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How to Fix Mobile Hotspot Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Mobile hotspot is a convenient feature that lets you share your internet connection with other devices. It is especially useful when you don’t have access to Wi-Fi. However, sometimes the mobile hotspot on Windows 11 may stop working unexpectedly.

This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, from simple settings problems to driver issues. The good news is that most problems are easy to fix with a few simple steps.

In this article, we will guide you through detailed, step-by-step solutions to get your mobile hotspot working again on Windows 11.

Follow these instructions carefully, and you should be able to resolve the problem quickly.

Quick Note: Preliminary Checks

  • Check your internet connection: Make sure your PC is connected to the internet either via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
  • Verify cellular data (if using a cellular modem): If you use a cellular modem for internet, ensure that your data plan is active and working.
  • Confirm hotspot availability: Some network adapters or drivers might not support hotspot functionality.
  • Restart your PC: Sometimes a simple reboot resolves temporary glitches.

Step 1: Enable Mobile Hotspot Correctly

First, ensure that the mobile hotspot feature is turned on properly in Windows 11 settings.

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to Network & internet.
  3. Click on Mobile hotspot.
  4. Toggle the switch to On under “Mobile hotspot”.
  5. Under “Share my Internet connection from,” select the internet connection you want to share.
  6. Check the network name and password; you can customize these for easier connection.

Why this matters: Sometimes the hotspot is off or sharing the wrong connection. Confirming this ensures the feature is active and set up correctly.

Step 2: Check Network Adapter Settings

Your network adapters play a key role in hotspot functionality. Disabling and enabling them can fix minor issues.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Find your Wi-Fi adapter, right-click it, and select Disable device.
  4. Wait a few seconds, then right-click it again and select Enable device.
  5. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Why this matters: Refreshing the network adapter resets the connection and can clear driver glitches affecting hotspot performance.

Step 3: Update Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause your hotspot to malfunction. Updating drivers ensures compatibility and fixes bugs.

  1. Open Device Manager again.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
  5. If a new driver is found, install it and restart your PC.

Alternative method: Visit the laptop or network adapter manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver manually.

Step 4: Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters designed to identify and fix network problems automatically.

  1. Open Settings and go to System > Troubleshoot.
  2. Click on Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Network Adapter and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Why this matters: The troubleshooter can detect common issues that you might miss and suggest quick fixes.

Step 5: Reset Network Settings

If previous steps don’t help, resetting the network settings can clear problematic configurations.

  1. Go to Settings > Network & internet.
  2. Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
  3. Select Network reset.
  4. Click on Reset now and confirm.
  5. Your PC will restart and reset all network adapters to default settings.

Warning: This will remove saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN settings, so you will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward.

Step 6: Check Services Related to Mobile Hotspot

Windows services are essential for many features to work. The mobile hotspot relies on certain services running.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Look for the service named Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
  3. Right-click it, and if it’s not running, select Start.
  4. Also, set its Startup type to Automatic by double-clicking the service and selecting the option.

Why this matters: If ICS is stopped, your hotspot cannot share the internet connection properly.

Step 7: Use Command Prompt to Reset Network Components

For advanced users, resetting network components through Command Prompt can fix deep issues.

  1. Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

After running these commands, restart your PC.

Why this matters: These commands reset network stacks and clear DNS cache, which can resolve stubborn connectivity issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my mobile hotspot not showing up on other devices?

Ensure the hotspot is turned on and broadcasting the right network name (SSID). Also, check that the device trying to connect is within range and that the password is correct.

Can antivirus software block mobile hotspot functionality?

Yes, some security software might block network sharing. Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall to test if they are causing the problem.

Is mobile hotspot available on all Windows 11 editions?

Yes, but some editions or hardware may have restrictions. Always ensure your device supports hotspot features.

How many devices can connect to the Windows 11 mobile hotspot?

Windows 11 typically supports up to 8 devices connected simultaneously.

Can I change the hotspot network name and password?

Yes, you can customize the SSID and password in the Mobile hotspot settings to make it easier to identify and secure.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps fix your mobile hotspot, consider these final options:

  • Check for Windows Updates: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates. Sometimes, Microsoft releases fixes for known issues.
  • Create a new user profile: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted, affecting network features.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for more advanced help.
  • Use a third-party hotspot app: If built-in hotspot keeps failing, apps like Connectify can serve as a temporary alternative.

Conclusion

Mobile hotspot issues on Windows 11 are usually caused by simple configuration or driver problems. By following the step-by-step solutions above, you can diagnose and fix most common problems.

Start with enabling the hotspot correctly, updating drivers, and running troubleshooters before moving to advanced resets. Remember to check services and use command-line tools if needed.

If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek official support or use alternative software temporarily. With these tips, you should be able to get your mobile hotspot up and running smoothly again.

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