Welcome to this step-by-step guide on setting up a WiFi hotspot in Windows 7 using the command prompt! If you’ve found yourself in a situation where you need to share your device’s internet connection with other devices, then this blog post is for you. Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or a curious user wanting to expand your technological knowledge, this guide will walk you through the process in a clear, conversational style. Buckle up as we dive into the wonderful world of Command Prompt and its power to transform your Windows 7 device into a portable hotspot!
Understanding how to configure a WiFi hotspot in Windows 7 using the command prompt is a powerful skill to have. Not only does it give you the ability to share your internet connection with other devices, but also it offers a lifeline in situations where traditional internet access might not be available. Plus, in our increasingly interconnected world, being capable of setting up your own hotspot can be a real game-changer – from hosting a spontaneous LAN party to setting up a portable office, the possibilities are endless. Moreover, this knowledge deepens your understanding of how networks function, further enhancing your computer literacy and technical proficiency. So, let’s get started on this journey of digital empowerment!
Mastering the ability to configure a WiFi hotspot using the command prompt in Windows 7 has practical, real-world applications that go far beyond mere convenience. Freelancers or remote workers, for instance, can leverage this knowledge to establish a secure internet connection in public spaces, thereby transforming any location into a temporary office. Similarly, in educational contexts, teachers or students could set up impromptu network connections for group studies or collaborative projects. Additionally, in emergency situations or during outdoor adventures where regular WiFi networks might be inaccessible, having the know-how to create a hotspot can prove invaluable, as it allows for critical communication and access to important online resources. The practical implications are vast, underlining the importance and relevance of acquiring this skill.
Prerequisites
Software Requirements
Before we dive into the process of setting up a WiFi hotspot, it’s crucial to have certain software prerequisites in place. You’ll need a Windows 7 operating system to follow this guide, as the command prompt steps are specific to this version. Additionally, ensure you have the latest updates for your network adapter drivers installed for maximum compatibility and performance. Lastly, you should have administrative access to your system, as the process involves running commands that require administrator privileges. These are essential components to successfully configure a WiFi hotspot using the command prompt, so make sure your system is adequately prepared.
Hardware Requirements
For hardware, you’ll need a computer or laptop with a built-in WiFi adapter or a detachable USB WiFi adapter. This is a critical component since it allows your device to send and receive wireless signals, enabling the creation of a WiFi hotspot. If your computer doesn’t have an internal WLAN adapter, you can use an external USB WiFi adapter instead. Secondly, you’ll need a stable internet connection. This could be a wired Ethernet connection or a 4G mobile data connection. These two elements – a WiFi adapter and a stable internet connection – form the backbone of the process, as without them, setting up a WiFi hotspot would not be feasible.
An Active Internet Connection
An active internet connection is another prerequisite for setting up a WiFi hotspot. The process involves sharing your computer’s internet connection with other devices, so it’s essential to have a stable internet connection in place for the setup. It can be a wired connection or a wireless one, as long as it provides a stable and reliable internet service. Remember, the quality of the hotspot’s internet connection will depend on the stability and speed of your primary internet connection. So, before proceeding to the steps to set up a WiFi hotspot, check your internet connection to ensure it’s functioning optimally.
Read the below steps clearly and start your own WiFi Hotspot.
Check If Your Computer is Supported for Hosted Network
Step 1: Select Command Prompt(Admin) in your computer.
Command: Windows key(
) + X
Step 2: Check whether your computer is supported for Hosted network or not. Type the following command in Command Prompt.
Command : netsh wlan show drivers
If the result is “YES” then proceed to Step 3 or else download the required drivers from your vendor website.
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Configuring the Hosted Network Connection
Step 1: Type “netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=yourname key=yourpassword” (enter the command without the quotations).
Note: In this example, I have used my own user Name and Password. You can use your own parameters for SSID and KEY and Password must be greater than 8 digits.
Step 2: Start your hosted network. Type in Command : netsh wlan start hostednetwork
If your Command Prompt says ” your hosted network couldn’t be started ” then make sure to turn on the “WiFi” and also enable the Wireless Adapter.
Sharing your Wireless Network Adapter
Step 1: Go to Control Panel then Network and Internet and select Network and Sharing Center.
Step 2: There you can see your newly created network under the original network connection.
Step 3: Select “Change adapter settings” in the left side column of Network and Sharing Center.
