There is an access point on the laptop. How to set up a WiFi hotspot to connect to the Internet. The network is not created

Wi-Fi is one of the most popular ways to access the network. Wi-Fi has many different advantages, but most importantly, the user does not have to deal with wires. A distinctive advantage is also the fact that several devices can be connected to one network at the same time. To do this, you need to create an access point.

First of all, you need to make sure that the device on which the access point will be created has a built-in Wi-Fi adapter. Today, such adapters are found in all modern, but not all tablets or phones. Depending on this, you need to make sure in advance that the devices can be connected to Wi-Fi networks... A Wi-Fi access point can be made without a router, but a device with a Wi-Fi adapter is required.

Start creating a Wi-Fi hotspot

The first step of creating a point Wi-Fi access is as follows - you need to go to the folder " Network connections”(“ Network Connections ”is located in the“ Control Panel ”) and then double-click the“ Wireless network connection". Then you can turn on Wi-Fi on your computer. After that, you need to call the context menu by right-clicking on the "Wireless network connection" icon. V context menu Select Properties and in the window that appears, go to the "Wireless Networks" tab. On this tab, you need to find the "Use Windows to configure networks" field and put a check mark, after which you need to click "Add".

The next step is to enter data in the appropriate fields. The first step is to write down the name of the network, authentication must be open, and where data encryption is indicated, it must be indicated that it is carried out using WEP. The network key (must be between 5 and 13 characters) is also entered independently. The key index is necessarily equal to 1. Then you need to find the "Connect if not broadcasting" field and check the box. In the field "the key is provided automatically" the check mark is removed.

The last steps

As a result, there is open window Wireless Network Connections and Properties Tab. You need to find the "General" tab, where there is an item "Internet Protocol (TCP / IP)". At this point, you need to go to the properties and find the "Use the following IP address" field. Be sure to check the box next to this item. After it is delivered, you need to register:

IP address - 192.168.0.1;
Subnet mask - 255.255.255.0;
The preferred DNS server is 192.168.0.1.

After everything is done and if the entered data are correct, the Wi-Fi access point on Windows XP can be used.

Smartphones can not only receive a high-speed connection, but also beep. Considering that nowadays mobile Internet services are inexpensive, this is a good option to use it on a laptop or other equipment via a mobile device.

Modern mobile internet is as good as a home network

Depending on the operating system, there is different ways turn your smartphone into an access point. Let's look at how to do this on models running Android, iOS, Windows, find out which application is needed for Nokia brand technology.

Not all Android-based equipment can distribute the Internet, so make sure that the phone has GSM / 3G and, of course, Wi-Fi module... Turning such a device into a modem that will share the connection is quite simple.

This is done in the following way:

  • Go to the settings menu, select the "Wireless networks" section.
  • Open the "More ..." tab and click on the "Modem mode" line.
  • Select the "Access Point" section, in the window that appears, open the settings for this parameter.
  • A window will appear for creating a new connection, where you enter a name for the network, under which it will be displayed in the list, set a password and indicate the type of its encryption.
  • Save your changes and return to the Access Point menu to activate this way of working.

Now you can use your phone as a router to which you can connect from various equipment. In the future, you do not need to reconfigure the parameters, you just need to turn on the line “Access point”.

You can also keep track of who is using your Wi-Fi - the list will appear in the "Modem Mode" window. Additionally, the Android platform provides a speed limit function, which is enabled as follows:

  • Open the “Bandwidth Usage” window.
  • Turn on the bandwidth throttling line.

Applications

There is special programs, with the help of which the smartphone turns into an access point, for example, FoxFi or Wi-Fi Tethering. There is also a utility called Tethering Widget, which works like a widget. What are they needed for? If you often use a mobile device to distribute a signal, it is not very convenient to activate this way of working through the settings every time, but the presence of a special icon in the menu greatly simplifies the process.

Modem mode on the iOS platform

To distribute the Internet connection on equipment under iOS control, do this:

  • In the parameters go to the "Cellular" section.
  • Turn on the line "Modem mode".
  • Enter the required data for connection, create a password.
  • Further wifi hotspot will be displayed on other hardware under the iPhone name.

