Hotspot Not Working on Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Is your Windows 11 hotspot failing to connect devices or simply not turning on? This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step solutions to diagnose and fix common hotspot issues on Windows 11.

Why is My Windows 11 Hotspot Not Working?

Several factors can cause your Windows 11 hotspot to malfunction. These include:

  • Incorrect network adapter settings: Misconfigured or outdated network drivers can interfere with hotspot functionality.
  • Firewall restrictions: Windows Firewall or third-party firewalls might be blocking hotspot connections.
  • Conflicting network profiles: Multiple network profiles can sometimes conflict, preventing the hotspot from working correctly.
  • Limited internet connection: If your primary internet connection is unstable or has limited bandwidth, the hotspot may fail.
  • Hardware issues: In rare cases, underlying hardware problems with your network adapter can cause hotspot issues.
  • Power saving settings: Aggressive power saving can sometimes disable the network adapter used for the hotspot.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Windows 11 Hotspot Issues

Follow these steps to diagnose and resolve hotspot problems on your Windows 11 device:

1. Basic Checks

  • Restart your computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
  • Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled: Verify that Wi-Fi is turned on before attempting to enable the hotspot.
  • Check your internet connection: Confirm that your primary internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) is working correctly.
  • Disable and re-enable the hotspot: Toggle the hotspot switch off and on in Settings > Network & internet > Mobile hotspot.

2. Update Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers are a frequent cause of hotspot problems. Update them using these steps:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters category.
  3. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will attempt to find and install the latest drivers. If it doesn’t find anything, search the manufacturer’s website for your specific adapter model.
  5. If automatic driver updates fail, try downloading the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website and installing it manually.

3. Run the Network Troubleshooter

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

  1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  2. Click Run next to Internet Connections and Network Adapter.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Check Firewall Settings

Your firewall may be blocking the hotspot connection. Configure your firewall to allow hotspot traffic:

  1. Search for “Windows Defender Firewall” in the Start menu and open it.
  2. Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
  3. Click Change settings (you may need administrator privileges).
  4. Locate “Network Connection Sharing” or similar entries related to hotspot functionality. Ensure that the checkbox next to it is selected, and that both “Private” and “Public” are checked.
  5. Click OK.

5. Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings can resolve conflicts and restore default configurations. Note: This will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords, so make sure you have them noted.

  1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
  2. Under More settings, click Network reset.
  3. Click Reset now and confirm your decision.
  4. Your computer will restart. After the restart, you may need to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords.

6. Configure Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Service

The Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) service is essential for hotspot functionality. Ensure it’s running and configured correctly:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. Locate the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) service.
  4. Right-click on the service and select Properties.
  5. In the General tab, set the Startup type to Automatic.
  6. If the service is not running, click Start.
  7. Click Apply and then OK.

7. Check Power Management Settings

Power saving settings can sometimes disable your network adapter to conserve battery. Disable power management for your Wi-Fi adapter:

  1. Open Device Manager (as described in step 2).
  2. Expand the Network adapters category.
  3. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties.
  4. Go to the Power Management tab.
  5. Uncheck the box that says Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  6. Click OK.

8. Use Command Prompt Commands

Specific Command Prompt commands can help configure and diagnose hotspot issues:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for “cmd”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
  2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
    • netsh wlan show drivers (to check driver capabilities)
    • netsh wlan stop hostednetwork (to stop the hosted network)
    • netsh wlan start hostednetwork (to start the hosted network)
    • netsh wlan show hostednetwork (to check the hosted network status)

9. When All Else Fails: Consider a System Restore

If none of the above solutions work, consider performing a system restore to revert your computer to a previous state when the hotspot was functioning correctly. This will undo any recent changes that may be causing the issue.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a non-working hotspot on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but by following these steps, you can systematically identify and resolve the underlying problem. Remember to start with the basic checks and progressively move towards more advanced solutions.