Step 4: Right-click on your Wireless Network Adapter and select properties. Select the tab “Sharing“. Check the option “Allow other network users to connect through this internet’s connection” option. Mention your newly created hosted network name.
Step 5: Check whether your hosted network has shared the network access or not from the Network Sharing and Center.
You have successfully turned on your WiFi Hotspot. Now you can surf internet from any device using the Hotspot.
You can also connect to your mobile using the configured WiFi Hotspot.
To stop the hosted network, type the command ” netsh wlan stop hostednetwork” in command prompt.
Turn On/Off WiFi HotSpot Easily
You can also Start/Stop your WiFi Hotspot in a single click.
Step 1: Desktop -> Right click -> New -> Shortcut.
Step 2: Type the command ” C:\Windows\System32\netsh.exe wlan start hostednetwork ” on the shortcut and click on Next.
Step 3: Rename it as “Start WiFi” and click finish.
To Stop WiFi
Type the command ” C:\Windows\System32\netsh.exe wlan stop hostednetwork ” on the Shortcut and Rename it as “Stop Wi-Fi” and finish.
You are done with creating your WiFi Hotspot. You can now use the new shortcuts whenever you wish to use your Wifi Hotspot.
What is a WiFi Hotspot?
A WiFi Hotspot is a Wireless hub that offers network access to various devices over a wireless medium using routers. It requires a particular software which gives the ability to host a Hotspot on our computer. In order to reduce the difficulty, it’s better to establish a WiFi Hotspot using Command Prompt.
In the 21st century, the utilization of the Internet is increasing day by day. At the same time, the sharing of resources on the Internet has been triggered between Wireless Routers or Mobile WiFi Hotspots. If you are away from your home network and do not have access to your internet connection, you will probably require some of your friends or colleagues internet to share their network access and connect through a common gateway. And that’s what we call a “WiFi Hotspot“.
Why Do We Need Wi-Fi Hotspot
In today’s digitally connected world, having access to the internet is essential rather than optional. A WiFi hotspot becomes a solution to ensure this internet accessibility. It allows multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, to connect to the internet simultaneously, making it a convenient option when traveling, in public spaces, or even at home when a regular WiFi connection is unavailable. Furthermore, it allows for more secure and controlled internet access, unlike public WiFi networks, which often have security vulnerabilities. Additionally, creating your own WiFi hotspot can provide internet access in areas where WiFi infrastructure may be lacking or unavailable. Therefore, understanding how to set up a WiFi hotspot on your Windows 7 computer can be a valuable skill in ensuring ongoing internet access for you and your devices.
Pros and Cons of Wi-Fi Hotspot
Pros of Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Internet Accessibility: With a Wi-Fi hotspot, you have control over your internet accessibility. Whether you’re on a road trip or at a coffee shop with limited Wi-Fi, your own hotspot can come in handy.
- Multiple Device Connection: A hotspot can connect multiple devices to the internet simultaneously, from smartphones to laptops and tablets.
- Secure Connection: Unlike using public Wi-Fi, using your own hotspot provides a more secure connection, reducing the risk of potential cyber threats.
- Convenience: It’s easy to set up and use, making it a convenient option for those who need internet access on the go.
- Cost-Effective: If you already have a strong data plan, creating a hotspot can be a more cost-effective option than subscribing to various Wi-Fi services.
- Emergency Backup: In case of a home internet outage, a hotspot can serve as an emergency backup, ensuring continuous internet access.
- Increased Productivity: With a hotspot, you can work from anywhere at any time, without worrying about the availability of Wi-Fi, thus boosting your productivity.
- Saves Battery Life: Using your laptop as a hotspot can save battery life on your mobile devices, as connecting to Wi-Fi uses less power than cellular data.
- Sharing Made Easy: A hotspot allows you to easily share your internet connection with others, helpful in scenarios like group study or team meetings.
- Flexibility: A hotspot is not just for laptops. You can set up hotspots on a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets, providing you with flexibility in your internet usage.
Cons of Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Limited Data: Most data plans have limited data usage, hence using a hotspot might consume your data quickly, depending on your internet activities.
- Battery Drainage: Running a hotspot can drain your device’s battery quickly.
- Speed Dependence: The speed of the hotspot internet heavily depends on the speed of your primary internet connection. Slow connections will result in slower hotspot speeds.
