Settings → Network & internet → Mobile hotspot → Turn on mobile hotspot to share internet with other devicesTo use your PC as a mobile hotspot in Windows 11, configure your network settings to share an existing internet connection with nearby devices over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Windows allows you to broadcast internet access from an active Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular connection so phones, tablets, and other computers can get online. You can manage access with a custom network name and password or provide a quick QR code for clients to scan.
- In Settings, go to Network & internet > Mobile hotspot and turn on Turn on mobile hotspot to share internet with other devices.
- To stop sharing, switch off the same toggle or click the mobile hotspot tile in the taskbar Quick Settings panel.
- You can share Ethernet, cellular data, or Wi-Fi, and connecting devices can join using your password or a QR code.
How to set up and use your PC as a mobile hotspot in Windows 11
Setting up your computer as an access point takes only a few moments in the main settings interface. Before you begin, confirm that your computer is connected to the internet and that your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adapter is turned on.
Alternatively, open the page directly:
Open "Mobile hotspot" in Settingsor press Win+R, typems-settings:network-mobilehotspot, and press Enter
1. Open Mobile hotspot settings
Press Windows + I to launch Settings. In the left-hand navigation pane, select Network & internet, and then select Mobile hotspot from the list of network options.
2. Turn on the mobile hotspot toggle
At the top of the page, switch the toggle for Turn on mobile hotspot to share internet with other devices to the On position. Once activated, your computer immediately begins broadcasting a wireless access point using the current configuration.
3. Adjust sharing methods and network properties
Before other hardware joins your network, verify which connection you are broadcasting. Under the connection sharing options, choose whether you want to share your active Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular data connection. Next, decide whether to broadcast over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; Wi-Fi offers noticeably faster speeds and supports more connected clients simultaneously.
To personalize your security settings, expand the properties section and select the edit control. Here you can specify a recognizable network name (SSID), a secure password containing at least eight characters, and a preferred network band such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or any available frequency. Save your changes when finished.
4. Connect secondary devices
On the smartphone, tablet, or secondary laptop you want to connect, open the Wi-Fi settings menu. Look for the network name you configured on your Windows 11 PC and select it. Enter the network security key when prompted. You can also display the generated QR code on your PC screen to let mobile devices scan and connect without manually typing the password.
Manage power saving and remote activation
Windows 11 includes built-in controls to prevent unnecessary battery drain and simplify reconnection when sharing data on the go.
By default, keeping a broadcast active when no devices are connected uses extra battery power. To prevent this, toggle on Automatically turn off mobile hotspot. When this setting is enabled, Windows automatically deactivates your mobile hotspot as soon as all connected devices disconnect, preserving laptop battery life.
If your computer is equipped with a cellular modem and mobile broadband plan, you can also turn on Allow another device to turn on mobile hotspot. This option allows another authorized device to wake up your computer’s hotspot over Bluetooth when internet access is required. For remote activation to function, both hardware devices must feature Bluetooth, have it switched on, and remain paired with each other.
Note that if your device is managed by a company or school, administrators may apply organizational policies that restrict or disable mobile hotspot capabilities entirely.
Toggle the hotspot quickly from Quick Settings
Once you have configured your network credentials in Settings, you do not need to reopen the full interface every time you want to share your connection. You can toggle the feature directly from your desktop taskbar.
Click the network, volume, and battery cluster in the lower-right corner of your taskbar (or press Windows + A) to open Quick Settings. Locate the mobile hotspot action tile and click it to turn sharing on or off. If you do not see it on the first screen, use the navigation arrow to access additional quick action tiles. While active, the quick action displays the exact number of client devices currently connected. If you need to review your password or modify your network band, right-click the quick action tile and choose the option to jump straight to Settings.
For additional details regarding connection requirements and supported adapters, refer to Microsoft’s official mobile hotspot instructions.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use your PC as a mobile hotspot windows 11?
In Settings, select Network & internet > Mobile hotspot and enable Turn on mobile hotspot to share internet with other devices. Connect client devices using your network name and password.
Can I share an Ethernet connection as Wi-Fi in Windows 11?
Yes, you can choose to share your active Ethernet internet connection over Wi-Fi so wireless devices nearby can connect to the web through your PC.
How can I change the hotspot network name and password?
In Mobile hotspot, expand the properties area and select the edit option. Enter your desired network name, set a secure password of at least eight characters, and choose your network band.
Why does my mobile hotspot turn off by itself?
Your PC likely has Automatically turn off mobile hotspot enabled, which deactivates the broadcast whenever no client devices are connected to conserve power.
Can another device turn on my PC hotspot remotely?
Yes, if your PC has cellular capabilities and Bluetooth, enabling Allow another device to turn on mobile hotspot lets a paired Bluetooth device activate the hotspot remotely.
