Users are often interested in the question of how to distribute a wifi network from a Windows 10 laptop. Internet on a phone or tablet may be needed at any time. At the same time, it is not always possible to access the wifi wireless network, or the balance of the SIM card is insufficient, as well as a number of other reasons that prevent access to the "global web". And here the described mechanism comes to the rescue - the possibility of distributing the Internet from gadgets.
Sharing Wi-Fi from a laptop on Windows 10 is a useful feature for providing, as a rule, portable equipment with the Internet via a wireless connection. However, the procedure requires a little preparatory work.
Checking the Wi-Fi adapter
First of all, you should make sure that the laptop on which the access point will be created has a working wifi adapter. In addition, a special driver is required on the wireless adapter, which is usually installed automatically by the system. To check for its presence, you need to go to the device manager. Right-click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner and select "Device Manager" from the menu that appears. Then expand "Network adapters", where there should be no question marks and unidentified equipment. And, of course, the adapter must be included.
Check internet
To distribute the Internet from a computer, it must be connected and work properly. It is possible to check the connection visually. This is either a cable inserted into a special laptop connector, or a 3 / 4G modem in a USB connector. You can check its performance in any browser by going to a well-known page.
Check Services
You can also check with Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) and WLAN AutoConfig Service. To do this, launch the "Task Manager", go to the desired tab and make sure that the specified "assistants" are in the "Running" state. If this is not the case, just right-click on the name and click "Run" in the drop-down menu.
Standard Windows 10 feature for sharing Wi-Fi
It is possible to distribute wifi in Windows 10 in several ways, for example, through a standard function. This is done through the so-called mobile hotspot in Windows 10. To start, right-click on the Windows icon in the lower left corner, select "Settings". In it, go to the sub-item "Network and Internet". As a result, a list of available functions will be visible on the left, among which there is a hot spot. But this manipulation is even faster. It is enough to click on the notification button in the lower right corner of the Windows main screen, where one of the quick access options will be a mobile hotspot.
Next, in the window that opens, specify which Internet connection will be shared on different devices. Set the required password and create a wifi network name. Do not forget to move the slider that allows connection to the created connection to the "On" position.
Sharing Wi-Fi in Windows 10 using the command line
Also, distribution of wi fi in Windows 10 is done through the command line. This path is somewhat more complicated than the one described above, and was used when Windows did not yet have a built-in wifi distribution function.
Windows console with administrator rights
Previously, the command prompt as an administrator was launched by right-clicking on the Windows icon in the lower left corner and selecting the desired item. However, in one of the updates, this feature was removed, so now you need to click on this icon with the left mouse button. Then select the "Service" folder in the list, find "Command Prompt", right-click, select "Advanced" and from there run it with administrator rights.
Setting up an access point
After that, a virtual wifi network is created with the Netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=NameNetwork key=password command. The SSID and key fields contain the network name and password, consisting of eight or more characters.
Access point enable/disable commands
The created wifi network is started and turned off using two commands written on the command line. Use netsh wlan start hostednetwork to enable it, but use the netsh wlan stop command to stop it.
Routing setup
In the meantime, there will be no internet. You need to go to "Network Connections", in the "Properties" sub-item, go to the "Access" tab, where check the box that allows sharing the Internet connected to the Windows computer from all other devices.
Network health check
To check if wifi is working properly, just use any third-party device, be it a phone or tablet. You should find and connect to a wifi network, try to use the Internet distributed from a Windows laptop.
Create desktop shortcuts for direct distribution control
There is a way to create an analogue of a shortcut for quick wifi control in the form of a bat file. To do this, a plain text file requires changing its extension to bat. Then enter the command that starts the wifi distribution mechanism from the laptop and save. As a result, you do not need to restart the command prompt as an administrator every time and write the necessary text. In the same way, an analogue of a shortcut for quickly turning off the network is created, you just need to enter in another bat file: the network stop command.
With the help of special programs
In addition, on your own personal PC running on the Windows operating system, it is recommended to download special programs created exclusively for distributing the Internet. Their advantage is a greater level of functionality compared to standard methods and, as a rule, there are practically no questions about how to distribute the Internet, because everything is clear on an intuitive level.
There are many popular programs that distribute wifi from a laptop to Windows. One of them is MyPublicWiFi. You should go to the official website, download the installation file and then install. Interestingly, no third-party programs are offered to be installed in parallel, which is rare for free software. It should be run as an administrator. This is done by right-clicking on the label and selecting the desired line. Then fill in the fields. The first specifies the wifi name, the second - the password, consisting of at least eight characters. And in the third, the connection is selected to be shared. A check mark is placed in the Enable state. As a result, after pressing the network launch button, it can be used from other devices.
