Windows 11 devices may display the message "We can't set up Mobile Hotspot" or fail to allow other devices to connect, especially after system updates, network configuration changes, or security software installations. These disruptions can prevent internet sharing between your laptop and mobile devices, impacting your ability to stay online when Wi-Fi is limited or unavailable.

Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or incompatible network drivers frequently cause mobile hotspot failures. Updated drivers ensure your hardware communicates correctly with Windows 11's networking features.

Step 1: Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.

Step 2: In Device Manager, expand the Network adapters section.

Step 3: Locate your Wi-Fi adapter, right-click it, and choose Update driver. Select Search automatically for drivers to let Windows find the latest version.

Step 4: If Windows reports that the best driver is already installed but issues persist, repeat the process and choose Browse my computer for drivers. Then click Let me pick from a list of available drivers and select an earlier version if available. Older, stable drivers sometimes resolve compatibility problems introduced by recent updates.

Restart your PC after making driver changes to ensure the new settings take effect.

Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that scans for and repairs common network configuration problems. This tool can automatically restore connectivity in many cases.

Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Win + I. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

Step 2: Scroll to Network and Internetand click Run. Follow the on-screen prompts to allow Windows to detect and attempt to fix issues. The troubleshooter may identify firewall blocks, driver conflicts, or sharing misconfigurations.

Adjust Network Adapter Sharing Settings

Incorrect sharing settings or virtual adapter issues often prevent the hotspot from broadcasting or accepting connections. Verifying and resetting these options can re-enable hotspot functionality.

Step 1: Open Settings (Win + I), go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings, From there, you can manage network adapters, view network status, and access other advanced network settings. 

Step 2: Right-click the adapter used for the mobile hotspot (often labeled as "Wi-Fi" or "Local Area Connection* X") and select Properties.

Step 3: Go to the Sharing tab. Uncheck Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection, click OK, then restart your computer. After rebooting, return to the same tab and re-enable sharing if needed. This resets the sharing configuration, resolving many hotspot access issues.

Modify Registry Settings to Remove Corrupt Hosted Network Data

Corrupt or outdated Hosted Network settings in the Windows Registry can block hotspot activation. Removing these entries forces Windows to rebuild them with default values.

Step 1: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Step 2: Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WlanSvc\Parameters\HostedNetworkSettings.

Step 3: Right-click HostedNetworkSettings in the right pane and choose Delete. Confirm the deletion, then restart your PC. This clears any problematic configuration, allowing the hotspot to initialize with clean settings.

Reset Network Settings

Network misconfigurations or accumulated changes can block hotspot operation. Resetting network settings restores all adapters and configurations to their default state, often resolving persistent problems.

Step 1: Open Settings (Win + I), go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings, then scroll down to Network reset.

Step 2: Click Reset now and confirm. Your PC will restart, and all network adapters will be reinstalled with default settings. Reconnect to your networks and test the hotspot again.

Check Firewall and Security Software

Firewall rules or security applications can block traffic required for the mobile hotspot to function. Windows Defender or third-party firewalls may restrict the "Windows Mobile Hotspot Service" or related processes.

Step 1: Temporarily disable your firewall and any third-party security software. Try enabling the hotspot and connecting a device. If the hotspot works, add exceptions for the relevant services in your firewall or security application before re-enabling protection.

Step 2: For advanced firewall applications (like Portmaster), locate the "Shared Access" service and ensure it does not block incoming connections for the hotspot. Adjusting these settings allows devices to connect as intended.

Change Hotspot Password and Forget Saved Networks

Previously saved network credentials or outdated encryption settings can prevent devices from connecting, even when the hotspot appears active.

Step 1: In Windows 11, open mobile hotspot settings and assign a new password. On your connecting device (phone, tablet, or another PC), forget the existing network and reconnect using the new password.

Step 2: If the issue persists, check the encryption mode in your hotspot settings. Some older devices require WPA2 compatibility. If your hotspot is set to WPA3 only, switch to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode to allow broader compatibility.

Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Software Conflicts

Background services or startup applications may interfere with network sharing. A clean boot loads only essential Windows services, making it easier to pinpoint problematic software.

Step 1: Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

Step 2: In the System Configuration window, select the General tab, check Selective startup, and uncheck Load startup items.

Step 3: Go to the Services tab, tick Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.

Step 4: Switch to the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager, and disable all startup items. Restart your PC and test the hotspot. If it works, re-enable services one by one to identify the conflict.

Try a Third-Party Hotspot Application

When built-in Windows hotspot features repeatedly fail, third-party utilities like MyPublicWifi can provide a workaround by creating a virtual router using your Wi-Fi adapter. These tools often bypass system-level bugs or configuration issues.

Step 1: Download and install MyPublicWifi or a similar application. Configure the hotspot with your desired network name and password, then start the hotspot from within the app.

Step 2: Once the third-party hotspot is working, you may be able to return to Windows' built-in hotspot feature, as the app can reset or repair related services.

Regularly updating drivers and checking network settings maximizes hotspot reliability in Windows 11. If issues persist, reviewing security software or using alternative hotspot tools can restore connectivity for your devices.