How to Share Wi-Fi from a Laptop

If you have a laptop with internet access and want to share it with other devices, you can easily set up a Wi-Fi hotspot. In this article, we’ll go through the main steps for setting up Wi-Fi sharing on laptops with Windows and macOS operating systems.

How to Share Wi-Fi from a Laptop on Windows

Step 1: Check Compatibility

Not all laptops support Wi-Fi sharing. Make sure your laptop has a built-in adapter that can work as a hotspot and supports Wi-Fi sharing.

Step 2: Open "Settings"

On your Windows laptop, click Start and select Settings (gear icon). Go to Network & Internet, then choose Mobile hotspot.

Step 3: Configure the Hotspot

In the "Mobile hotspot" section, select the network you want to share and the devices allowed to connect. Set up a network name and password, then toggle on the option Allow other devices to use my internet connection.

Step 4: Connect Devices

Once the hotspot is configured, other devices can connect to the network using the name and password you’ve set.

How to Share Wi-Fi from a Laptop on macOS

Step 1: Open "Sharing" Settings

On your Mac, go to System Preferences and select Sharing. In this section, you can configure various sharing options, including internet sharing.

Step 2: Configure "Internet Sharing"

In the "Sharing" menu, find and select Internet Sharing. Choose the connection through which your Mac receives internet (e.g., Ethernet or another network) and select Wi-Fi as the sharing method.

Step 3: Set Wi-Fi Options

Click Wi-Fi Options to set the network name, channel, and password. After configuring, click OK and enable internet sharing.

Important Security Tips

• Use a strong password to prevent unauthorized access to your shared network.
• Turn off Wi-Fi sharing when not in use to save battery and protect your data.

By following these simple steps, you can easily set up Wi-Fi on your laptop and share internet access with other devices.