The Virtual Router Plus software is configured in a similar way. Downloaded from the official resource, installed without third-party software. After that, a shortcut is launched from the desktop, the fields are filled in: network name, password, type of Internet connection used. However, the downside is that it does not have a checkmark that allows you to use the Internet distributed via wifi by third-party devices. To do this, go to the properties in the "Network adapters" section and check the box in the "Access" tab. After that on Windows.
Troubleshooting and bug fixes
In Windows 10, like in any other operating system, errors occur. This also applies to an access point that does not distribute the Internet. Problems appear in the most unexpected places, it can be quite difficult to diagnose the causes. In any case, you should try to stop and then restart the network, most problems are solved in this way.
The laptop does not distribute Wi-Fi, devices are not connected, distribution does not start
There are several reasons why Windows does not distribute the Internet at all. First of all, the lack of the necessary wifi adapter driver. It is recommended to download it from the official website of the manufacturer.
Anti-virus programs are also capable of blocking the distribution. It is advisable to turn them off for the period of distribution of wifi. In addition, firewalls built into Windows are capable of blocking connections.
Error titled: "Failed to start hosted network...not in proper state..."
Sometimes a message is displayed informing that wifi cannot be started, or the network is in the wrong state. In this case, turn off and then restart the wifi module. And do this either through the device manager, or using a mechanical button, if any, on a specific version of the laptop. These include, for example, the Vaio and many Asus models. Also, in the device manager, enable the display of hidden devices, then in the "Network adapters" menu, find the virtual adapter and run it.
It is not difficult to quickly and easily distribute the Internet in Windows 10, even users who are not very technically advanced can cope with the task. The above instruction will help in this, where all sorts of options are similarly considered in order to correctly configure the wifi access point.
To easily create a software WiFi router in Windows 10, you need to:
- OS Windows 10.
- WiFi adapter.
- The presence of the Internet itself.
The article considered an ADSL connection as an example. But in reality, you can use absolutely anything: PPPoE, Wi-Fi from a second adapter, and so on.
To configure wifi distribution through the command line (cmd), use the commands:
- netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow
- netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=FastWifi key=12345678 keyUsage=persistent
The procedure for setting up a Wi-Fi network is as follows:
First, you should check if the Wi-Fi router is working. For example, on laptops, the virtual WiFi adapter may well be disabled in the BIOS itself. On laptops, you can use the Fn + Fx or Fn + F3 keys to make sure it works. However, the easiest way to check is by clicking on the “Network” icon and checking if any other networks are available. If yes, then everything is in order (in the event that someone nearby distributes access).
You need to make sure that the network has unhindered access. This will help the console, in which you need to register the "ping" command, or by opening any browser. So we make sure that we can distribute the Internet.
You should make sure that the "WLAN Service" is running, including "Routing". This can be done as follows: Control Panel, then go to Administrative Tools”. The standard service settings should be started automatically. However, there are cases when, after optimizing the PC, experts turn them off. With this optimization option, specialists can often harm the operating system, and it will be difficult to try to distribute the Internet.
After making sure that the services are working, you need to start the Windows console with the “cmd.exe” command with all administrator rights. The best option would be to open WinX in the operating system menu. It contains “Command Prompt (Admin)”. You can open it with Win+X.
Opening the Windows 10 console, enter:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork made=allow ssid=winap key=123456789 keyusage=persistent
The command creates a wireless point with the following parameters:
- Network name winap;
- Password 123456789.
You can copy it from this article to save time. It looks like in the image:
Instead of “winap” and “123456789”, you may need to enter your desired name and password, respectively, which you are going to use when accessing wi-fi. This will not only protect your network from hacking, but will also allow you to remember your password and access name.
At the same time, you should pay attention to the following: the password for accessing the wireless network should consist of no more than 8 characters; you do not need to enter Cyrillic to avoid confusion.
After the work done, you can try to distribute wireless Internet. In the same console, enter:
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
netsh wlan show hostednetwork
The last of them displays the presence or absence of access to the Internet network. This can be seen in the image: 
Upon completion of the check, go to the “Network Connections” of Windows 10 using the control panel.
In this example, “Ethernet” is the source of the Internet network. In this case, “Local Area Connection 3 winap” is the access point. It is in working order. It is recommended to assign a new wireless network name so that in the future it will not be confused with anything.
After that, you should expand your Internet connection using “Windows ICS”. To do this, point to the connection (in the photo it is “Ethernet”), then right-click, after “Properties”, then go to the “Access” tab. In the end, he clicks to turn on ICS and establish a connection with the one who is trying to distribute traffic - on WiFi "winAP".
