How to Fix We Can't Set Up Mobile Hotspot in Windows 10/11

Getting the “We can’t set up mobile hotspot” error on Windows 11? Or maybe the option’s grayed out and won’t let you enable it?

If you can’t set up a mobile hotspot, it usually comes down to one of three things: a disabled network adapter, missing sharing permissions, or outdated drivers.

The good news? All of these are quick to troubleshoot, no advanced tech skills needed. Check the steps below to get your mobile hotspot back to working in no time.

How can I fix the we can’t set up mobile hotspot issue?

1. Enable the network adapter

1. Press the Windows key + X and choose Device Manager.
   
2. Locate your network adapter on the list and right-click it. Choose Enable device.
   
3. You might have multiple adapters listed, make sure that only the correct one is enabled.

2. Allow network users to connect (using Command Prompt)

1. Open Search, type cmd and choose Run as administrator.
   
2. Run the following command, but replace the name with the desired hotspot name and pw with the hotspot password:
   netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=name key=pw
3. After that, start the hotspot with this command: netsh wlan start hostednetwork
4. Open search and type view network connections. Select the first result from the list.
   
5. Look for a new Local Area Connection. It should have a Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter in the description. Right-click it and choose Properties.
6. Go to Sharing and enable Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection. You’ll also have to set up the right connection in the Home networking field.
   
7. Save changes.

If you encounter any issues, go to the Device Manager, choose View, and show hidden devices. Locate the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter, and disable and enable it.

After that, you should be able to enable mobile hotspot in the Settings app.

3. Update Your Network Adapter Driver (Using Device Manager)

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Network adapters section.
3. Right-click your wireless adapter (usually has “Wi-Fi” or “Wireless” in the name) and choose Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
5. If Windows finds a newer version, it will install it automatically.
6. Restart your PC and try setting up the hotspot again.

NOTE

Want an easier way? Tools like PC Helpsoft Driver Updater can scan your system and update all outdated drivers in just a few clicks, especially helpful if you’re not sure which adapter to pick or prefer a one-and-done fix.

If you’re having trouble with Internet Connection Sharing or connecting to a hotspot, simple steps can help. For mobile network connections, check how to enable eSIM on Windows 11. You can also learn how to set up a mobile hotspot and troubleshoot common issues.

Before you go, don’t miss out guide on what to do if Windows 11 hotspot is slow since it might come in handy if you encounter additional issues.

For more hotspot tips and device-specific fixes, you may also want to check out what to do if your computer won’t connect to an Android hotspot, how to connect a Windows 8 PC to an iPhone hotspot, MacBook hotspot connection issues, and this full guide on Windows 11 mobile hotspot not working.

If you have any other questions related to the solutions for the We can’t set up a hotspot error, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.