Create a WiFi hotspot in Windows 7 - how it works

This practical tip shows you how to create a Wi-Fi hotspot in Windows 7 and thus use your PC's Internet connection wirelessly with other devices.

Activate the integrated hotspot function of Windows 7

Since Windows 7 it has been possible to start a hotspot from the command prompt. To do this, this function must always be activated first. Only in the next step can you then name the WiFi connection and protect it with a password.

1. First run the command prompt (Start> All Programs> Accessories) as an administrator by right-clicking on the command prompt and then selecting "Run as administrator".
2. To activate the hotspot mode in general, type in "netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode = allow" and confirm with [Enter].
3. A new wireless network connection now appears in the network connection (Control Panel> Network and Internet> Network Connections). You can recognize it by the name "Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter".

Configure Windows 7 hotspot function

Now you can further configure your activated hotspot:

• Enter "netsh wlan set hostednetwork ssid = NAME DES HOTSPOTES key = PASSWORT keyUsage = persistent". After "ssid =" set the name with which the hotspot should appear in the network environment (eg WLAN hotspot). After the entry "key =" enter the password with which other devices can be connected to your hotspot. The encryption is always WPA2.

Start the hotspot and connect to the internet

To start the hotspot, type "netsh wlan start hostednetwork" in the command prompt. Now you can connect to the hotspot with other devices, but you don't have an internet connection yet.

1. So that you can log in to your PC's WLAN with your smartphone or tablet, the active connection to the Internet must first be shared with the virtual hotspot. Go to the network connection (see point 3 above) and right-click on the active LAN connection and then on "Properties".
2. Click on the "Sharing" tab and place a checkmark in front of the entry "Allow other users in the network to use this connection from the computer as an Internet connection". Select the hotspot connection from the dropdown menu (usually "Wireless network connection 2"). If you are not sure which connection is meant, look at the 3rd point of the first paragraph.
3. Confirm with a click on "OK".

Connect a device to the hotspot

To connect a smartphone or tablet to the hotspot and use the PC's Internet connection, search for WiFi connections on the device. Connect to the hotspot by entering the password you selected. You only have to type in the password for the first time, after which a connection will be established automatically. As soon as you are connected, you can use the internet connection of your PC with the mobile devices.

Shortcut for "Start hotspot"

Since you have to restart the hotspot every time the PC is restarted from the command prompt with administrator rights using the "netsh wlan start hostednetwork" command, it is advisable to place a corresponding link on the desktop.

1. Right-click on the desktop and select "New> Shortcut".
2. Enter the command "netsh wlan start hostednetwork" in the field "Location of the element" and click on "Next".
3. Then enter the name of the link with which you can start the hotspot (eg "Start hotspot") and confirm by clicking "Finish".
4. You still have to run the link permanently as an administrator. To do this, right-click the shortcut and then click "Properties".
5. In the "Shortcut" tab, click on "Advanced ...". Finally, check the "Run as administrator" entry.
6. Now you can easily start the hotspot by double-clicking the shortcut. If you still want a shortcut to end, simply enter "netsh wlan stop hostednetwork" in the second point and rename the shortcut to "End hotspot", for example.

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Programs that automatically activate the hotspot function

"Virtual Router" and "Connectify" are two extremely practical programs that automatically activate the hotspot function from Windows 7. After installation, all you have to do is choose the name of the connection and create a password. If these are selected, the active Internet connection via WLAN is shared by clicking on "Start Hotspot".

Further tips for your home network: Buy a WLAN manual

With our CHIP special issue you can get more out of your network. From beginners to professionals, everyone will find practical tips and tricks here. Configure the router as the control center for your entire home, set up the perfect media center and fix specific network errors.

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• In the CHIP kiosk you will find the WLAN manual either as a booklet or as a PDF for download
• The highlight of the booklet DVD is the full version Bitdefender Total Security 2015 - all-round protection for 365 days. Plus: CHIP WLAN tool package!

How to set up a WiFi hotspot with the iPhone can be found here. If you need individual help for setting up a WLAN hotspot, please contact the experts in the CHIP forum.

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