Turn Your Windows PC Into A Wireless Hotspot

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Turn Your Windows PC Into a Wireless Hotspot

(http://lifehacker.com/5369381/turn-your-windows-7-pc-into-a-
wireless-hotspot)
(/)
2,552,094 4 The How-To Geek (http://the-how-to-geek-old.kinja.com)
Filed to: WINDOWS 7 (/TAG/WINDOWS-7) 9/28/09 9:00am (http://lifehacker.com/5369381/turn-your-windows-7-pc-into-a-wireless-hotspot)
(http://the-how-to-geek-old.kinja.com)
Everybody's got a wireless network at home, but if you've ever wanted to get your iPod touch, iPhone, or
other wireless device connected, but all you've got is a wired network at work, school, or elsewhere,
Windows 7 makes this process trivial.
Upgraded to Windows 8? Check out Virtual Router Plus (http://lifehacker.com/5983161/virtual-
router-plus-turns-your-windows-8-pc-into-a-wi+fi-hotspot), a tiny free program that does the same
thing. You can also accomplish the same thing in Windows Vista, XP
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1 (/i-have-tried-to-have-my-computer-as-a-hot-spot-but-all-1250917049) 2 (/faruk-1256005418)
3 (/dont-worry-we-only-watch-you-nsa-1513977923) 4 (/yup-1546557892)
(http://lifehacker.com/280002/turn-your-laptop-into-a-wireless-hot-spot), and even OS X
(http://lifehacker.com/283088/share-your-macs-internet-connection-wirelessly)the Windows Vista
method is almost identical to Windows 7, but XP requires a few more steps.
Before we begin, you should make sure that you've got a laptop or desktop with a wireless card that isn't
currently connectedif your laptop is connected to the wired network, your wireless card should be free,
and we can use it to allow access to the internet. Note that you have to be plugged into a wired
connection in order to share the connection wirelessly with others, or have a second wireless card.
Readers should also note that this won't work on (some) work networks that use group policies to
enforce TPS report cover sheet boredom and prevent you from having any fun at all.
You'll want to start out by heading into the Network and Sharing Center through the Control Panel, or
you can quickly get to it by right-clicking on the network icon in the system tray. Once you are there,
find the link for "Set up a new connection or network".
You'll be prompted with a wizard that allows you to connect to VPNs, dial-up, or create a new ad hoc
wireless network, which is what we want to do. You can easily use an ad hoc network to share files
(http://lifehacker.com/5983161/virtual-router-plus-turns-your-windows-8-pc-into-
a-wi+fi-hotspot)
Virtual Router Plus Turns Your Windows 8 PC Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot
(http://lifehacker.com/5983161/virtual-router-plus-turns-your-windows-8-pc-into-a-wi+-
hotspot)Virtual Router Plus Turns Your Windows 8 PC Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot
(http://lifehacker.com/5983161/virtual-router-plus-turns-your-windows-8-pc-into-a-wi+-
hotspot)Virtual Router Plus Turns Your Windows 8 PC Into a (http://lifehacker.com/5983161/virtual-
router-plus-turns-your-windows-8-pc-into-a-wi+-hotspot)
Read more (http://lifehacker.com/5983161/virtual-router-plus-turns-your-windows-8-pc-into-a-wi+-hotspot)
EXPAND
back and forth between two computers, but today we'll be using it for sharing the internet connection.
You'll need to give your network a name and choose some security optionsremember that WEP is
extremely easy to crack (http://lifehacker.com/5309695/wep-cracking-redux-beyond-the-command-
line)and you'll want to make sure to use at least a decent sized key even for WPA2. The really
important option on this page is to remember to check the box for "Save this network".
