How to Fix Internet Connection Sharing Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is a useful feature in Windows 11 that allows you to share your internet connection with other devices. Sometimes, you may encounter errors that prevent ICS from working correctly. These errors can disrupt your network and stop devices from accessing the internet through your shared connection.

Fixing ICS errors often involves checking settings, restarting services, or adjusting permissions. The good news is that most issues can be resolved with a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow solutions to get your internet sharing back on track.

Whether you are sharing via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or a mobile hotspot, these instructions apply broadly. Taking your time to follow each step carefully will help you avoid common pitfalls.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand how to troubleshoot ICS errors and restore smooth internet sharing on your Windows 11 device.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into detailed fixes, make sure of the following:

Your Windows 11 device is fully updated. Updates often include fixes for network-related issues.
You have administrative rights on your PC, as some steps require changing system settings.
The device you want to share internet with is properly connected (via cable or Wi-Fi) to your PC.
Your primary internet connection is active and working without problems.

Confirming these points beforehand saves time and avoids confusion during troubleshooting.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Network Devices

Often, simple restarts can fix many network problems. Restart your Windows 11 PC first. This refreshes system services and clears temporary glitches that could block ICS.

Also, restart your modem and router if you are sharing an internet connection from them. Power cycling these devices can resolve connectivity issues that affect sharing.

After restarting, check if ICS works. If not, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Verify Internet Connection Sharing Settings

Ensuring ICS is enabled correctly is crucial. Here’s how to check:

Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter. This opens the Network Connections window.
Right-click your main internet connection (for example, Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select Properties.
Go to the Sharing tab.
Make sure the box labeled Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection is checked.
From the dropdown menu below, choose the network adapter that connects to the device(s) you want to share internet with.
Click OK to save changes.

This step tells Windows which connection to share and with which adapter, a common source of ICS errors if misconfigured.

Step 3: Restart the Internet Connection Sharing Service

Windows runs a specific service responsible for ICS. Restarting this service can solve many issues:

Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
In the Services window, scroll down and find Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
Right-click it and select Restart. If the service is stopped, choose Start.
Close the Services window and test ICS again.

Restarting the service refreshes the sharing functionality and resolves errors caused by service crashes or hangs.

Step 4: Reset Network Settings

If sharing still does not work, resetting your network settings can help. This restores network configurations to default and clears possible misconfigurations.

To reset network settings:

Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
Navigate to Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
Click the Reset now button.
Your PC will restart automatically.

After reboot, re-enable Internet Connection Sharing as described in Step 2. This often fixes deeper configuration issues affecting ICS.

Step 5: Disable Third-Party Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, security software blocks ICS connections. To check if this is the cause:

Temporarily disable your third-party firewall or antivirus software.
Try using ICS again.

If ICS works with security software disabled, you may need to configure that program to allow ICS traffic. Consult the software’s documentation for details on allowing network sharing or specific ports.

Alternative Method: Use Mobile Hotspot Instead of ICS

If ICS continues to fail and you want a simpler sharing method, Windows 11 offers a built-in Mobile Hotspot feature:

Open Settings and go to Network & internet > Mobile hotspot.
Turn on the Mobile hotspot toggle.
Choose the internet source and the network to share.
Connect your other devices to this hotspot like a Wi-Fi network.

This can be a reliable alternative if ICS errors persist and you want quick internet sharing via Wi-Fi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Internet Connection Sharing sometimes stop working?

ICS can stop working due to system updates, conflicts with other network software, corrupted network settings, or changes in network adapters.

Do I need administrator rights to enable ICS?

Yes, enabling or changing ICS settings requires administrator privileges because it affects network configurations at the system level.

Can multiple devices share internet through ICS simultaneously?

Yes, ICS can share the internet connection with multiple devices connected to the network adapter you selected.

What if my shared devices cannot get an IP address?

ICS acts as a DHCP server, so if devices don’t get an IP, restarting the ICS service or resetting network settings often fixes this. Also, check firewall settings.

Is Internet Connection Sharing secure?

ICS is generally safe for home networks, but ensure you use proper firewall protection and only share with trusted devices.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and ICS still doesn’t work, consider the following options:

Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network Adapter.
Update your network adapter drivers from Device Manager.
Check Microsoft’s official support pages for Windows 11 networking issues: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows.
Consider using a dedicated router or access point for internet sharing if ICS remains unreliable.

Conclusion

Internet Connection Sharing errors on Windows 11 can be frustrating but are usually solvable with systematic troubleshooting. Starting with simple restarts and checking settings can quickly resolve many problems. Restarting the ICS service and resetting network configurations often fix deeper issues.

Disabling conflicting security software and trying alternative sharing methods like Mobile Hotspot provide additional solutions. Always ensure your system is updated and you have the necessary permissions.

By following these detailed steps, you can restore ICS functionality and keep your devices connected with ease.