Upon completion of all actions, we connect to the WiFi network and check whether it is possible to distribute the Internet or not. In the console, you can run the command
netsh wlan shaw hostednetwork
It shows how many users are now using your Internet distribution with might and main.
How to manage the hotspot
By performing certain actions, you can manage the access point, namely:
netsh wlan stop hostadnetwork
The command stops the wifi network.
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=disalow
The command to completely remove the access point data from the system. This is done instantly and there is no reversible process.
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
The command sets automatic network starts. Thus, it is added to autoload. Moreover, it is allowed to write it in a cmd script. All you need to do for this is to specify that the launch is performed on behalf of the administrator (otherwise it will not be possible to do this), and then add the script to autoload.
It should be taken into account: it is required that access to the wireless network is also installed when loading Windows 10 version. Otherwise, despite the operability of the access point, there will be no Internet.
Without any doubt, it will take no more than 5 minutes to start distributing the Internet in this way. However, this does not require the use of additional special programs. This method of connecting the network allows you to create a WiFi router in a short time without any problems and distribute the Internet. It can be used anywhere and at any time of the day. In the event that the network access point is planned to be used daily, the best option would be to purchase a router. Since this option is convenient only for those who use it on business trips, or even need it several times a month.
Possible problems
If it so happened that the Wi-Fi wireless network is not working without any reason, you should not blame the Windows 10 operating system for this, the problem is clearly in the settings. Some of the most common problems in this case are:
- WiFi router drivers - it is advisable to reinstall them.
- The problem is with the router itself.
- Perhaps the steps were taken incorrectly.
- Perhaps all the services that are responsible for the operation of access are disabled.
- It is possible that there is a virus on the computer that stops work.
For example, when starting the operating system, the Wi-Fi router driver may not request the virtual adapter to wake up from standby mode. When the Windows 10 system boots, the service continues to be in this state.
The procedure for creating and configuring a WiFi router access point to a wireless network can also be applied to earlier versions of Windows, in particular version 8 and 8.1.
Found a typo? Select the text and press Ctrl + Enter
Instructions for creating a virtual wireless network with Internet access without a WI-FI router using Windows 10 on a laptop or computer. In this article, we will learn how to distribute Wi-Fi from a laptop or computer on Windows 10, and check if this can be done on the device. We will solve the problems of distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop and offer 3 ways to create a wireless network with Internet access: Hot-Spot, via the console and using special programs. You will need a laptop connected to the Internet via WiFi, LAN cable or 4g | 3g modem capable of distributing the Internet. Let's connect a phone on Android and IOS via Wi-Fi to the Internet
Determine if a laptop or computer can distribute Wi-Fi
To distribute Wi-Fi, you need the compatibility of the wireless network card with virtual WiFi, it's easy to check. Launch Windows Command Prompt and run the command:
netsh wlan show drivers
The instruction picture shows the procedure:
- open the search for programs;
- we write the command "cmd" in the search - without quotes;
- open the command line that appears;
- insert the command "netsh wlan show drivers" - without quotes;
- looking for the specified string.
Information about Wi-Fi will appear on the command line, we look at the types of radio modules. We find the line: “Support for the hosted network”, if the answer is “yes”, then proceed to the next paragraph. If not, update the Wi-Fi adapter drivers from the official website and repeat the check again. Alternatively, use a driver rollback to a previous version.
We distribute Wi-Fi using a special Windows 10 Hot-Spot program
With the Windows 10 update to version 1607, Microsoft has added a new program that makes it easier to distribute WiFi - Mobile Hot Spot. The principle of operation is the distribution of the Internet via a wireless radio channel of a laptop or usb modem (in the case of 4g modems). Enable mobile hotspot:
- Right-click on the Internet icon;
- open "network and internet settings";
- in the left menu, select "mobile hotspot".
On the hotspot screen, perform 4 actions and enjoy the result:
- Turn the slider to the "ON" position;
- select the active connection through which we receive the Internet (if we distribute the Internet) and other devices of the virtual network will use;
- optionally change the name of the network;
- optionally change the password for access to the virtual network.
The distribution setup is completed, we connect other devices to the Internet distributed by a laptop or PC. If it didn’t work out, then at the end of the article there will be a block of solutions to common problems.
How to distribute Wi-Fi through the command line
The good old way that turns the kettle into a computer guru in the eyes of others. We open the command line as shown at the beginning of the article, when we checked the connectivity. Nuance, the command line should be run with administrator rights. After starting, enter the command:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=okwifi=okwificom
okwifi - the name of the created wireless network, change to your taste. okwificom - access password (security key), also change it to a secure password.