- Limited Range: Hotspots typically have a shorter range compared to traditional Wi-Fi networks, limiting the mobility of connected devices.
- Safety Concerns: While hotspots provide convenient internet access, they can be vulnerable to security risks if not properly protected. Always ensure you have a strong password.
- Interference Issues: Other electronic devices or physical barriers can cause interference with the Wi-Fi signal, affecting the quality of the internet connection.
- Device Limitations: Some devices may limit the number of connections to the hotspot, which can be a disadvantage in a group setting.
- Increased Load on Device: Running a hotspot adds to the workload of your device, potentially slowing its performance if it’s not equipped to handle the extra task.
- Compatibility Issues: Not all devices are compatible with hotspot features. You must ensure that your device supports this functionality before setting it up.
- Cost Implications: Some mobile service providers may charge additional fees for using your device as a hotspot, which could lead to increased monthly bills. Always confirm with your service provider before using this feature to avoid unintended costs.
Conclusion
Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot on your Windows 7 device using the Command Prompt can be an advantageous tool in numerous situations, offering a convenient means to share your internet connection with other devices. However, as with any technology, it’s crucial to ensure its safe and responsible use. Always secure your hotspot with robust passwords, limit the number of connected devices if necessary, and keep in mind potential cost implications from your service provider. With the right knowledge and precautions, a Wi-Fi hotspot can effectively serve as a portable, high-speed internet source in various settings.
43 Comments
hi uttej,
i m facing no internet access on hot spot which we created nd also in my networks sharing property it will not show the name of created hot spot what is problem i couldn’t identify
i m using a local network name MG INTERNET
please help
Thank Mr,I wish you can through your life with many success
thanks for tutorial work on my laptop, this is very helpful thank you very much I hope god bless you
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Brother, already i have done the all setting, now did not connect the wifi in my mobile which written as “authenticating problem”
All the process is correct but in “STEP 4”
We have to do in the properties of “Local Area Connection” but not in the properties of “Wireless Network Connection”
i have manage everything it is good but when i create shortcut the file is not working
Hi! I did everything and managed to connect my phone to my laptop but there is no internet access. You mentioned that I have to share the internet from the local connection to the wifi through the properties then ‘sharing’. But when I click the properties, the only tab I see is ‘networking’, no sharing tab like in the photo. Please help! My laptop’s using a Windows 7 Starter, is it by any chance the reason why there is no sharing tab, because it’s just a Starter? Thanks a lot!
I m facing no network access porblem in host network
Only your instructions worked, before searched all around and finally “show driver command ” worked to setup the host network and rest all was success , but the seconds after it gets connected , a blue error screen pop ups and system gets restarted. please help cant understand whats wrong.
secondly the short keys doesn’t work , suggest something helpful
Hi
Is there a way to change the password. I mean the key
Hi,,,I’ve set up everything correctly and I have even connect my laptop with my cell but the wifi is too slow on my cell,Is there any other way to speed up.
with regards
JOEL
Many many thanks for this i had already tried this many more time within last 4 moths but i was’t get success to share my tikona internet connection with win 7 hotspot sharing, but now you setting just click my mind and i added manually ip setting into my android mobile for your hotspot sharing process and final from last four month first time ever I run my internet connection with wifi on my mobile .
AGAIN MANY MANY THANKS MR. Uttej Venkata Sastry
Sir, Where to post the screen shot?
in my newly created network showing ……. in Acces type : not acces internet……… my laptop and my mobile are conected ???? plz help me
Sir,
I cannot mention my connection, insted of my connection its mention another connection and can’t change it. and can’t connect my android 2.3.6 phone to this connection, “Disabled, secured with WPA/WPA2 PSK.
Hello Sam,
I can understand that you are facing some problem while connecting but please be specific. if possible take a screen shot of the issue and post so that I can help you easily.
By the way, did you get the message saying secured with WPA/WPa2? that’s means you have given some password while creating the connection, please make sure what you gave at that time. Further queries, please do comment.
Thank you.
Hi this is a nice post loved it.But i have a samsung smart TV when i connect wirelessly to my hotspot it says, connected to wireless network but unable to connect to internet??What shoud i do??Should i get a router?
Hello Chandra,
Sorry for the late reply. PLease try again by restarting the connection. Hope it will work.
Thanks Uttej. Very well explained step by step procedure. It helped me.