Create hotspot on Windows Phone

On equipment under Windows control 8 you can configure the distribution of the connection as follows:

  • In the settings of your smartphone, open the "Shared Internet" section.
  • Turn on the public access mode, after which, if necessary, you can change the network parameters - its name or password.

It's all! As you can see, enabling modem mode in this operating system is very simple and easy. It is worth clarifying that the maximum number of equipment that can be simultaneously connected to the phone is no more than 8 units.

JoikuSPot app for Nokia phones

To make an access point on the models of this manufacturer, you will need the JoikuSPot program, which is available in the free and paid version. Download it and do the following:

  • Run the application and confirm the request to allow external devices to connect to the Internet.
  • In the list that appears, select an access point, wait while the program creates a connection based on it with the name JoikuSPot.

  • After turning on the network in the main menu of the application, you will see its name, the "Stop" button if you want to terminate the connection, and the item "Buy full version… ”When using the free version.
  • The second tab of the menu shows information about the connected equipment, the third - general data about the operation of the program.

Note!

  1. When using the utility, the smartphone consumes a large amount of energy, therefore, the battery runs out faster.
  2. The more equipment is simultaneously connected to the network, the lower the Internet speed.

As you can see, setting up your phone to work in modem mode is quite simple, no matter what operating system is installed on it. The ability to use mobile Internet on other equipment via Wi-Fi is practical and useful to every user, especially if there are no other ways to connect to the network.

Do you need to distribute the Internet to several devices or create a small network to exchange data, and you don't have a router or switch at hand?

This problem can be solved with only a laptop with a Wi-Fi adapter installed.

As you know, devices in Wi-Fi networks can operate in two modes:

  1. Ad-Hoc mode (point-to-point) - in this case, clients communicate directly, bypassing intermediaries.
  2. Infrastructure mode (client-server) - in this case interaction between network hosts occurs exclusively through an intermediary - an access point.

Theoretically, the simultaneous operation of one Wi-Fi adapter in two modes is impossible, just like the simultaneous operation of several operating systems on the same host.

However, in one of the previous articles, we considered a solution to a similar issue using virtualization tools.

The same approach was used by Microsoft, creating a kind of layer that allows you to abstract wireless adapter.

This function, called Virtual Wi-Fi, as in the case of virtualization of operating systems, allows you to create and work with multiple virtual Wi-Fi adapters, operating on the resources of only one physical device.

A feature of a virtual access point (Virtual AP) is the ability of the point to operate in two client-server and point-to-point modes simultaneously.

Advice! Beyond rapid deployment local network, the laptop can also be used as a repeater of the wireless signal by placing it on the border of good reception.

Laptop as Wi-Fi hotspot Windows 7.8

Creation of Virtual AP on a laptop is the same for MS Winodws 7 and 8 operating systems, since all settings will be performed using the command line. Let's start creating and configuring Virtual AP.

1. Menu "Start", submenu "All programs", section "Standard" on the item "Command line" right-click (RMB) and execute "Run as administrator".

2. In the command line field, enter the command (you can also copy it), and after entering it, press Enter:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode = allow ssid = "new.geek-nose.com" key = "password" keyUsage = persistent

  • new.geek-nose.com is the SSID (name) of the wireless network. You can call your network any name convenient for you, using Latin characters and numbers;
  • password- password for accessing the wireless network. Please note that, based on the security parameters, the password should consist of letters and numbers, and its minimum length should be from 8 characters;
  • keyUsage = persisten t - this parameter, saves the password set by the variable "key" and after rebooting and activating the created access point there is no need to enter it again.
    If you plan to change the password every time, then just skip this parameter.

If you get the error "Wireless auto-configuring service is not started", you should check the specified service. Let's use the key combination Win + R, write the command "services.msc" without quotes.

In the list of services we find the line "WLAN auto-configuration service", if there is nothing in the "Status" field, then the service is not running. To start it, press the RMB on the "WLAN autoconfiguration service" and select the "Start" item.

In order for this service to start automatically after turning on the laptop, press RMB on the "WLAN auto-configuration service" item, select "Properties", then in the "Startup type" field, select "Automatic".

The status in the "Status" field has changed to "Running".

After the performed manipulations, we return to the command line again by re-executing the command to create a wireless network.

