How To Create Wifi Hotspot With Windows 7

06Jun

Create a Virtual Wi-Fi Hotspot for Windows 7 & 8

In this blog, I have added information on how to turn your windows 7 or 8 machine into a Wi-Fi Hotspot.There are many times when you may find that you are stuck using a wired connection and want to use it wirelessly.

In Windows 8, Microsoft quietly removed a useful networking feature: ad-hoc networks.

In Windows7 (and previous OSes), the tool could turn your PC into a Wi-Fi hot spot, allowing it to share its Ethernet or other Internet connection with other devices by broadcasting its own network.

So, if you paid for Internet access at a cafe, or you're at work, and want to share your PC's Internet with your phone or tablet , this feature would let you do that.

With Virtual Router Plus you can easily transform your laptop into a wireless hotspot to do just this. It's a free, open-source program that does work for you, allowing you to quickly fire up an ad-hoc network whenever you need one.

This is a great option if you are able to physically connect your laptop to a network, but also want to be able to get online with your tablet or iPod.

When to Use?

If you want to share your internet connection, Virtual Router Plus requires that your computer be connected to a wired network and have a functional Wi-Fi adapter. If you want to re-share a Wi-Fi connection you'll need to use software, like Connectify Hotspot .

There other scenarios where you might want to create a quick ad-hoc network, though, like if you just want to transfer some files between the two computers, or even play a game wirelessly across the network.

Getting Started

Download a free copy of Virtual Router Plus . unzip the file and launch the executable. Windows 8's Smart Screen feature will kick in and block the program from running – just click 'More info' followed by the 'Run anyway' button to get to work.

virtual-router-plus

Scroll down and click Download latest release link.

virtual-router-plus

You'll be redirected to the CodePlex website and the download will start automatically. There's no need for installation, as the program is provided in zip format you will need to extract it.

When you've done extracting, make sure that you are connected to the network connection and then launch the application by double clicking the VirtualRouterPlus.exe file.

Virtual Router Plus

Add a Network Name

Enter the name you would like to use for the ad-hoc network that is being created and secure it with a password. Use the drop down menu to select which of the available connections should be shared and then click Start Virtual Router Plus.

Virtual Router Plus

Getting Connected

The connection can then be used just like any other Wi-Fi connection. Other laptops, smartphones and tablets will detect the network and you just need to supply the relevant password.

Virtual Router Plus

You could use this technique to share your home internet connection with guests or friends without giving out your regular Wi-Fi credentials.