If you see the error "Failed to start hosted network" after entering the command, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

    1. The Wi-Fi driver does not support Hosted Network (update it on the ASUS website).

    2. The network is already running (check with the netsh wlan show hostednetwork command).

    3. Blocking by antivirus (temporarily disable protection).

    4. Conflict with VPN or proxy (disable them in Windows settings).

    4. Method 3: MyPublicWiFi program (alternative option)

    If standard methods don't work, use a free utility MyPublicWiFiIt fits all models. ASUS and allows you to flexibly configure the network (for example, limit the speed or block torrents).

    Instructions:

    1. Download MyPublicWiFi With official website (version for Windows 10/11).
    2. Install the program (check the box during installation) Automatic Start, so that the network starts when the laptop is turned on).
    3. Run the utility as administrator.
    4. In the field Network Name (SSID) Enter the network name (eg. ASUS_PublicWiFi).
    5. In the field Network Key Please enter your password.
    6. In the section Internet Sharing select the internet source (for example, Ethernet).
    7. Click Set up and Start Hotspot.

    Advantages MyPublicWiFi:

    • 🔄 Opportunity track connected devices (shows MAC addresses).
    • 📊 Built-in traffic monitoring.
    • 🔒 Support blocking unwanted websites.
    ⚠️ Attention: When using MyPublicWiFi disable built-in Windows Mobile Hotspotto avoid conflicts. The program may also mark your network as "public," which restricts access to local resources (such as printers).

    5. Common mistakes and their solutions

    When distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop ASUS Users often encounter typical problems. We've compiled the most common errors and how to fix them.

    Error Cause Solution
    Unable to start hosted network Wi-Fi driver does not support Hosted Network Update the driver from the ASUS website or use MyPublicWiFi
    Connected devices do not have access to the Internet. Sharing is not configured in the adapter settings. Check the settings in Network and Control Center (see Method 2)
    Network disappears after reboot Team netsh does not save automatically Add the command to Task Scheduler for autostart
    Low distribution speed Adapter limitations or background processes Disable torrents, Windows updates, and VPN

    If after all these steps the network still doesn't work, try:

    • 🔄 Restart your laptop and repeat the setup.
    • 🛠️ Reset network settings (Settings → Network & Internet → Network reset).
    • 📡 Change Wi-Fi channel manually (via netsh wlan set hostednetwork channel=6).

    6. Optimizing Wi-Fi distribution on an ASUS laptop

    To ensure your distribution runs smoothly and quickly, follow these tips:

    1. Selecting the optimal Wi-Fi channel:

    By default, Windows selects a channel automatically, but it may be overloaded. Check channel load using the program WiFi Analyzer (available in Microsoft Store) and manually set a free channel:

    netsh wlan set hostednetwork channel=9

    Recommended channels for 2.4 GHz: 1, 6, 11 (they do not intersect).

    2. Speed ​​limitation for connected devices:

    If you have multiple devices connected to your network, they can "take" traffic from each other. MyPublicWiFi You can set a speed limit for each device (tab Clients).

    3. Saving battery life:

    Sharing Wi-Fi increases power consumption. To extend battery life:

    • 🔋 Reduce screen brightness.
    • 📵 Disable Bluetooth and other unnecessary modules.
    • ⚡ Switch to a power plan Energy saving.

    7. Security when distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop

    Sharing Wi-Fi from a laptop ASUS creates potential security risks. Here's how to minimize them:

    1. Use a complex password:

    Avoid simple combinations like 12345678 or qwertyOptimal password:

    • 🔢 Length must be at least 12 characters.
    • 🔤 A combination of letters (upper and lower case), numbers and symbols.
    • 🚫 Do not use personal information (dates of birth, names).

    2. Limit the number of connected devices:

    In the settings Mobile hotspot or MyPublicWiFi Set a limit (for example, 3-4 devices). This will reduce the risk of unauthorized connections.

    3. Turn off distribution when it is not needed:

    Having a hotspot active for a long time makes your laptop vulnerable to attacks, especially in public places (cafes, airports). Always turn off the hotspot after use.

    4. Set up a firewall:

    Add rules to block unauthorized access:

    1. Open Windows Firewall → Advanced settings.
    2. Create a new inbound rule and deny access to local ports (eg. 445, 139).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi sharing with ASUS

    Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from an ASUS laptop if it is connected to the Internet via another Wi-Fi network?

    Yes, but the speed will be lower due to the double load on the adapter. It's better to connect to the internet via Ethernet or USB modem.

    Why did the hotspot stop working after a Windows update?

    Updates sometimes reset driver settings. Try:

    1. Update Wi-Fi driver manually via device Manager.
    2. Reset network settings (Settings → Network & Internet → Network reset).
    How to share Wi-Fi from ASUS on Linux (Ubuntu, Mint)?

    In Linux, use the utility create_ap:

    sudo create_ap wlan0 eth0 MyHotspot 12345678

    Where:

    • wlan0 — the name of the Wi-Fi adapter.
    • eth0 — Internet source (Ethernet).
    How many devices can be connected to a hotspot on ASUS?

    Windows limitation - 8 devicesIn practice, stable operation is possible with 3-5 devices. For more devices, use an external router.

    Is it possible to share internet from an ASUS to an iPhone or Android?

    Yes, both types of devices support hotspot connection. iPhone Select the created network in the Wi-Fi settings. Android You may need to enter the IP manually (if DHCP is not working).