5 (/if-there-is-no-wireless-network-on-pc-how-can-we-enable-1601617718)
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9 (/i-want-to-share-les-from-desktop-to-phone-and-phone-t-1601414849)
(http://lifehacker.com/5309695/wep-cracking-redux-beyond-the-command-line)
WEP Cracking Redux: Beyond the Command Line (http://lifehacker.com/5309695/wep-cracking-
redux-beyond-the-command-line)WEP Cracking Redux: Beyond the Command Line
(http://lifehacker.com/5309695/wep-cracking-redux-beyond-the-command-line)WEP Cracking Redux:
Beyond the Command Line (http://lifehacker.com/5309695/wep-cracking-redux-beyond-the-
command-line)
Read more (http://lifehacker.com/5309695/wep-cracking-redux-beyond-the-command-line)
At this point your ad hoc network should be running and ready to start connecting your devices, but
you'll want to hold off just a minute.
You'll notice that the ad hoc networks that you create get added to the quick-select wireless network list
when you disconnect from your ad hoc network, it's the same as stopping it. Connecting to the
network is the same as starting it back up; this way you can quickly switch back and forth between
connections with just a few clicks.
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4 112 Reply
The last step is enabling connection sharing through your regular network card, which will allow
anybody connected to your ad hoc wireless to use your internet connection. To do so, you'll want to head
into the Network and Sharing Center, click the "Change adapter settings" link on the left, and then find
your network connection in the listit's very important that you only enable internet connection sharing
on the adapter that is actually connected to the internet. In this case, my internet access at work goes
through my Local Area Connection, so I've enabled it there.
At this point, you should be able to connect any wireless device to your new ad hoc network and access
the internet, or even share files directly with your laptop.
Have you been able to successfully get your wireless device connected to your PC? Tell us about your
experience in the comments.
The How-To Geek (http://www.howtogeek.com) is having fun downloading apps to his iPod Touch
while sitting at his desk at work. His geeky articles can be found daily here on Lifehacker, How-To Geek
(http://www.howtogeek.com), and Twitter (http://twitter.com/howtogeek).
Title image remixed from Angela Lippitt (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=2165473) (Shutterstock).
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13 (/damn-it-says-unable-to-join-im-using-my-iphone-5-1457113969)
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17 (/its-not-working-for-android-devices-1594222671)
The How-To Geeks Discussions (http://lifehacker.com/5369381/turn-your-windows-7-pc-into-a-wireless-hotspot)
1.1k Like
9/28/09 12:08pm axiomatic started this thread
Reply
axiomatic (http://axiomatic.kinja.com) The How-To Geek
9/28/09 12:08pm (http://lifehacker.com/5369381/turn-your-windows-pc-into-a-wireless-hotspot?comment=15655471#comments)
(http://axiomatic.kinja.com)
This works well for iphone if your company has a wireless security system incompatible with the iphone.
(Such as a USB dongle with a CLASS A cert). The laptop handles the USB key and the iphone just
piggybacks on the ad-hoc network to the corp network.
I'm sure most corps would call this a major security violation, but it does work. ;-)
All replies (http://lifehacker.com/5369381/turn-your-windows-7-pc-into-a-wireless-hotspot/all)
Reply
Reply
Reply
timwoolsey (http://thoughtfulclown.kinja.com) axiomatic
(http://thoughtfulclown.kinja.com)
@axiomatic: Ack! I work in IT, specifically in a Information Protection for a large corporation. Don't do
that!
xkl (http://xkl-old.kinja.com) timwoolsey
(http://xkl-old.kinja.com)
@timwoolsey: why not?
pdok (http://pdok-old.kinja.com) timwoolsey
(http://pdok-old.kinja.com)
@timwoolsey: Any large corporation that allows the kind of system manipulation described in this article
(or by axiomatic above) is due for a hack anyway.
axiomatic (http://axiomatic.kinja.com) timwoolsey
9/29/09 8:43am (http://lifehacker.com/5369381/turn-your-windows-pc-into-a-wireless-hotspot?comment=15673953#comments)
(http://axiomatic.kinja.com)
@timwoolsey: Well I did acknowledge that it was a "major security violation" didn't I? Being a network
admin myself I agree with you.
However it doesn't change the fact that it works.
