We can’t set up mobile hotspot error on Windows 10

Matthew Adams
by Matthew Adams
Windows & Software Expert
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  • If you can't set up a mobile hotspot on Windows 10, the cause might be your driver or certain settings.
  • We explore each possibility and offer exhaustive solutions in the article below.
  • Bookmark our Network & Internet Hub for quick access to more helpful guides like this one.
  • Visit our dedicated Troubleshooting section for similar Windows 10-related issues.
Fix We can't set up mobile hotspot error on Windows 10

The mobile hotspot setting on Windows 10 enables users to share a particular laptop or desktop web connection with other devices. This comes in handy for browsing while traveling.

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. Update the network adapter drivers
  2. Add mobile hotspot software to Windows 10
  3. Check hosted network support
  4. Open the Network Adapter Troubleshooter
  5. Check the Internet Connection Sharing service
  6. Adjust the Wireless Network Adapter properties
  7. Switch Bluetooth off

1. Update the network adapter drivers

1.Update drivers automatically

DriverFix automatically update drivers

To get the best of your Windows 10, your drivers always have to be in top shape. Usually, drivers get automatically updated upon booting.

However, due to some glitches, certain updates can be missed, causing dysfunctionalities such as the impossibility to set up a mobile hotspot.

So to save the day, the safest and quickest way to update not just one but all drivers is to use a dedicated tool such as DriverFix.

You only need to download and install the app and scan your system.

DriverFix will offer a full report with all the necessary updates, plus fresh driver recommendations compatible with your device. You’ll also have the option to update just one item, or all at once.

DriverFix

DriverFix

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2. Update drivers manually

  1. Open the Device Manager by pressing Win key + X.
  2. Select the Show hidden devices option on the View menu.
  3. Double-click Network adapters to expand the menu.
  4. Right-click Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter and select Enable device if it’s not currently enabled.
  5. Then select Update driver on the adapter’s context menu, and select the Browse my computer for driver option.
  6. Select the Let me pick from a list of available drivers option, and then Microsoft Hosted Network Adapter.
  7. Press the Next button to update the driver.
  8. Then, right-click Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter 2 listed on the Device Manager.
  9. Select Enable device if required.
  10. Select Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter 2’s Update driver option on its context menu.
  11. Click Browse my computer for driver and Let me pick from a list of available drivers as before.
  12. Select the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter model listed, and press the Next button.

2. Add mobile hotspot software to Windows 10

Add mobile hotspot software to Windows 10

Remember that there are numerous third-party mobile hotspot software packages with which you can also set up a WiFi hotspot on Windows.

So you don’t always need to set up a mobile hotspot with the Windows setting. Instead, you could set up a hotspot in Windows with software such as Connectify Hotspot.

The tool helps with extending the range of your wireless signal in your home by combining several Internet connections, either wired or wireless.

As a result, all your household devices should easily connect, without you having to resort to additional hardware. 

Besides, the app offers real-time network usage monitoring and firewall protection for each connected device.

Connectify Hotspot

Connectify Hotspot

Eliminate network connection errors once and for all with this hotspot software for Windows 10.
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3. Check hosted network support

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Enter the following command and press Enter: NETSH WLAN show drivers
  3. Then check the hosted network support details.

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.

Having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin? Take a closer look at this guide.

4. Open the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

  1. Open the Troubleshooter by typing  this  same word  in  the  search  bar.troubleshoot windows update
  2. Select Network Adapter and press the Run the troubleshooter button.
  3. 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.

5. Check the Internet Connection Sharing service

  1. Press the Windows key + R hotkey.
  2. Input services.msc in the Run text box and click OK.
  3. Double-click Internet Connection Sharing.
  4. If the service is disabled, select Manual or Automatic from the Startup type drop-down menu.
  5. 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.

6. Adjust the Wireless Network Adapter properties

  1. Press the Windows key + X hotkey and select Device Manager.device manager
  2. Double-click Network adapter to expand the adapter list.
  3. Next, double-click your current network adapter, such as Realtek Wireless Lan, to open its properties.
  4. Select the Advanced tab.
  5. Then select 802.11d and Enable (or Long only) from the Value drop-down menu.
  6. Press the OK button.
  7. Click View on the Device Manager window and select Show hidden devices.
  8. Then, double-click the Microsoft Hosted Network Adapter to open its properties.
  9. Select the Power Management tab.
  10. Uncheck the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option if it’s currently selected.
  11. Press the OK button to close the window.

7. Switch Bluetooth off

  1. Enter Bluetooth in the Cortana app’s search box.
  2. Select Bluetooth & other devices to open the Settings window.
  3. Then toggle the Bluetooth setting to off.

Note that you can also set up a mobile hotspot via Windows’ Command Prompt. Also, if you can’t share an iPhone hotspot connection with Windows, check out this article.

If you have any other questions related to the solutions presented above, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in September 2019 and was completely revamped and updated in October 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.