Unlocking 6GHz Hotspots in Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide

Windows 11 is preparing to roll out an exciting new feature that tech-savvy users will surely appreciate—support for 6GHz Wi-Fi hotspots! This update is part of the latest development builds of Windows 11 and comes as part of the broader improvements in connectivity, including official support for Wi-Fi 7. If you're among those eager to explore this new capability, read on to get the lowdown on how to jump on board before it’s fully available to everyone.

What’s New with 6GHz Hotspots?​

The ability to share internet connectivity through a 6GHz hotspot is being introduced in Windows 11 build 26120.1912 and later. Until now, users have primarily been limited to sharing connections via 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, which can sometimes suffer from congestion and interference, particularly in environments with many other devices.
6GHz hotspots come with several advantages:

• Higher Bandwidth: 6GHz can handle more data, which is great for activities like streaming high-definition video or gaming.
• Less Interference: With more spectrum available, there’s less chance of the connection being interrupted by other wireless devices.

Microsoft is implementing this feature in response to the growing adoption of 6GHz technology, bringing more modern protocol capabilities right to your fingertips.

Getting Started: Requirements​

Before you can enable this feature, make sure of a couple of things:

1. Compatible Hardware: You must have a Wi-Fi 6E-compatible network card. Older cards (like those supporting Wi-Fi 5 or 4) will not be able to utilize the 6GHz spectrum. Even among Wi-Fi 6E cards, not all support 6GHz hotspots, so double-check the specifications of your hardware.
2. Windows 11 Build 26120.1912 or Newer: Make sure your system is running the correct version. If you’re running an earlier build, you’ll need to update.

How to Enable the 6GHz Hotspot​

If you meet the requirements and are ready to dive in, here’s a simple guide on how to enable the 6GHz hotspot:

1. Force Enable Using ViVeTool:
   • Download ViVeTool: Grab the latest version from its GitHub page and extract it.
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Navigate to the folder containing ViVeTool.
   • Enter Commands: Use the following commands to enable the feature:
     

      vivetool /enable /id:40466470 vivetool /enable /id:48433719

   • Restart Your Computer: For the changes to take effect.
2. Access the New Option:
   • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot.
   • In Network Properties, you should see an option to select the Network Band. Choose 6GHz from the drop-down menu.

Final Thoughts​

The introduction of a 6GHz hotspot in Windows 11 is an exciting advance for users seeking faster and more reliable wireless connections. As this feature becomes more broadly adopted, it could substantially enhance everyday internet use—especially for those who work, game, or stream content online frequently.
With 6GHz technology becoming more accessible and devices starting to support it, users have a lot to look forward to. Just ensure your hardware is up to the task, and dive into the future of connectivity with Windows 11!
Feel free to share your experiences or any hiccups you encounter as you try out these new features in the comments below!
Source: Neowin Windows 11 is getting 6GHz hotspot support, here is how to try it