Immediately enter the command:
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
After executing the "netsh wlan start hostednetwork" command, other wireless devices in the access area will see the new network and be able to connect to it using the specified password. But to access the Internet, you need to do one more step. Enter "Network Connections". Right-click on the connection that is used to access the Internet, inside the context menu, click on the "properties" item, go to the "Access" tab. Check the box next to "Allow other network users to use the Internet connection", save the changes. The virtual network is ready and distributes the Internet.
You can disable the distribution of a virtual network with the command:
netsh wlan stop hostednetwork
Command line management commands and files to manage distribution
To control the distribution of Wi-Fi, you do not need to constantly run scripts on the command line. Commands are written to bat file. There are three commands to control the distribution.
- netsh wlan start hostednetwork - start a virtual network, if Internet access is open, then it is available for other devices;
- netsh wlan stop hostednetwork - virtual network stop, Wi-Fi distribution stops;
- netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="okwifi. com» key=»okwificom» keyUsage=persistent - change network name and | or password
To create batch files, create. txt file with an arbitrary name, change the extension from . txt to. bat file, change the file (right click on the file - change) and enter the command from the above examples there. Thus, one - three files are created with names, for example: wifi-on, wifi-off, wifi-change.
Automatic start of Internet distribution via Wi-Fi when starting Windows 10 (XP, 7, 8, Vista).
When tasked with distributing the Internet via Wi-Fi automatically when loading Windows 10, create. bat file with the command "netsh wlan start hostednetwork" (wifi-on.bat in our example), place the file in a convenient location and create a shortcut. Add a shortcut to Windows 10 autorun. If you are using an account without administrator rights, then change the file permissions with an administrator account.
Distribution of WIFI from a laptop by other programs
If you can’t upgrade Windows 10 to version 1607 and older, and you can’t master the command line, use special programs for distributing WiFi. Some you can download for free, others you have to pay. Here are the top best programs to share on Windows 10:
- Free and Russified programs: Virtual Router Plus;
- free programs without Russian language support: MyHotSspot, MyPublicWIFI;
- paid program without Russian language support: Connectify HotSpot 2016
These programs work both on Windows 10 and on other Windows operating systems: XP, 7, Vista, 8 and have a clear interface.
Errors and problems of Internet distribution via WiFi
When WiFi distribution on a laptop or PC does not work, even though the settings are correct. We will not look for reasons, but we will divide the errors into those related to the distribution of a virtual network, connecting devices and accessing the Internet and find solutions to these problems. The first action will be to restart the PC, as not all changes will take effect when saving and make sure that the command line is run from an administrator account. Log in with an administrator account and try to distribute WiFi with full access.
Try disabling Wi-Fi distribution, disable the Internet connection with shared access and turn on Wi-Fi through the command line first, and then activate the Internet connection.
If, after starting Wi-Fi distribution from a laptop, a new wireless connection is created, right-click to open the menu and go to the details. Check what's in the IPv4 address and subnet mask.
Problems with creating a virtual network.
A common problem is that they forgot to check whether distribution is possible, and Wi-Fi is simply disabled. Enable the module, update the laptop drivers, make sure Wi-Fi is working and try again.
Error in Windows 10: "Could not start the hosted network"
The reason is that the virtual adapter does not work correctly or the adapter is completely disabled. To fix the error, go to "device manager", go to the view tab and check the "show hidden devices" box. On the "Network Adapters" tab, look for "Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter" or "Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter".
Right-click to open the context menu and launch the adapter. Again we execute the request on the command line: "netsh wlan start hostednetwork". The error should be cleared. When the adapter is not in the device manager, update the drivers on Windows 10.
Error: "This internet connection cannot be shared because it is not connected to a mobile network"
Occurs when using 3G and 4G modems. If the Internet on the distributed laptop is working properly, restart the computer. This should help. The fact is that 3G and 4G modems are often controlled by third-party software and the parameters are not synchronized until the reboot.
Problems connecting to a virtual network
Firewall and antivirus blocks the distribution of laptop access to other devices. Disable programs and try to connect to the network. If this is the problem, add the network to safe.
Wrong password entered. Make sure you are trying to connect to the network with the password you specified on the command line: when you run our file, the network name is okwifi. com and the password is okwificom.
If the devices do not connect to a running Wi-Fi network and the password is correct, make sure that no programs on the connected devices are blocking the connection.
Problems with Internet distribution through a virtual network
If there is no Internet on the connected devices, make sure that the Internet is connected to the laptop or PC from which you are distributing.