3. We have created the network, now you need to start Virtual AP:

Note that you will need to launch Virtual AP every time you turn on the computer (including reboot), as well as after exiting standby or sleep mode.

4. The following command line directives (commands) are used to display the Virtual AP settings:

netsh wlan show hostednetwork setting = security

netsh wlan show settings

The first one displays the security settings, and the second one displays the general parameters of the created wireless network:

After starting the virtual AP, the built-in DHCP server is activated. In order for client devices to be able to visit Internet resources, go to the "Network Connections" menu and click on the adapter through which you connect to the Internet network.

In our example, this is a wireless adapter, go to the "Access" tab and put 2 checkboxes in the corresponding fields:

To disable, use the command:

netsh wlan stop hostednetwork

To deactivate the access point, enter:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode = disallow

Using Virtual AP Organized By Embedded Windows tools carries a number of limitations: the creation of only one virtual adapter that works only in the access point mode.

Maximum amount wireless client devices operating in the network - 100.

Virtual AP creation using third-party programs

For those who have no desire to configure Virtual AP using the command line, there are many shell programs that thanks to graphical interface simplify Virtual AP configuration.

Unlike an access point created from the command line, an access point created using a utility does not require activation after turning on the computer, and its configuration is rather trivial.

For example using free app Virtual Router Manager takes less than 1 minute to deploy a wireless network.

It is enough to specify in the SSID field - the name of the wireless network, Password - the password for the connection, Shared Connection - the interface on the basis of which the Virtual AP will be created, and then click the "Start Virtual Router" button.

How to make a laptop a wi-fi access point

Laptop as a Wi-Fi hotspot - full instruction on adapter setup

The function of distributing a WiFi signal can be possessed not only by a router. A laptop or modern computer must have a built-in module. If not, you need to purchase a special USB adapter. Otherwise, the computer will not be able to work as a WiFi access point.

In any case, the adapter will not be superfluous and will not take up much space. A laptop as a WiFi access point can be useful on business trips, as well as to create an additional workplace in the office or at home. This option will be useful if you have a large apartment and the signal from the access point does not fully extend to it.

Where to begin?

It is necessary to say a few words about WiFi adapters. In 90 cases out of 100 you will need it, since the built-in module, if any, gives a very weak signal. On sale you can find many different devices... The standard kit looks like this: the adapter itself, an antenna, an extension cable with a USB cable, a driver disk. Such a device is suitable for home use. The second type is an adapter in the form of a USB flash drive. One move - and the laptop as a WiFi hotspot will start working. It is especially useful when traveling.

After WiFi connections-adapter drivers are usually installed automatically. You can also find them on the device manufacturer's website. After the adapter is working, you need to configure access. This can be done like this:

  1. By changing the connection parameters through the Control Panel. Set up two network connections, open access to them. Connect the client device.
  2. By installing a dedicated application such as Connectify.
  3. Across command line... This method is not at all as complicated as it seems.

Configuring Virtual WiFi in Windows 7

Let's take a look at Windows 7 as an example setting up a WiFi signal from a laptop. It should be noted that a virtual WiFi access point for Windows systems older than "seven" is provided by default. But in order to set it up, you have to work hard. Go to the "Start" menu - "Control Panel" - "Network and Sharing Center". You can also go to the network settings through the tray icon.

The first step is to change the parameters general access by disabling all running network discovery functions. Next, we create a connection. We select the item "Setting up a new connection or network". Essentially, we create wireless connection type "Computer - Computer", so select the appropriate sub-item. In the dialog box that appears, click "Next". So, we have to create a new wireless network. First of all, we call it. The network name can still appear in the settings different systems as SSID.

Encryption setting and password

Let's choose the type of security. When deciding to leave the network open, select "No Authentication (Open)". This option is suitable if you open the network for a short time. When a network is created for long-term use, it makes sense to encrypt it.

The type of security depends on the type of encryption supported by your wireless devices (WPA2 or WPA). As a rule, the type is already automatically set in the settings - WPA2, the most modern way data encryption, which is also the fastest. You just need to clarify whether all your wireless devices support it. After the security parameters are set, it remains to set a password so as not to leave the network open.

