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

Mobile tethering lets you share your phone’s internet connection with your Windows 11 PC. It’s handy when you don’t have access to Wi-Fi. However, sometimes tethering may not work as expected on Windows 11.

This guide will walk you through simple steps to fix mobile tethering issues. Each step is explained clearly to help you troubleshoot without confusion.

By following these instructions, you can quickly identify and solve common problems that stop tethering from working. Let’s get started with some quick checks.

These solutions apply to most Windows 11 devices and popular smartphones like Android and iPhone.

Quick Note: Pre-Checks Before Troubleshooting

  • Check your mobile data: Make sure your phone has an active cellular data connection and you have enough data allowance.
  • Enable Hotspot on your phone: Turn on mobile hotspot or tethering in your phone’s settings.
  • Confirm device compatibility: Ensure your Windows 11 PC supports Wi-Fi or USB tethering depending on your method.
  • Update your phone and PC: Keep both devices updated to avoid bugs that may block tethering.
  • Check cables and hardware: If using USB tethering, verify the cable and ports work properly.

Step 1: Restart Both Devices

Restarting your phone and PC can fix temporary glitches. This simple action resets network connections and clears minor software issues.

  1. Turn off your mobile hotspot on the phone.
  2. Restart your phone by holding the power button and selecting “Restart.”
  3. Restart your Windows 11 PC from the Start menu.
  4. After both devices turn back on, enable the hotspot on your phone again.
  5. Try connecting your PC to the hotspot.

This step often resolves basic connection problems before deeper troubleshooting.

Step 2: Check Network Settings on Windows 11

Windows 11 network settings may block new connections if not configured properly. Let’s ensure your PC is ready to connect.

  1. Click the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to Network & Internet from the sidebar.
  3. Click on Wi-Fi if you are using wireless tethering.
  4. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
  5. Look for your phone’s hotspot name in the list of available networks and try connecting.
  6. If using USB tethering, click on Ethernet or USB and check if the connection appears.

If your PC can’t see the hotspot network, ensure the phone’s hotspot is discoverable and not hidden.

Step 3: Troubleshoot Network Adapter

Your PC’s network adapter may need a reset or driver update to properly detect the tethered connection.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
  5. If updating doesn’t help, right-click again and select Disable device, wait a few seconds, then Enable device.

This refreshes the adapter and can solve driver-related issues causing tethering failures.

Step 4: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix common network problems automatically.

  1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
  2. Select Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Network Adapter and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to identify and resolve issues.

This tool is useful for fixing network misconfigurations without needing manual changes.

Step 5: Disable Power Saving for Network Adapter

Sometimes, Windows may turn off network adapters to save power, disrupting tethering connections.

  1. Open Device Manager again.
  2. Expand Network adapters and right-click your Wi-Fi adapter.
  3. Select Properties.
  4. Go to the Power Management tab.
  5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  6. Click OK and restart your PC.

This prevents Windows from disabling your network device during tethering.

Step 6: Reset Network Settings on Windows 11

If earlier steps don’t work, resetting network settings returns all configurations to default, removing any issues caused by incorrect settings.

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
  3. Click Network reset.
  4. Press Reset now and confirm.
  5. Your PC will restart, and network settings will be restored to default.

After restarting, try connecting to the mobile hotspot again.

Alternative Method: Use USB Tethering Instead of Wi-Fi

If Wi-Fi tethering isn’t working, try USB tethering as an alternative. USB tethering can provide a more stable connection and avoid wireless interference.

  • Connect your phone to the PC using a USB cable.
  • On your phone, open Settings and find Tethering & Mobile hotspot.
  • Enable USB tethering.
  • Your Windows 11 PC should detect the new wired network connection automatically.

This method is especially useful if Wi-Fi drivers or adapters are problematic on your PC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why doesn’t my PC see my phone’s hotspot?

Your phone’s hotspot might be turned off or set to hidden. Also, make sure your phone’s hotspot supports the frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) your PC can detect.

Can firewall or antivirus block tethering?

Yes, sometimes security software can block network sharing. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus to check if it resolves the issue.

Does tethering use my phone’s mobile data?

Yes, tethering shares your phone’s cellular data connection, so it will consume your data plan.

Is USB tethering faster than Wi-Fi tethering?

USB tethering can be more stable and sometimes faster since it uses a direct cable connection, avoiding wireless interference.

Does airplane mode affect tethering?

Yes, airplane mode disables all wireless connections, including mobile data and hotspot features.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and tethering still doesn’t work, consider these final options:

  • Check for Windows updates: Sometimes Microsoft releases fixes for network issues.
  • Update your phone’s operating system: An outdated phone OS can cause compatibility problems.
  • Contact your mobile carrier: Confirm that tethering is supported and enabled on your plan.
  • Visit Microsoft Support: https://support.microsoft.com/windows
  • Consult your phone manufacturer’s support: For device-specific problems and updates.

These resources provide expert help if the issue is more complex.

Conclusion

Fixing mobile tethering issues on Windows 11 usually involves simple steps like restarting devices, checking settings, and updating drivers. Understanding why each step matters helps you troubleshoot efficiently.

Start with basic checks and gradually move to advanced options like network resets or USB tethering. If problems persist, use official support channels for assistance.

With these solutions, you should be able to enjoy smooth mobile internet sharing between your phone and Windows 11 PC.

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