Using your Windows 10 PC as a mobile hotspot is a convenient way to share your internet connection with other devices. Whether you’re tethering a phone, tablet, or another computer, the built-in hotspot feature can be a lifesaver when Wi-Fi is unavailable. But what if the Windows 10 mobile hotspot is not working?
From configuration issues to driver conflicts, there are several reasons why your mobile hotspot may fail. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common causes and provide easy-to-follow solutions to get your Windows 10 hotspot working again.
🔍 What Is the Windows 10 Mobile Hotspot Feature?
Windows 10 allows users to share their internet connection (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular) with other devices by turning their PC into a wireless hotspot. You can find this feature under:
Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot
Here, you can toggle the feature on and off, set the network name and password, and choose which connection to share.
However, many users experience issues like:
- Mobile hotspot won’t turn on
- Devices can’t connect to the hotspot
- No internet access even after connecting
- Hotspot disconnects randomly
Let’s break down the most common problems and their fixes.
⚠️ Why Is Windows 10 Mobile Hotspot Not Working?
Here are some typical causes:
- Outdated or missing network drivers
- Incorrect adapter settings
- Conflicting third-party firewall or antivirus software
- Power-saving options disabling the network adapter
- Unsupported network configuration (e.g., trying to share a VPN or captive network)
🛠️ How to Fix Windows 10 Mobile Hotspot Not Working
Follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue quickly:
✅ 1. Update Network Drivers
Outdated or missing drivers are a leading cause of mobile hotspot failure.
- Press
Windows + Xand select Device Manager
- Expand Network adapters
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter > Update driver
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software
💡 Tip: You can also visit your laptop manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.
✅ 2. Check Internet Connection Sharing Settings
Sometimes, sharing permissions get reset.
- Press
Windows + R, typencpa.cpl, and hit Enter
- Right-click your active internet connection > Properties
- Go to the Sharing tab
- Check Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection
- Select the correct network under Home networking connection
✅ 3. Restart the Mobile Hotspot Service
Restarting the service may fix temporary glitches.
- Press
Windows + R, typeservices.msc, and hit Enter
- Locate Windows Mobile Hotspot Service
- Right-click > Restart
- Set Startup Type to Automatic
✅ 4. Disable Power Saving for Network Adapter
Windows may disable your network adapter to save power, which can stop the hotspot.
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Network adapters
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter > Properties
- Go to the Power Management tab
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
✅ 5. Use the Built-in Troubleshooter
Windows includes a dedicated troubleshooter for mobile hotspot issues.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot
- Click Additional troubleshooters
- Select Internet Connections and run the troubleshooter
- Also run Network Adapter troubleshooting
✅ 6. Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network stack can clear up persistent problems.
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status
- Click Network reset at the bottom
- Restart your PC after the reset
⚠️ This will remove all saved networks and VPN connections, so reconnect manually afterward.
🔄 Alternative Fixes to Try
- Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software that may be blocking the hotspot
- Switch to a different adapter (e.g., use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for the shared connection)
- Use Command Prompt to enable hosted network:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=YourSSID key=YourPassword netsh wlan start hostednetwork
✅ Final Thoughts
When your Windows 10 mobile hotspot isn’t working, it can be frustrating—especially if you’re relying on it for internet access on the go. Fortunately, most issues can be fixed with a few simple steps, whether it’s updating drivers, adjusting sharing settings, or tweaking power options.
By following the methods outlined above, you can restore your PC’s mobile hotspot functionality and enjoy seamless internet sharing across your devices.
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