9/28/09 10:48am allinthefamily started this thread
Reply
allinthefamily (http://allinthefamily.kinja.com) The How-To Geek
(http://allinthefamily.kinja.com)
In my new HP lappy (HDX 16) with the Intel 5100 with Personal Area Network and My Wifi software, I
can do this easily. The wireless card can simultaneously keep me online via a router, ect while acting as a
router for other devices to connect through me. It's slick. If you are looking for a new laptop, look into
this intel wifi card. I believe the 5300 does this also. No wireless n though.
I should mention, connected devices see the PAN not as ad-hoc, but as a router type access point. Also,
you can customize security/sharing profiles for different devices.
9/28/09 9:39am chadbraden started this thread
Reply
chadbraden (http://chadbraden-old.kinja.com) The How-To Geek
(http://chadbraden-old.kinja.com)
Note: If you're wanting to do this to give your Wii some wifi, it won't work. For some reason, the Wii
cannot connect to an adhoc connection, as I found out this weekend. If anybody knows a workaround,
that would be awesome.
Reply
Show 9 more replies in this thread (http://lifehacker.com/5369381/turn-your-windows-pc-into-a-wireless-hotspot?
comment=15655471#comments)
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jupiterthunder (http://jupiterthunder.kinja.com) chadbraden
(http://jupiterthunder.kinja.com)
@chadbraden: I was thinking this for my DS. It would be less of an overhaul than changing firmware
from Tomato to DD-WRT. Still, worth a shot. I'd expect it to not work given your findings, but the DS is
not the Wii, so why not try.
Barry knows CPR and took that guy's wallet (http://barry-knows-cpr-and-to
(http://barry-knows-cpr-and-took-that-old.kinja.com)
9/28/09 9:53am notavirus started this thread
notavirus (http://notavirus.kinja.com) The How-To Geek
(http://notavirus.kinja.com)
Oh you have to have a WIRED connection to use a wireless connection! I was on vacation a few
months ago, we were at a hotel and I signed up for a T-Mobile hotspot daypass and wanted to share it
with the rest of my travel mates, it wouldn't work in windows7, they could see me but not connect to the
net.
Reply
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Reply
Show 3 more replies in this thread (http://lifehacker.com/5369381/turn-your-windows-pc-into-a-wireless-hotspot?
comment=15650754#comments)
@jupiterthunder: Why would you change the firmware from Tomato to DD-WRT? My Wii connects
fine to my router running Tomato. My DS doesn't, but only because I have WPA2 enabled. When I have
no security on it, my DS Phat connects just fine.
jupiterthunder (http://jupiterthunder.kinja.com) Barry knows CPR and took that guy's wallet
@Nitrokart knows CPR and took that guy's wallet:
You've answered the question. You have to switch to WEP to get the DS connected. Easy enough to do.
The issue is my home network is constantly in use by two or more people. Switching back and forth
disrupts what others are doing. Even if it is unimportant, I owe them the consideration not to disrupt
their activity just because I want to do some multiplayer on the DS. I also should be able to connect the
DS whenever the urge strikes me.
The solution I have found for countering a poor decision on Nintendo's part is detailed here:
[viidev.blogspot.com] (http://viidev.blogspot.com/2008/05/secure-wep-network-for-nintendo-ds.html)
Tomato, it says, is not able to accomplish this. I've looked and see no means of doing so within Tomato.
They illustrate that it can be done with DD-WRT. And thus, the need to change firmware.
Barry knows CPR and took that guy's wallet (http://barry-knows-cpr-and-to
(http://barry-knows-cpr-and-took-that-old.kinja.com)
@jupiterthunder: Are you saying that DD-WRT can broadcast basically two networks - one secured and
another WEP just for the DS? Interesting...
Reply
9/28/09 12:06pm Fractal_Boy started this thread
1 Reply
Fractal_Boy (http://fractal_boy.kinja.com) The How-To Geek
(http://fractal_boy.kinja.com)
everybody does not have a wireless network at home. in fact, i prefer a wired network because of the
speed.
9/28/09 9:24am ps360blows started this thread
Reply
ps360blows (http://ps360blows.kinja.com) The How-To Geek
(http://ps360blows.kinja.com)
I thought XP could do this, now Vista can't, but win7 can? It's not really some great feature when you
had it before then just ripped it out for no reason.
