Free WiFi Hotspot for Windows

Free WiFi Hotspot 3.2.8 is a small Windows program from FreeWiFiHotspot Co., Ltd. that turns a laptop or desktop PC with a Wi-Fi adapter into a wireless access point. Other devices, such as phones, tablets or a second laptop, can then connect to it and share the PC's internet connection. You can download Free WiFi Hotspot for Windows from the developer's website; note that the site already lists a newer release than the version in our catalogue.

Quick facts

• Version in catalogue: 3.2.8; the official download page lists version 8.0.0
• Developer: FreeWiFiHotspot Co., Ltd.
• Supported systems: Windows 11 and Windows 10
• Licence: free
• Size: about 1.18 MB according to catalogue data; the current release on the official site is 5.80 MB
• Website: free-wifi-hotspot.com

When a hotspot program is useful

Picture a hotel room with a single network cable, a conference where only laptops get a login, or a home where the router has died and the PC is connected with a USB modem. In all those cases one computer has internet and the other devices do not. A hotspot program lets the PC broadcast its own Wi-Fi network with a name and password you choose, and forwards traffic to the connection it already has. Windows includes a mobile hotspot feature of its own, and for many people that is enough. A separate program mainly adds a simpler interface, a list of connected devices and options that the built-in switch hides. Whether it works at all depends on your hardware: as the developer notes, hotspot availability also depends on the Wi-Fi adapter and its driver.

Guide: set up a hotspot

1. Download the installer from the official download page and install it.
2. Make sure the PC is online through cable, a USB modem or another connection.
3. Open the program, enter a network name and a strong password.
4. Choose the connection to share and start the hotspot.
5. Connect your phone or tablet to the new network with that password.
6. Stop the hotspot when you no longer need it.

Troubleshooting

If the hotspot does not start, update the Wi-Fi driver from the laptop maker's website and check that the adapter is switched on. Some adapters cannot connect to one network and broadcast another at the same time; sharing a wired connection usually works more reliably. Antivirus or firewall software can also block sharing and may need a rule for the program.

Security tips

• Always use a password; never run an open hotspot.
• Check the list of connected devices and remove anything unknown.
• Remember that you are responsible for traffic sent through your connection.
• Check whether your mobile or hotel plan allows sharing.

Pros and cons

• Pro: shares a PC's internet over Wi-Fi in a few clicks.
• Pro: small and free.
• Pro: shows which devices are connected.
• Con: depends on the Wi-Fi adapter and driver.
• Con: Windows' built-in hotspot already covers the basics.

Alternatives

Other hotspot programs in our listings are Connectify Hotspot and OSToto Hotspot. To test the speed of the shared connection, use Speedtest by Ookla.