Windows 10: Create and set up a hotspot - Here's how

If you want to share your internet connection with other users, you can set up a hotspot in Windows 10. We show you step by step how to do it.

Create hotspot on Windows 10

1. Open the "Start" menu of Windows 10 and click on the gear icon in the lower left corner.
2. Once in the settings, select the "Network and Internet" category.
3. Go to "Mobile hotspot" at the bottom left and turn it on at the top.
4. You can use the "Edit" button to change the name of the hotspot and the associated password.
5. Tip: In the following practical tips we will show you what a secure password looks like and how to check the security of your password.

Alternatively: create a hotspot like a nerd

Note: Your network card must support Hosted mode to perform this guide. If this is not the case, we will help you with the instructions in the next paragraph. You can now create the hotspot much faster and easier using the instructions above.

1. Right-click on the Windows icon below and select the "Command Prompt (Administrator)".
2. If you confirm this with "Yes", a black console opens. The other settings are made here.
3. Now enter the command "netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode = allow ssid = NAME key = PASSWORD" and confirm it with the [Enter] key.
4. However, for the words "NAME" and "PASSWORD" you can enter your own network name and your own WLAN password. This data can be chosen freely.
5. If you then enter the command "netsh wlan start hostednetwork", the hotspot is started.
6. Close the window, open the Control Panel and select the category "Network and Internet".
7. Navigate to the "Network and Sharing Center" and select the "Adapter Settings" on the left.
8. Right-click on the network you want to share with the hotspot and select the "Share" option.
9. Activate the option "Allow other users on the network to use this connection from the computer as an Internet connection" and select the hotspot.
10. Close the window when the hotspot is ready to connect.

Windows 10 tip: Open hotspot via software

• Alternatively, you can set up the hotspot with software. The Virutal Router program is completely free and creates a functional hotspot in just a few steps.
• If you want to share your WiFi network with your friends and visitors, you can do this in Windows 10 with a new function. Here you can find more information about sharing WiFi networks in Windows 10.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to restore Windows 10 without a CD.