Fix: Mobile Hotspot Not Working In Windows 10 & 11

Mobile hotspots are useful in many situations, including work-related ones. When you’re unable to create or connect to one, it can be a frustrating problem.

Unfortunately, Windows users sometimes deal with this issue where they cannot get the mobile hotspot feature to work.

If you’ve recently encountered this problem, you’ll find all potential solutions for it in the following guide.

So, without any delay, let’s jump straight into it.

Fix 1: Use The Windows Network Adapter Troubleshooter

The first step whenever you experience any network-related issues on your computer is to run the built-in Windows Network Adapter Troubleshooter.

This will at least help you get started and put you in the right direction to find the root of the problem.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Simultaneously press Windows + S on your keyboard to open the Windows Search Function.
2. Type in Troubleshoot Settings and press Enter on your keyboard.
   
3. In the panel that just opened, click Additional Troubleshooters.
4. Scroll down the list and click on Network Adapter, then click Run The Troubleshooter.
   
5. Wait for the troubleshooting to complete.

If the troubleshooting comes up with any results, you can allow Windows to fix the problem for you. Otherwise, if the process doesn’t detect the problem, feel free to move on to the other fixes listed below.

Fix 2: Update Your Network Adapter Drivers

It’s always advantageous to have the latest obtainable drivers installed, as that can fix any ongoing issues, or prevent new ones from occurring in the future.

Here’s how to update your network adapter driver to possibly fix the issue with the mobile hotspot not working.

1. Press Windows + S simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Windows Search Function.
2. Type in Device Manager, then click on the first result displayed on the list to open the panel.
   
   
3. Inside the Device Manager panel, expand the Network Adapters category, then right-click on your network adapter and choose Update Driver.
   
4. Wait for the process to complete. It could take a few minutes. When it’s done, reboot your PC.

Now, try using your mobile hotspot and see if the problem persists. For many users, this method solved the problem, so hopefully, it will work for your specific case too.

Fix 3: Change Your Current Windows Version (Revert Or Update)

Some users that experienced this problem were unable to fix it regardless of the methods used, but what helped them was either update Windows or revert to a previous (older) version.

We always recommend installing Windows updates as they contain significant security changes, but it’s not a secret they can often “break” an existing feature as well.

To fix the mobile hotspot not working issue (if the problem is caused by a Windows update), here’s what we recommend.

If you don’t have the latest Windows update, download and install it. Reboot your PC and test if the hotspot now works. This may solve the problem immediately.

However, if the issue persists, revert to a Windows version older than the one you had installed before updating, as this may resolve the problem too.

This particular Reddit post has numerous users discussing this problem, and almost all agree it’s connected to updates.

If you’re experiencing issues with Windows 10 updates, our helpful guide covers multiple methods to overcome any complications that may arise while trying to revert or update.   

Fix 4: Reset The Windows Firewall Rules To Default

This is another potential fix for the problem, and it requires the user to reset the Windows firewall rules to their default settings.

If unsure how to do this, follow the steps below to get it done quickly.

1. Press Windows + S to open the Windows Search Feature, then type in Control Panel and press Enter on your keyboard.
2. Set the view to Category in the top-right corner, then click on System and Security.
   
3. Click on Windows Defender Firewall.
   
4. In the left sidebar menu, click Restore Defaults. Confirm the action by clicking Restore Defaults once more, then press Yes in the dialog prompt screen.
   
   

Now, we recommend rebooting your PC for the changes to take effect.

This should fix the problem, as it’s a method that helped multiple Windows users. If it doesn’t, however, there’s one more thing to try.

Fix 5: Configure The Adapter Properties To Allow The Connection Of Devices

Unless you enable the setting allowing other network users to connect to the internet through your device’s internet connection, they won’t be able to.

So, to fix the ongoing problem, we recommend doing the following:

1. Right-click the Windows icon on your taskbar, then choose Settings from the list of options.
   
2. Choose Network and Internet, as shown in the image below.
   
3. Scroll down until you see the Mobile Hotspot category, then click on it.
4. Navigate to Related Settings and then Change Adapter Options.
5. Identify the hotspot adapter, then right-click it and choose Properties. Open the Sharing section and ensure the Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection option is enabled.

This should help fix the problem.

Conclusion

Connection problems are frustrating, as they limit our access to the internet that we use for a lot of things, including work.

Luckily, the issue causing the mobile hotspot to not work on Windows is common, and there are multiple ways to fix it.

Hopefully, the techniques listed in this guide helped you overcome it.