Resolved: Mobile Hotspot Issues in Windows 10

Resolved: Mobile Hotspot Issues in Windows 10

The Mobile Hotspot feature in Windows 10 allows you to share your internet connection with other devices, effectively turning your computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, it’s not uncommon for users to encounter issues where the Mobile Hotspot stops working, leaving connected devices without internet access. This guide will explore the potential causes of this problem and provide step-by-step solutions to get your Mobile Hotspot up and running again.

Understanding the Problem

Why Is My Mobile Hotspot Not Working?

Several factors can cause the Mobile Hotspot feature to malfunction:

• Outdated or corrupted network drivers: Network drivers are crucial for the functioning of your hotspot. If they’re outdated or corrupted, the hotspot might not work.
• Incorrect network settings: Misconfigured settings can prevent the hotspot from sharing the internet connection.
• Power management settings: Power-saving features can sometimes disable the Mobile Hotspot.
• Conflicts with third-party software: Antivirus or firewall software might interfere with the Mobile Hotspot feature.

How to Fix Mobile Hotspot Not Working in Windows 10

If your Mobile Hotspot is not working, try the following methods to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

1. Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can prevent the Mobile Hotspot from functioning correctly. Updating or reinstalling the drivers can often fix the problem.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Locate Network Adapters:
   • Expand the Network adapters section to see all installed network devices.
3. Update the Driver:
   • Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver.
   • Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts to update the driver.
4. Reinstall the Driver (If Necessary):
   • If updating doesn’t work, right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select Uninstall device.
   • Restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.
5. Check Mobile Hotspot:
   • After updating or reinstalling the driver, try turning on the Mobile Hotspot again.

2. Reset the Network Settings

Resetting the network settings can resolve issues related to misconfigured network settings that might be causing the Mobile Hotspot to malfunction.

Steps:

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet:
   • Navigate to Network & Internet > Status.
3. Scroll Down to Network Reset:
   • Scroll down and click on Network reset.
4. Reset Your Network Settings:
   • Click Reset now and confirm the action. Your computer will restart.
5. Reconfigure the Mobile Hotspot:
   • After the reset, reconfigure the Mobile Hotspot and check if it works.

3. Check the Power Management Settings

Windows 10’s power management settings might disable the Mobile Hotspot to save power. Disabling this feature can help keep the hotspot active.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Locate Your Wi-Fi Adapter:
   • Expand the Network adapters section and find your Wi-Fi adapter.
3. Adjust Power Management Settings:
   • Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties.
   • Go to the Power Management tab.
   • Uncheck the box that says Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
   • Click OK to save the changes.
4. Check Mobile Hotspot:
   • After adjusting the power management settings, try turning on the Mobile Hotspot again.

4. Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix common issues with network adapters, including problems with the Mobile Hotspot.

Steps:

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Update & Security:
   • Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter:
   • Click on Additional troubleshooters.
   • Select Network Adapter and click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
   • The troubleshooter will scan for issues and suggest fixes. Follow the prompts to apply the fixes.
5. Check Mobile Hotspot:
   • After running the troubleshooter, check if the Mobile Hotspot is working.

5. Disable or Reconfigure Third-Party Security Software

Sometimes, third-party antivirus or firewall software can interfere with the Mobile Hotspot. Temporarily disabling or reconfiguring the software can help resolve the issue.

Steps:

1. Open Your Antivirus or Firewall Software:
   • Locate your antivirus or firewall software in the system tray or start menu.
2. Disable the Software Temporarily:
   • Look for an option to disable real-time protection or turn off the software temporarily.
3. Reconfigure the Software:
   • If disabling the software resolves the issue, consider adding an exception for the Mobile Hotspot or reconfiguring the software to prevent interference.
4. Check Mobile Hotspot:
   • After adjusting the security software, try turning on the Mobile Hotspot again.
5. Re-enable the Security Software:
   • Don’t forget to re-enable your security software to protect your system after testing.

Conclusion

If your Mobile Hotspot is not working in Windows 10, it can be frustrating, especially if you rely on it for internet connectivity. However, by updating or reinstalling network drivers, resetting network settings, adjusting power management settings, running the network adapter troubleshooter, and reconfiguring third-party security software, you can usually resolve the issue and get your Mobile Hotspot working again. Regular system maintenance and keeping your drivers and software up to date can help prevent similar issues in the future.