Reply
Reply
Reply
The How-To Geek (http://the-how-to-geek-old.kinja.com), Host notavirus
(http://the-how-to-geek-old.kinja.com)
@Mozoltov, motherfucker: You can use a second wireless card instead of a wired connection.
planetarian (http://planetarian.kinja.com) notavirus
(http://planetarian.kinja.com)
@Mozoltov, motherfucker: bridge the connections (your connection and the wifi you're using as a
hotspot) or make sure ICS is enabled... it should work. I shared my cell phone's EDGE connection
between my laptop and desktop this way.
notavirus (http://notavirus.kinja.com) The How-To Geek
(http://notavirus.kinja.com)
@The How-To Geek: I actyally had a 2nd wireless dongle and it still wouldn't work. What is the
procedure? I will have to try it again.
9/28/09 9:09am onaclov2000 started this thread
Reply
onaclov2000 (http://onaclov2000-old.kinja.com) The How-To Geek
(http://onaclov2000-old.kinja.com)
Can this be done the other way around? I have Wifi at school but they're now requiring downloading
some antivirus junk, but I can connect just fine with my Ipod, if I can tether to my laptop I'll be
fine....and not have to download someone else's fear
Reply
Reply
Reply
jupiterthunder (http://jupiterthunder.kinja.com) ps360blows
@ps360blows: The article says you can do it in each of the most current Windows OSes. Whether you
are right, or they are, it's still a great feature (IMO) if not a new or re-visited feature.
planetarian (http://planetarian.kinja.com) ps360blows
(http://planetarian.kinja.com)
@ps360blows: It should work in all versions of windows since XP. It was never ripped out; the method
of accessing it has changed slightly, that's all.
ps360blows (http://ps360blows.kinja.com) planetarian
(http://ps360blows.kinja.com)
@planetarian: Well, I used to be able to use XP as a wireless router. Now with Vista the ad-hoc mode is
extremely limited.
The Albatross (http://the-albatross-old.kinja.com) onaclov2000
(http://the-albatross-old.kinja.com)
@onaclov2000: It can be done and is popular for hooking up a 360 to a wireless network. Google
"Tethering 360 to wireless" or something similar.
As for the school's fear... I work in IT for a school of about 2500 students that uses Cisco Clean Access.
The solution isn't perfect and you do need to download some major enterprise anti-virus, but the
alternative is much worse... before implementing CCA four years back, the network got killed every year
9/28/09 10:52am ogoldberg started this thread
Reply
ogoldberg (http://ogoldberg.kinja.com) The How-To Geek
(http://ogoldberg.kinja.com)
is it possible to share my laptop's wi-fi connection with my desktop (which doesn't have wireless)
somehow? e.g. via ethernet cable
5/01/10 10:57pm Solnyshok started this thread
1 Reply
Solnyshok (http://solnyshok-old.kinja.com) The How-To Geek
(http://solnyshok-old.kinja.com)
to those that cannot connect connect to their shared adhoc network - some devices do not support adhoc
over wpa2 try wep or open. Another case - you can connect, but guest devices cannot reach any
webpage - add google dns 8.8.8.8 in the tcp/ip4 settings of the wifi network.
9/28/09 10:00am JerryA started this thread
Reply
JerryA (http://jerrya-old.kinja.com) The How-To Geek
(http://jerrya-old.kinja.com)
I used to use my phone to do this. Bad signal? No 3G? Only can use Wifi? My phone was a portable ad-
hoc wifi hotspot for all of my friends in the room. I can tether my laptop to my new phone but they
don't have this functionality yet. Can't wait for it to be developed.
Reply
when students came back on campus with the latest round of viruses. I sympathize with having to put
some crappy McAfee on, but when students live to install viruses on their computer, it's the only
solution.
Reply
ogoldberg (http://ogoldberg.kinja.com) ogoldberg
(http://ogoldberg.kinja.com)
@ogoldberg: answer to my own question, in case anyone else is wondering: [forums.anandtech.com]
(http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=32&threadid=2295342)
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