The internet has become an integral part of our lives, aiding us in work and play. Alongside your phone, your Windows 10 computer can share its internet connection with other devices. However, there are times when the Windows 10 hotspot may not function as expected, causing inconvenience. If you’re experiencing issues, here are five simple steps to help you get it back on track.
Before You Begin:
Before trying any of the fixes below, ensure that the problem lies with your computer and not the device you’re trying to connect. Also, double-check that your internet connection is stable.
- Create a New Connection: If your hotspot isn’t working, try deleting the current connection on your devices and reconnecting.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- In “Manage known networks,” select the hotspot and click “Forget.”
- Reconnect by choosing the hotspot from available networks and entering the password if required.
- Turn Off Firewalls and Antivirus: Sometimes, security programs like firewalls or antivirus software may interfere with your hotspot. Temporarily turning them off can help identify if they’re the cause.
To turn them off:
- Open Windows Security.
- Go to Virus & threat protection > Manage settings.
- Turn off Windows Defender Firewall.
For antivirus, right-click its icon in the system tray and choose “Disable” or a similar option. Don’t forget to re-enable them later for your safety.
- Disable Bluetooth: Your computer’s Bluetooth can occasionally disrupt your hotspot. Disable it by following these steps:
- Click on the notification panel at the bottom right of your taskbar.
- Click on the Bluetooth icon to deactivate it if it’s active.
- Then try connecting to your hotspot again.
- Check Your Wi-Fi Adapter: Your Wi-Fi adapter might not support the mobile hotspot feature in some cases. To verify:
- Press Win + S to open Windows Search.
- Type CMD and right-click on the Command Prompt search result, then choose “Run as administrator.”
- In the Command Prompt, type “NETSH WLAN show drivers” and press Enter.
- Look for the line that says “Hosted network supported” and check if it says yes or no.
If it says no, you may need to consider upgrading your Wi-Fi adapter.
- Update Your Drivers: Keeping your computer’s drivers up-to-date is crucial. You can do this in two ways:
Option 1: Use a free driver updater tool for Windows to quickly update all essential drivers.
Option 2: Do it manually by following these steps:
- Open Settings on your Windows 10 computer by pressing Win + X and selecting Settings.
- Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click “Check for updates.”
- If you see the option for “View optional updates,” click it, then go to the “Driver updates” tab. Choose the driver you want to update and click “Download and install.”
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when your Windows 10 Mobile Hotspot isn’t working correctly, follow these steps:
- Create a new connection by forgetting the hotspot network and reconnecting in Wi-Fi settings.
- Temporarily disable firewalls and antivirus software to check for interference. Re-enable them later for security.
- Turn off Bluetooth, as it may interfere with your hotspot.
- Confirm if your Wi-Fi adapter supports mobile hotspot functionality. If not, consider upgrading it.
- Keep essential drivers updated either using a driver updater tool or Windows Update
