A wireless router is a great way to enable internet connectivity with multiple devices. However, if you still haven’t got one, or are stuck in in a place where you don’t have access to one, then don’t worry. If you have a laptop, chances are that you can actually create a wireless network on it, just like a router. The best part is you can share a connection using the wired port on the laptop, or using the in-built WiFi feature. Not just that, you can also use it as a range extender for a router you’re using. Let’s look at the steps involved in creating a wireless hotspot on the laptop.
Creating a hotspot on Windows 10
The ability to create a WiFi hotspot on a laptop has existed on Windows for a while now, with the help of some 3rd party software. However, with the new Windows 10 Anniversary edition, it has become a lot simpler. The update has also added the support for a sharing wireless connections, which wasn’t available. So if you are running Windows 10 and haven’t got the Anniversary updated yet, we suggest you get it. Go to the Windows Update feature on your laptop and update to the latest version.
Creating a network is only a few steps away. First, press the Windows button and search for ‘Control Panel’. In the Control Panel, select ‘Network and Internet’. Once the ‘Network and Internet’ page opens, go to the tab on the left and select ‘Mobile Hotspot’. Turn on ‘Share my internet connection with other devices’. You also get to choose between the internet connections you want to share, be it Ethernet (Wired) or Wi-Fi (Wireless). Choose the medium as per your preference.
Windows already has a default Network name and password assigned to the laptop. However you can change it. Press ‘Edit’ and then type in the desired network name and password. Press ‘Save’ once you’re done. That’s all, a wireless network will be created on the laptop. You can connect other devices to it, using the network name and password you’ve assigned it.
Using Virtual Router to setup a wireless hotspot on your laptop
If you haven’t got the Windows 10 Anniversary update yet, then you won’t be able to share a wireless network. Don’t be alarmed because you can also use a third-party software to do it. There are plenty of software available. The one we recommend is called ‘Virtual Router‘. It’s a free software and is compatible with some of the older Windows versions, not just Windows 10.
Download, install and open Virtual Router on your laptop. All you have to do is put in the desired network name (SSID) and the password for it. Select the wireless connection that you want to share with other devices. Once you’re done, simply click the ‘Start Virtual Router’ button and the network will be created. You can also monitor all the devices connected to this network. It’s that simple. A few simple steps done in a few minutes can turn your laptop into a wireless network. While this is not recommended for heavy usage, it’s certainly useful when all you have is a wired connection for all your devices.
