What to do If Mobile Hotspot Not Working in Windows 10 and 11

We can share our internet connection with other wireless devices via mobile hotspot, making our life and work more convenient. But sometimes, there will be a case that the mobile hotspot on Windows 10/11 doesn't work. This issue may be the result of wrong configuration, incorrect setup, outdated network adapter driver or antivirus programs. Whatever the reason is, you will figure out how to fix Windows mobile hotspot issues in this post.

1. Start mobile hotspot service

Step 1: Type services in the search box on the taskbar and select open Services.

Step 2: In Services window, scroll to find Windows Mobile Hotspot Service and click on Start the service.

2. Check WIFI adapter in Command Prompt

Step 1: Type cmd in the search box on the taskbar and press Enter. Select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Type NETSH WLAN show drivers in command prompt window and hit Enter to execute it.

Step 3: Check the line Hosted network supported. If there is a No, it means your WIFI adapter doesn't support the mobile hotspot service and you have to buy another WIFI adapter since there's no other fixes in such case.

3. Update network drivers

Step 1: Press Windows + X to open start menu and select Device Manager.

Step 2: In Device Manager window, expand Network adapter and right-click on your network driver. Then choose Update driver.

4. Disable antivirus program

If you have installed third-party antivirus program on your PC, it may block the hotspot for computer safety. Thus, you need to find out your antivirus program and disable it. Then, try the mobile hotspot again.

5. Run a clean boot

A clean boot for your PC can reduce conflicts related to applications and services that lead to mobile hotspot not working in Windows 10/11.

Step 1: Press Windows+R to open run command and type msconfig in the open box. Press Enter to open System Configuration.

Step 2: Select Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.

Step 3: Switch to Startup tab and click on Open Task Manger.

Step 4: Close Task Manager and click OK. Then restart your PC to check if the mobile hotspot problem still exists.

6. Use Registry Editor

Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open a run command. Then type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.

Step 2: Navigate to the below path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WlanSvc\Parameters\HostedNetworkSettings\

Step 3: Right-click on HostedNetworkSettings key and select Delete.

7. Reset Windows firewall

Step 1: Type Windows security in the search box on the taskbar and click on open Windows Security from the list.

Step 2: Select Firewall & network protection > Restore firewalls to default.

8. Turn Windows defender firewall off

Step 1: Search for Control Panel in the search bar and open it.

Step 2: Select System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall and then click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off. Make sure that the state becomes Off.