How to Turn a PC Into a Wireless Hotspot

by Ruri Ranbe

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A wireless router is the device used most often to broadcast Wi-Fi signals to wireless-ready devices within range. However, not all networks are wireless, and routers sometimes die without warning. Windows 7 includes a feature called Internet connection sharing that allows one or more wireless-capable devices to connect wirelessly to the Internet using a computer linked via an Ethernet cable to a wired network. You can set up an ad-hoc, or point-to-point, network on a PC and enable ICS to turn the computer into a wireless hotspot.

Step 1

Connect the PC to the router via an Ethernet cord. Click "Start" and then type "sharing" in the search box. Click "Network and Sharing Center."

Step 2

Click "Set Up a New Connection or Network" under Change Your Networking Settings.

Step 3

Select "Set Up a Wireless Ad Hoc (Computer-to-Computer) Network" from the Choose a Connection Option screen. Click "Next."

Step 4

Review the information on the screen and click "Next." Create a name for the hotspot and choose "WPA2-Personal" from Security Type.

Step 5

Create a password for the network. Click "Save This Network" to use it in the future. Click "Next" to establish the network. Click "Close."

Step 6

Choose "Manage Network Connections" in the left pane. Right-click the ad-hoc network and select "Properties" from the context menu.

Click "Sharing" and then select "Allow Other Network Users to Connect Through This Computer's Internet Connection." Click "OK" to begin using the PC as a wireless hotspot.