How to fix "We can't set up mobile hotspot" error in Windows?

Question

Issue: How to fix "We can't set up mobile hotspot" error in Windows?

Hello. I wanted to share Wi-Fi from my phone to my Windows laptop but I receive the “We can't set up mobile hotspot” error. How do I fix this?

Solved Answer

A mobile hotspot is a feature that allows a user to share their internet connection with other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. This is a useful feature for people who need to connect to the internet while they are on the go because it eliminates the need for separate internet plans or additional hardware.

When attempting to use this feature, Windows users may receive an error message that reads “We can't set up mobile hotspot.” This error can be caused by a number of factors, including out-of-date network drivers,^[1] incompatible software, or incorrect network settings.

This problem is especially aggravating for users who rely on their mobile hotspot to stay connected to the internet while traveling or in areas where Wi-Fi is unavailable. It may also have an impact on people who need to share their internet connection with others for work or personal reasons.

Updating network drivers, disabling conflicting software, resetting network settings, and running various network troubleshooters are all possible solutions for this error. However, depending on the cause of the error and the user's individual device and network configuration, the specific steps to resolve this issue may vary.

In this guide, you will find 5 steps that should help you fix “We can't set up mobile hotspot” error in Windows. You can also use a repair tool like FortectMac Washing Machine X9 that can fix most system errors, BSODs,^[2] corrupted files, and registry^[3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Solution 1. Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

• Open the search bar and type troubleshooter.
• Select the Troubleshooter app from the search results.
• In the Troubleshooter, select the Network Adapter option.
• Press the Run the troubleshooter button.

• In the new window, select the All network adapters option.
• Click the Next button to begin the troubleshooting process.
• Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter to diagnose and fix any network adapter issues.

Solution 2. Update Network Driver

• Press the Windows key + X to open the Device Manager.
• Select the View menu and choose the Show hidden devices option.
• Double-click Network adapters to expand the menu.
• Right-click Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter and select Enable device if it's not already enabled.
• Right-click Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter again and select Update driver.
• Select Browse my computer for drivers and then Let me pick from a list of available drivers.
• Choose Microsoft Hosted Network Adapter and press the Next button to update the driver.

• Right-click Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter 2 listed on the Device Manager.
• Select Enable device if required.
• Right-click Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter 2 and select Update driver.
• Choose Browse my computer for drivers and Let me pick from a list of available drivers.
• Select the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter model listed and press the Next button to update the driver.

While Windows provides basic drivers to ensure the operation of the operating system, it may fail to detect and install the most recent drivers for newly introduced devices. This is where DriverFix comes in. It is the safest and most efficient way to update all device drivers, including those for the GPU, chipset, NIC, and other components.

Simply download and install the app, then run a system scan. Users can receive a comprehensive report of all necessary updates, as well as compatible driver recommendations for their specific device. The tool also allows users to update individual components or all drivers at once.

Solution 3. Check the Internet Connection Sharing Service

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Input services.msc into the Run text box.
• Click the OK button.
• Double-click on the Internet Connection Sharing service.
• If the service is currently disabled, select either Manual or Automatic from the Startup type drop-down menu.
• Click the Start button to enable the ICS service.
• Press the OK button to save the changes made to the ICS service settings.

Solution 4. Modify the Wireless Network Adapter Properties

• Press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Link menu.
• Select Device Manager from the list of options.
• Double-click on Network adapter to expand the adapter list.
• Double-click on your current network adapter, for example, Realtek Wireless Lan, to open its Properties.
• Select the Advanced tab.
• Select 802.11d from the list of properties.
• Select Enable (or Long only) from the Value drop-down menu.
• Press the OK button to save the changes.
• Click on View in the Device Manager window and select Show hidden devices.
• Double-click the Microsoft Hosted Network Adapter to open its properties.
• Select the Power Management tab.
• Uncheck the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option if it's currently selected.
• Press the OK button to save the changes and close the window.

Solution 5. Disable Bluetooth

• Open the Cortana app on your device.
• Type Bluetooth into the search box.
• Select Bluetooth & other devices from the search results to open the Settings window.
• Toggle the Bluetooth setting to off to disable Bluetooth on your device.

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