Windows 11 Mobile Hotspot is Not Working: 4 Ways to Fix it

Mobile hotspot issues can appear due to outdated drivers

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Key notes

  • If the mobile hotspot isn't working, you can try removing any recent updates.
  • We can't setup mobile hotspot on Windows 11 message can appear if your drivers are out of date.
mobile-hotspot windows 11 hotspot not working

If the Windows 11 mobile hotspot is not working you won’t be able to connect your phone or any other device to your computer’s network and access the Internet.

This can be a problem, especially if you don’t have wireless coverage, so let’s see how we can fix this issue.

Why is my mobile hotspot not working in Windows 11?

  • Outdated Wi-Fi drivers can sometimes cause this problem.
  • A bad Windows update can prevent certain features from working.
  • Temporary glitches with network security can lead to this issue.
  • Your device’s DNS settings can interfere with the hotspot.

How can I fix the mobile hotspot not working in Windows 11?

Before we start, you can disable the mobile hotspot and try to download the latest Windows updates and check if that solves the issue.

1. Update your PC’s Wi-Fi driver

  1. Hold the Windows key and press X at the same time. Select Device Manager to bring up that utility’s window.
    Device Manager shortcut windows 11 mobile hotspot not working
  2. Next, double-click Network adapters to extend that Device Manager category.
  3. Right-click your PC’s WiFi network adapter to select an Update driver option for it.
    The Update driver option windows 11 mobile hotspot not working
  4. Click Search automatically for drivers to initiate an automatic driver scan and update. This will ensure that the Windows 11 mobile hotspot not working issue will be gone.
    Search automatically for drivers option windows 11 mobile hotspot not working

A newer driver might still be available for your PC’s network adapter even if the Update Driver determines the best one is already installed.

Scanning your PC with a driver updater utility will tell you if your network adapter has an updated driver, so try Outbyte Driver Updater in that regard.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Remove recent updates

  1. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key + I.
  2. Next, go to Windows Update and select Update history.
    update history
  3. After that, navigate to Uninstall updates.
    uninstall updates
  4. Locate a recent update and click Uninstall.
  5. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

You might have to remove a recent feature update to fix this, and we have detailed steps on how to do that in our guide on how to uninstall Windows 11 update.

3. Change the hotspot password and connect to it again

  1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. In the right pane, click on Mobile hotspot.
  2. In the Properties section click on Edit.
  3. Enter a new hotspot password and save changes.
  4. Next, go to your phone, and forget the current hotspot.
  5. After that, try connecting with a new password.

4. Change DNS settings on the device you’re trying to connect

  1. On your phone, go to Settings and then Network.
  2. Select your hotspot connection.
  3. Set IP Settings to Static.
     
  4. Set DNS 1 to 8.8.8.8 and DNS 2 to 8.8.4.4. Alternatively, you can use 1.1.1.1 as DNS 1.
  5. Save changes.

Keep in mind that these steps could be different on your phone.

Does Windows 11 support mobile hotspot?

Yes, Windows 11 fully supports mobile hotspots, but in order to use it, you need to ensure that your Wi-Fi adapter supports this feature.

How do I reset my mobile hotspot?

  1. Access the Settings app on your Android device, then go down to the System section and select it.
  2. Expand the Advanced section.
  3. Choose Reset Options.
  4. Tap Reset WiFi, mobile & Bluetooth.
  5. Follow the on-screen steps to reset the hotspot.

If the Windows 11 mobile hotspot is not working, that’s most likely an update issue and it can be resolved by removing that update. To learn more about this feature, we have a guide on how to properly set up a Windows 11 mobile hotspot.

Keep in mind that hotspot issues are common and many reported that their laptop is not connecting to mobile hotspot. If this happens, you might want to consider using Wi-Fi hotspot software instead.

How did you fix this issue? Let us know in the comments below!

More about the topics: WiFi Hotspot, Windows 11 Fix