This article explains how to turn a PC running Windows 7 or later into a Wi-Fi hotspot using Connectify.

What to Know

  • Open Connectify > select Try it Out > Get Started with Lite > Wi-Fi Hotspot > Internet to Share > pick network.Next: Select Network Access > Routed > enter Hotspot Name > set password > set Ad Blocker > Start Hotspot.

How to Make a Free Hotspot With Connectify

To turn your PC into Wi-Fi hotspot with Connectify:

You can also share your internet connection using the built-in functionality of Windows or macOS.

  • Download Connectify, install it on your computer, then reboot the computer to finish the installation.
  • Connectify is free to download, but there is a premium version available that includes extra features.
  • Open Connectify, select Try it Out, then select Get Started with Lite.
  • Select the Wi-Fi Hotspot tab.
  • Select the Internet to Share dropdown arrow and choose your Wi-Fi network.
  • Select the Network Access dropdown arrow and choose Routed.
  • In the Hotspot Name text box, enter a descriptive name.
  • With the free version of Connectify, only the text after “Connectify-” can be changed.
  • Create a secure password for the hotspot.
  • The network is encrypted with WPA2-AES encryption so the password can be anything.
  • Select or clear the Ad Blocker check box based on your personal preference.
  • Select Start Hotspot to share the internet connection over Wi-Fi. The Connectify icon on the taskbar changes from gray to blue.
  • Other wireless devices can now access your personal hotspot using the network name and password you specified in the steps above.

How to Use Connectify

To see who has connected to your hotspot, go to Clients > Connected to my Hotspot. From here, you can monitor the upload and download traffic of the devices connected to the hotspot.

Download Connectify, install it on your computer, then reboot the computer to finish the installation.

Connectify is free to download, but there is a premium version available that includes extra features.

Open Connectify, select Try it Out, then select Get Started with Lite.

Select the Wi-Fi Hotspot tab.

Select the Internet to Share dropdown arrow and choose your Wi-Fi network.

Select the Network Access dropdown arrow and choose Routed.

In the Hotspot Name text box, enter a descriptive name.

With the free version of Connectify, only the text after “Connectify-” can be changed.

Create a secure password for the hotspot.

The network is encrypted with WPA2-AES encryption so the password can be anything.

Select or clear the Ad Blocker check box based on your personal preference.

Select Start Hotspot to share the internet connection over Wi-Fi. The Connectify icon on the taskbar changes from gray to blue.

Other wireless devices can now access your personal hotspot using the network name and password you specified in the steps above.

If Connectify has problems with your wireless adapter, update the device drivers.

Right-click any device to rename how it’s listed, disable its access to the internet, disable its access to the computer hosting the hotspot, copy the IP address, or change its gaming mode (for example, to the Xbox network or Nintendo Network).

To stop sharing the connection, go to the Wi-Fi Hotspot tab and select Stop Hotspot. Your hotspot settings are saved so that you can quickly start the hotspot again in the future.

If you pay for Connectify Hotspot MAX, you can also use the Wi-Fi hotspot tool to extend the wireless internet in your house. Instead of installing a second router or a Wi-Fi extender, put the laptop within range of the wireless connection and start the hotspot to expand the reach of your wireless signal.

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