Microsoft added a new mobile hotspot setting to Windows 10 with the Anniversary Update that enables users to share a laptop’s or desktop’s web connection with other devices, which can come in handy for browsing on your travels.

However, the Share my internet connection with other devices setting doesn’t always work. When some users toggle that setting on, a wireless hotspot error message states, “We can’t set up mobile hotspot.” Here are a few resolutions that might fix the mobile hotspot error in Windows 10.

How can I fix mobile hotspot setup issues on Windows 10:

  1. Check Hosted Network Support
  2. Open the Network Adapter Troubleshooter
  3. Check the Internet Connection Sharing Service is on
  4. Adjust the Wireless Network Adapter Properties
  5. Switch Bluetooth Off
  6. Update Network Adapter Drivers
  7. Add Mobile Hotspot Software to Windows 10

1. Check Hosted Network Support

First, it’s worth checking if your PC includes an adapter that supports hosted networks. You can do that by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting Command Prompt (Admin).

Enter ‘NETSH WLAN show drivers’ in the Prompt, and press the Return key. Then check the hosted network support detail shown in the snapshot directly below.

So what if your wireless adapter doesn’t support hosted networks? You could get a new USB Wi-Fi adapter that does support hosted networks. Check out this article that provides further details for USB Wi-Fi adapters.

If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look on this guide.

2. Open the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

  • Windows 10 includes a Network Adapter troubleshooter that might help fix the mobile hotspot setting in Windows. To open that troubleshooter, click the Cortana button on the taskbar.
  • Input the keyword ‘troubleshoot’ in the search box and select Troubleshoot to open the window shown below.

troubleshoot windows update

  • Select Network Adapter and press the Run the troubleshooter button to open the window in the shot below.

  • Select the All network adapters option and click Next to go through the troubleshooter.

Can’t load the troubleshooter? Don’t worry, we’ve got the fix.

3. Check the Internet Connection Sharing Service is on

  • It might be the case that the Internet Connection Sharing service is not running. To check that service is up and running, press the Windows key + R hotkey.
  • Input ‘services.msc’ in Run’s text box and click OK to open the window shown directly below.

  • Double-click Internet Connection Sharing to open the window in the snapshot below.

  • If the service is disabled, select Manual or Automatic from the Startup type drop-down menu.
  • Click Start to kick-start ICS, and then press the OK button.

If you encounter some kind of an error with Internet Connection Sharing, take a look at this article to find a solution.

4. Adjust the Wireless Network Adapter Properties

  • Some users have stated on forums that they’ve fixed the mobile hotspot error in Windows by modifying their network adapter properties. To do that, press the Windows key + X hotkey.
  • Select Device Manager on the menu to open the window directly below.

device manager

  • Double-click Network adapter to expand the adapter list as below.

  • Next, double-click your current network adapter, such as Realtek Wireless Lan, to open the properties window for it.

  • Select the Advanced tab shown in the shot directly below.

  • Then select 802.11d and Enable (or Long only) from the Value drop-down menu.
  • Press the OK button.
  • Click View on the Device Manager window and select Show hidden devices.
  • Then double-click the Microsoft Hosted Network Adapter to open its properties window.
  • Select the Power Management tab shown in the snapshot directly below.

  • Uncheck the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option if it’s currently selected.
  • Press the OK button to close the window.

Looking for a simpler solution? Connectify is the perfect tool to help you setup and use a Wi-Fi hotspot properly. Check this article to download, install, and learn how to use it.

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