Make sure you allow other devices to use the internet connection as shown above (Connection Sharing). Check if the connection you are using to connect to the internet is shared.
As in the problem with connecting the distribution of the Internet, the receipt of data is blocked by antivirus, firewall, firewall. Temporarily disable blocking programs and try to connect to the Internet again.
The Windows 10 service "Internet Connection Sharing" may be disabled. Enable the service.
Hotspot issues on Windows 10
Error in Windows 10: "Can't set up mobile hotspot. Turn on WiFi"
The error is similar to the one in the paragraph "Failed to start the hosted network." Enable "Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter" if the adapter is disabled as described above. Update the driver to the latest version.
Error: "Could not set up a mobile hotspot because the computer does not have an Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular connection"
This problem occurs in two cases, the first is trivial. The laptop is not really connected to the internet. The second one is more complicated and appears on PPPoE connections. In the first case, the solution is simple, connect the computer to the Internet, in the second it is a little more complicated. This problem has not been fixed by Microsoft, but we will use workarounds. Create a local connection using VPN and share access. Mobile hotspot will appear.
"Mobile hotspot" is an excellent application for sharing Internet via Wi-Fi on Windows 10, but if the program does not work and it is impossible to fix it, use the creation of an access point via the command line.
After the Internet distribution via Wi-Fi on Windows 10 is configured, connect your IOS or Android phone to the network. I will be glad to feedback, corrections and additions in the comments. Let's make Win 10 easy to learn for everyone!
In previous versions of Windows 8 and 8.1, developers provided a drop-down panel with which users could get quick access to Internet settings. It doesn't exist in Windows 10. This has caused beginners to be unable to find the settings and turn on Wi-Fi. To activate wireless access, you can use the "poke method", which is fraught with the failure of some settings. Therefore, we recommend that you read how to set up Wi-Fi in Windows 10.
Setting up Wi-Fi in Windows 10
We right-click on the network icon, which is located in the lower right corner of the desktop. And select "Internet Access".
A new window will open. On the left, click on the Wi-Fi section. A list of networks should appear. If it is not there, click "Show available connections".
After clicking on this function, a panel will appear on the right. If the network is highlighted, click on it and enter your username and password. Otherwise, click "View connection settings".
A new window will open. Select "Network and Sharing Center".
Your network icon will appear here. We double click on it.
If your computer is equipped with a Wi-Fi module, you can easily enable Wi-Fi on your Windows 10 device. We will tell you how to do it as simply as possible, and how to use it effectively.
All Windows 10 builds support wireless networking. Therefore, the question of how to enable Wi-Fi on your device with such a system must surely have a solution. The new OS from Microsoft has received many innovations. And one of them was a change in the principles of turning on a wireless network and connecting to it. If you perceive such innovations negatively, then after a while your opinion will surely change, since this is actually an improvement. The fact is that you will eventually understand - the new way to turn on the adapter has become better.
Trying to turn on Wi-Fi in a laptop on Windows 10
If you have used a mobile phone before, you probably saw an icon there that appeared after this device began to pick up a signal from a wireless network. Something like this is available in the "top ten". If you look at the lower right corner, you will find exactly the same image. Click on it and you will see the settings for some wireless connections, and the signal strength from each of them will also be shown. If you know the password for any network from this list, then you can connect to it.But it happens that in this way you will not be able to connect to the Network, since your module is not working at the moment. Or simply missing. We will not discuss physical problems within the framework of this article, but you can talk about some software settings.
If you want to connect to wireless network connections, then you need to open the Network and Sharing Center on your laptop and go to the wireless adapter settings. Although it may turn out that it just needs to be turned on. After all, if all the necessary drivers are installed on the device, and the module itself is working, then there should be no problems with the connection.
It happens that turning on Wi-Fi in a laptop on Windows 10 is possible only after the drivers are updated in the system. So if you can download them from the device manufacturer's website, then all problems will be solved.
Common reasons why the wireless connection does not work
Wireless connections may not work for the following reasons:- No included adapter;
- Incorrect driver settings or their out-of-date version in the system;
- Disabling the adapter programmatically;
- The adapter itself is not physically there or it is broken.
The first is that the computer does not have the required module. Whether it is available can be viewed with or with the help of .
The second is that you don't have drivers. Of course, this is trite, but many, unfortunately, forget to install them and then the device does not work. Do not make such a mistake, and install all supporting software.
We hope that you will not encounter any of the problems listed above, because you are warned about them, which means you are armed. Moreover, you now also know how to enable Wi-Fi on any device on Windows 10, which means that you most likely will not have any problems. And if they happen, then write in the comments, we will watch and understand everything together.
- Useful programs for Windows 10
