How to Create Wi-Fi Hotspot in Windows 8

Wi-Fi Hotspot is a method to create a wireless connection to other systems. This article will help you in creating a Wi-Fi hotspot in Windows 8.

Among so many things missing in windows 8 by default, one is creating Wi-Fi hotspots. This used to be only a few clicks on its predecessors. But with Windows 8 it is a little tricky, but not difficult!

There are two different ways through which you can create a Wi-Fi hotspot in Windows 8. One is through the third party tool and the other option is via the command prompt. Firstly will be highlighting the points with regards to the third party tool Virtual Router plus (which is an open source third party tool).

Point and steps to keep in mind while working with the Virtual Router plus are-

First and the foremost step would be to download the latest version of the free tool of the Virtual Router Plus. Download the same from any trusted online source or from the product download page itself.
When you click on the download you will be redirected to the codeplex website and it will start the download automatically. You will have to extract the content as the file is available in zip format. As soon as you extract the folder which has been downloaded, you will be able to see numerous files named as copyright.txt, interop.NETCON.lib.dll, license.txt, refresh.ico, vitrualrouterplus.exe, virtualrouterplusstarted.ico etc. From all this options you will have to select virtualrouterplus.exe and will have to click two times.
When you do so, you will be prompted for creating the new network connection with the help of the virtual router plus. You will be able to see a window named Virtual Router Plus in front of you which will ask you the details Network Name(SSID), password, shared connection(local area connection) and then a button depicting the start virtual router plus.
When you are able to see the display window on the screen you will have to add an appropriate name to the SSID. For ensuring security of the internet connection. Please secure it with an appropriate password. It will protect your connection to be used by only those people to whom you have authorized and shared password with.
The final point which you need to take care is of the type of connection. Over here you would be selecting the local area network. When you have entered all the information asked for, can click on the start Virtual Router plus. In a wink you will be able to see the new connections information on your network area. This process will be for all the devices whether it’s a Mac, PC or laptops.

Another option through which the connection could be established is via the command prompt. Let’s focus on that too.

Ensure that you have installed the appropriate driver for your device. Once you are sure with it, then open the command prompt. And in the command line mention as netsh wlan which will show the drivers. When the options checked shows “yes” then you can start with the further process. But in case it says “NO” then you will have to check for the appropriate drivers and try again.
Open the command with the administrative power.
Type the command line mentioned as –

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=name key=password

In case if the Wi-Fi is off, you will have to switch it on. Then you will have to again enter the command which is mentioned as

netsh wlan start hostednetwork

When the above command is entered-it will be showing the network, which is hosted and after this you can close the command prompt.
Now you can open the control panel and enlarge the icon. And when you click on the network sharing option you will be able to see the new Wi-Fi created. You can select the properties and make changes accordingly for setting it as default.

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