Sharing setup

  1. The laptop only uses a wireless connection.
  2. A wired connection is being used.
  3. A modem is used, including 3G and 4G.

In any case, we continue to create. The WiFi hotspot is almost ready. Go to the "Network and Sharing Center" again. We find an external connection to the Internet. For example, "Wireless Network Connection". Click the "Properties" button. In the dialog box that opens, we find the item "Allow other network users to use the Internet connection this computer", as well as" Allow other network users to control the shared Internet access ", put a check mark. Save the changes.

An important stage is the creation of the bridge. You will need it so that Smart TV and game consoles can connect to your access point without any problems. In the "Network Control Center", select two network connection icons at once. Right click on them. The "Create Bridge" sign appears. We confirm the action. The WiFi hotspot via the laptop is ready.

After successfully creating the network, we configure WiFi on the client device. In the smartphone settings, we find our network by name and connect. After a lot of effort, you now have a WiFi hotspot. You will learn how to connect it faster in the next section.

Working in the command line

Most modern WiFi adapters support the creation of a virtual hotspot. This makes setup a lot easier. If you purchased the adapter for a long time, just in case, update the drivers on the manufacturer's website. If you already have WiFi enabled and configured, you can create a wireless network using the command line. To enter it, select the "Run" item in the "Start" menu, enter the "cmd" command. In the window that opens, write: "netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode = allow ssid =" Point name "key =" Enter the password "keyUsage = persistent", where "ssid" is the name of our access point, "key" is the password for connecting the network.

That's it, the virtual point has been created. Sharing the external network must be enabled through the control panel. You can also control the virtual point from the command line. The syntax is as follows:

  • netsh wlan start hostednetwork - start the access point;
  • netsh wlan stop hostednetwork - stop;
  • netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode = disallow - permanently delete the point.

The commands are easy to use, and there is no time wasted opening the control panel.

Configuring an Access Point on Windows XP

This operating system does not have Virtual WiFi functions. To make your laptop work as a WiFi access point, you can use the Ad-hoc method. It will allow two computers to be linked together via a wireless network. On a device with Internet access, you will need to install a special proxy server program.

Based on user reviews, this setup will take you a lot of time and effort. Try to do the same using the command line. It is useful to write a boot file with a bat extension. We open the notebook. We save the new file. It will contain only 3 entries:

  • netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode = allow;
  • netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode = allow ssid = "MS Virtual WiFi" key = "Pass for virtual wifi" keyUsage = persistent, where we specify our network name and password;
  • netsh wlan start hostednetwork.

Change the file extension from txt to bat, save it. Right button click on the new file, select the "Create shortcut" item. In the "Start" - "All Programs" - "Startup" menu, copy the shortcut to the bat-file. Now, with each download, your access point will turn on.

The program can do the same. The WiFi Access Point (XP) is started with a Virtual Access Point. Installation is carried out while the Internet is running. After entering the key, select "Share my Internet" in the menu, find our external network and click on it with the Select button. The keys and network name are set by default. The access point is started by the Start Sharing button.

If you have Linux

For operating rooms Linux systems exists special applications such as KDE Network Manager. V Linux mint it is possible to configure the WiFi adapter in the network parameters by setting "Use as Hotspot" in its properties. In some versions, the settings are different. You can also set the creation of an access point using commands.

Laptop as WiFi hotspot using Windows 7, 8 apps

There are a lot of similar programs.

  • Connectify utility can be downloaded from the official page of the service. Leave all parameters as default during installation. You will need to enter the name of your network, the password for the WiFi connection and select the network through which the Internet is accessed. To organize a connection, just click on "Start Hotspot" and after 5-10 minutes connect with mobile devices will become available.

  • Switch Virtual Router- this program not only allows you to start and turn off a virtual point, but also displays a list of networks. A few simple steps and your laptop is a WiFi hotspot. The program has user-friendly interface... Quick installation is available even for beginners.
  • Virtual WiFi Router- compact program with a convenient and quick installation... Allows you to track connected devices. In your arsenal there will be not only a laptop as a WiFi access point, but also a complete report on the activities of your guests. The network opens in seconds. The interface is in English.
  • Virtual Router Manager- utility for Windows 7. The application is free, supports all types of connections and types of client devices. Even a printer will work with a simple WiFi setup. In the firewall and antivirus settings, be sure to add the application to the exclusions.

