How to Set Up a Mobile Hotspot in Windows 11 Using Command Prompt

In today’s digital age, staying connected is paramount, and while having a dedicated Wi-Fi router is ideal, there are times when you may need to be resourceful. If you're running Windows 11, setting up a mobile hotspot through the Command Prompt (CMD) can be a lifesaver, transforming your laptop into a gateway for other devices. Let’s dive into the world of Windows 11 hotspots and explore how you can do this with a few commands.

What Is Windows 11 Hotspot CMD?​

The Windows 11 Hotspot CMD is a command-line tool allowing you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot directly from your computer. By using CMD or PowerShell, you can execute specific commands to set up a hotspot with tailored configurations. This method is particularly advantageous because it offers:

• Granular Control: Customize your hotspot settings often unavailable in the GUI.
• Automation: Create scripts for quickly enabling the hotspot whenever needed.
• Better Troubleshooting Options: Get detailed feedback and error reports directly from CMD.

System Requirements for Hotspot​

Before we embark on this command-line adventure, ensure your setup is compatible:

• Your Windows 11 PC must have a Wi-Fi adapter that supports the Hosted Network feature, usually found in more modern wireless adapters.
• Run CMD as an administrator to create and manage the hotspot.
• Latest drivers for your Wi-Fi adapter installed.

How To Configure Windows 11 Hotspot via CMD​

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to get your hotspot running:

1. Check Hosted Network Support​

First, you must verify if your PC can host a network:

1. Open the Start Menu and type CMD.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. In CMD, enter the command:
   

   bash netsh wlan show drivers

4. Look for "Hosted network supported." If it says Yes, you’re good to go!

2. Enabling a Mobile Hotspot​

If your adapter supports it, you can enable the hotspot:

1. In the same CMD window, input:
   

   bash netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyHotspot key=12345678

   • Replace MyHotspot with your desired network name.
   • Change 12345678 to your unique password.
2. Hit Enter.

You should receive confirmation that the settings have been applied successfully!

3. Start the Hotspot​

To activate the hotspot, type:

 netsh wlan start hostednetwork

You should see a message indicating that the hosted network has started. Voilà! Your Windows 11 device is now broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal.

4. Checking the Hotspot Status​

To verify that everything is running smoothly, check the hotspot status with:

 netsh wlan show hostednetwork

The output will inform you of the hotspot's current status, including the number of devices connected and the SSID.

5. Change Hotspot Configuration​

Need to tweak the settings or add more clients? You can modify several parameters:

• Max Clients:
  

  bash netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=YourNetworkName key=YourPassword maxclients=10

• Change Authentication Method:
  

  bash netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=YourNetworkName key=YourPassword auth=WPA2-Personal

• Modify Wireless Mode:
  

  bash netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=YourNetworkName key=YourPassword mode=n

6. Stopping the Mobile Hotspot​

When you're finished and need to disable the hotspot, execute:

 netsh wlan stop hostednetwork

A successful command will confirm that the hosted network has stopped.

Automating the Hotspot Setup with a Batch File​

If you’d like your hotspot to activate automatically at startup, follow these steps:

1. Open Notepad and paste the following:
   

   powershell powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass "$connectionProfile = [Windows.Networking.Connectivity.NetworkInformation,Windows.Networking.Connectivity,ContentType=WindowsRuntime]::GetInternetConnectionProfile(); $tetheringManager = [Windows.Networking.NetworkOperators.NetworkOperatorTetheringManager,Windows.Networking.NetworkOperators,ContentType=WindowsRuntime]::CreateFromConnectionProfile($connectionProfile); $tetheringManager.StartTetheringAsync();"

2. Save the file as a .BAT file in the Startup folder. You can access this folder by pressing Win + R, typing shell:startup, and pressing Enter.

Now, every time your PC starts, it will automatically set up the mobile hotspot!

Alternatives to CMD for Hotspot Setup​

If you find Command Prompt to be a bit daunting, you can set up a hotspot via the Windows 11 Settings app:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click Network & internet on the left-hand menu.
3. Select Mobile hotspot.
4. Toggle the switch to enable sharing, and customize your SSID and password.

Summary​

Setting up a mobile hotspot using CMD in Windows 11 is straightforward and provides a level of control that the GUI does not. You can tailor your network settings, automate the process, and troubleshoot effectively. With this guide, you are now equipped to share your internet connection like a pro!
Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just checking in with friends, you’ve learned how to transform your Windows 11 PC into a Wi-Fi powerhouse. If you have tips, questions, or experiences to share, feel free to join the conversation below!
Source: Windows Report Windows 11 Hotspot CMD: How To Set It Up Step-by-Step