Thanks a lot :)
hey all,my hosted network is not supported , what did it mean,by dowloading the required drivers from my vendor website…? how ?
yes, you need to download drivers for your Wifi or Wlan whatever. Please make sure your laptop has wifi compatibility and drivers installed in it.
If you use HP, then google hp wifi drivers, and you will be given many links to choose. Select appropriate vendor website and download the drivers and install it. After that, please do follow my instructions step by step. If you face any problem, please do ping here.
Thanks you.
Hi
The wi-fi is broad casting. But I am not able to browse from my Asus tablet using this connection. Can you give any suggestions?
Hello Vikram,
I guess there might be a problem with your connection. Once restart the wifi connection and give exact sharing option to your newly created connection. It will work
:)
Thank you.
Hello uttej
i used ssh to conect internet
is there any way to make my laptop become hotspot?
because i was use conectify and other and it didn’t work..
(sorry for my bad english)
hello uttej,
I am able to create wifi sigmals but my devices could not connect to it.
They are able to recieve the signals but could not connect to them…
Can u help me…
Hello Sharad,
Sure I can help you. If you can create the connection successfully and couldn’t browse the net means, you didn’t give allow your newly created connection to share your internet. For example, if you use Tikona internet, and lets say LocalInternet is your newly created connection, please share your tikona connection to LocalInternet in this properties. Please once read this step which I have mentioned in the article. You will get this time for sure :)
Thank you!!
thanks for the amazing post
i am using a reliance dongle , same like u using idea as shown above
i am not getting the connected to internet in my private network even after turning on the sharing ,
Can u help me out on this ??
Hello Akshith,
Its all because of the connection, once restart the network and give sharing option again. Hope it will work :)
Good job Uttej, its really nice and different kinda technology. I was also having confusion in adding clients but after reading your replies to other readers, am now satisfied. I will try to use this technology.
Thanks for sharing, it is really helpful and amazing tech.
Thanks :)
hello, I installed AVG on my PC windows 7 64 bit, and I want to share my internet connection with my smartphone turning the PC into a hotspot and then share the connection with my smartphone, but unfortunately AVG blocks access to my pc . Before installing AVG my smartphone saw the connection that I created, it connected and I could surf the internet, but not anymore, how can I fix this?
Hi Stefano,
Please check is there any option which allows Internet connection from your AVG, if not, trying allowing the connection from your Firewall. ( Allow programs in Firewall option in windows ). Still you find difficulty, please remove AVG and use Quick heal or some other :) :D
Thanks :)
hello how can I add maximum number of clients from 2 to 10 bu using command line??
Please answer me…
Uttej Venkata Sastry, what is the command in DOS so I add the Maximum number of clients (Max Guests, maximum peers)?
please show me the command
thanks, and this is a really useful post.
Hey Guihgo,
Thanks for reading my post and please understand here we are configuring a virtual hosted network and you can allow any number of users or clients to your network. But here you need not do anything other than monitoring. Just allow people to use your network. Why you are complicating the issue of adding people manually without their need using DOS?
Just see it simple yar.
Enjoy the technology. Hope you are doing good further.
Thank you. :)
hi i was doin f9 uptill opening control panel.there my established connection as ur tutorial taught came up but after then wen i right click on change adapter settings n do as u say my connection does not show up internet infront of type.
i just wanted to try this method.i do have a sftware instaleed with which i acess wifi on my laptop.can this be a cause fr the problem if not please tell me the sol.
Hie Udit,
I didn’t understand what you are saying clearly but if i’m right on understanding what you are asking me, then the answer is that you didn’t configure the virtual hosted network correctly. Please read the procedure and do it once again. :)
If you find any doubts, please notify me.
Thank you !!
Thank you! It is a really useful post!
hello how can I add maximum number of clients from 2 to 10 bu using command line??
Please answer me…
Hello Aslam,
Thanks for reading my article. Its nice to see people like you using wifi connection using command prompt but in order to add clients to your router or hotspot, it is advised to connect via Mobile devices, Laptops or any kind of mobility devices.
Example : Start the wifi connection as a hotspot and let people to use your connection as I have mentioned in the post.
Next, from your mobile devices search the wifi connections and connect from it.
Note : you can connect as many as you want but it will reduce the bandwidth of your ‘s
Enjoy :)
Aslam, i have already mentioned you the same below.. Please check it out :)
Thank you.