Programs with additional features

  • HotSpot Shield- The Internet connection through this program will be protected as data is transmitted over Https protocol... The application works with wired and wireless networks. In addition, the program has other useful functions... You can hide your ip-address, as well as go to a site banned by censorship. Red is a direct connection. Yellow - protected. Before starting work, you should choose a method of notification when there is a suspicion of an unsafe site. The application still has some disadvantages. Due to encryption, the connection speed will decrease slightly. The application also takes up a PC resource. After installation, you can choose the mode in which you want to work.

Programs that do not require installation


Although it is still necessary to change these parameters, the only thing left in the setup is to select a network (if there are multiple connections). If all the parameters are set, it remains only to start the application with the "Start" button. The program uses any kind of Internet connection, except for a WiFi connection through the same adapter.

Program selection

If you find yourself in an unfamiliar city where WiFi networks no, you need a portable program with which you can set up WiFi in a matter of minutes. For those who like to get into the depths of the Internet for intriguing information, an application that provides a secure connection is suitable.

Whichever program you choose, do not forget about the security of your computer. Study carefully system requirements and instructions. Your laptop will work as a WiFi hotspot without the help of a computer wizard.

Let's guess, you want to share Wi-Fi internet from your laptop. Use a laptop in a role Wi-Fi router... Right? If yes, then you've come to the right place. Here I will tell you all about how to make a Wi-Fi hotspot on a laptop, and I will give you links to detailed setup articles that are most suitable in your case.

I have already prepared some instructions for setting up an access point in Windows. For Windows 7 and Windows 10. He showed how to start the access point through special programs, through the command line, and even standard means The mobile hotspot introduced in Windows 10 after the last major update. In the article I will provide links to these instructions. Also, I already talked about solving problems that can often be encountered in the process of starting an access point on a laptop.

But first, for those who are not in the subject, I will tell you what an access point on a laptop is, in which cases it is possible to distribute Wi-Fi, and in which cases it cannot be done. This information may seem superfluous to you. But believe me, this one is not. Judging by the comments, many users have problems starting the access point precisely because they do not quite understand what it is and how it works. In any case, you can skip one section, and move on to the next, to the setting. If you are not interested.

What is Windows Wi-Fi Hotspot?

Since Windows 7 (except Windows 7 Starter), it became possible to launch a virtual Wi-Fi hotspot. This means that a virtual adapter can be created in the system through which the Internet will be distributed via Wi-Fi to other devices. This is if you explain simple language.

Look: a laptop or computer has a Wi-Fi adapter through which we can connect it to the Internet wirelessly. This is the direct purpose of the adapter. And in Windows, the Software Access Point function is implemented. This means that by starting the access point, the computer adapter will broadcast the Wi-Fi network (like a normal router)... And other devices can be connected to this network (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.)... And if in the properties of our Internet connection we allow general access for the created virtual adapter, then all devices will have access to the Internet. Laptop like wireless router, will distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi.

Moreover, in this way, you can receive the Internet via Wi-Fi and distribute it. This means that the laptop (PC) is already acting as a repeater (wireless amplifier)... In some cases, this feature can be useful. For example, you have a bad Wi-Fi connection in your room. And on the computer, because of the more powerful receiver, there is a stable wireless signal. We just launch the access point in Windows and connect the phone to it.

What do you need to run an access point on a laptop?

Separately, I decided to highlight the points that you cannot do without if you want to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi from a laptop or desktop computer. It is very important.

  • We'll need a laptop, or stationary computer... If you have a PC, then it must have an external USB, or an internal PCI Wi-Fi adapter. On laptops, it is built-in. I wrote about such adapters for PCs in the article.
  • Our computer or laptop must be connected to the Internet. This is understandable, because in order to distribute it, he must receive it from somewhere. Internet can be via regular Ethernet (normal network cable) , high-speed connection, via 3G / 4G modem, or via Wi-Fi.
  • On the PC or laptop that we want to make an access point, the driver for the Wi-Fi adapter must be installed. It is because of the driver, its incorrect installation, or version that many people cannot start the access point. That is, Wi-Fi on your computer should work, in the settings, in network adapters there must be a "Wireless Network Connection" adapter, or " Wireless network"(on Windows 10).

How to check if Windows has hosted networking support

There is a command that can check whether your computer supports, more precisely, a Wi-Fi adapter, or more precisely a driver that is installed to run a hosted network. There is a launch of a virtual Wi-Fi network.

Run Command Prompt as Administrator and run the command netsh wlan show drivers.

We turn a laptop (PC) into a Wi-Fi access point

An important point to be understood. Running a virtual Wi-Fi network on Windows 7, Windows 8 (8.1) and Windows 10 is almost the same. The principle of operation is the same. The launch commands are the same. Even in spite of the fact that below in the article I will give links to launch the network on different versions Windows, it is important to understand that the principle of operation and even the solution to the most popular problems are the same everywhere.

There are several ways in which you can start the access point:

  1. Standard, and as it seems to me the most reliable way, this is the launch of a virtual access point using special commands through the command line. In Windows 7, 8, 10, these commands will be the same. Below I will write in more detail about this method, and give links to detailed instructions. This method may seem complicated to you, but it is not.
  2. The second way is to launch a hot spot using special, third-party programs... If you want more information, then in the article, I talked in detail about these programs (Virtual Router, Switch Virtual Router, Maryfi, Connectify 2016), and showed how to work with them. If you decide to launch the network in this way, then follow the link that I gave above, everything is described in great detail and shown there.
  3. The third method is only suitable for Windows 10, with installed update(version 1607). There, in the settings, the "Mobile hotspot" tab has already appeared, with which you can launch an access point from a laptop.

The universal way: launching an access point through the command line

I advise you to go directly to the page with detailed instructions that suits you best.

  • If you have a desktop computer with USB Wi-FI adapter, then see the instructions.

It doesn't matter which one Windows version you have installed. You just need to start the command line, and execute several commands in turn.

Brief instruction

1 First command:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode = allow ssid = "site" key = "11111111" keyUsage = persistent

She registers in the system new network... Simply put, it sets the name of the Wi-Fi network that the laptop will distribute, and sets the password .. It is powerful to change it. Also the password is key = "11111111". The password can also be changed.

2 Second command:

netsh wlan start hostednetwork

She's already running virtual network, creates an adapter. After executing this command, your laptop already starts distributing Wi-Fi with the parameters that were set in the first command.

4 Stop Wi-Fi distribution you can use the command: netsh wlan stop hostednetwork... And run again with the command I gave above. You don't need to execute the first command every time. Only when you want to change the network name (SSID) or password.

Windows 10 hotspot via Mobile Hotspot

As I wrote above, after installing the update on Windows 10 dated August 2, 2016 (version 1607), a tab appeared in the settings, the "Network and Internet" section "Mobile hot spot" on which it is very simple and quick to start the distribution of the Internet via Wi-Fi. It looks like this:

Errors that can be encountered when launching a virtual Wi-Fi network

Oddly enough, in the process of setting up and turning your laptop into a router, you can encounter many problems and errors. Especially in Windows 10, as there are mostly problems with drivers. Therefore, I have prepared several separate articles with solutions to the most popular mistakes.

1 If you start the network in Windows 10 through the "Mobile hotspot", you may see the error "Failed to configure mobile hot spot because the computer does not have an Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or connection to cellular network". In this case, your computer is connected to the Internet. This error may appear if you have PPPoE connection by dialing a number (login and password). Standard function for some reason does not see such a connection. Try starting the network through the command line.

4 For solving problems with opening a shared Internet access for the created connection, see the article.

5 If you started the distribution of Wi-Fi, the devices will connect to the network, but the Internet does not work, then look.

Conclusion

I tried to make this article as simple and straightforward as possible. So that everyone can understand how this function works, what is needed to configure it, and according to which instructions to configure in a particular case. As well as how to deal with possible problems that may arise during the Windows access point configuration process.

If you understand how the virtual Wi-Fi network function works, and if there are no problems with the hardware (drivers), then the network starts up very simply and works great. In any case, in the comments you can share your advice and ask questions. Good luck!