How to fix the ‘AP mode not supported’ error

When you get the ‘AP mode not supported’ error from Connectify Hotspot, that usually means your wireless adapter does not support Hosted Network.

As you know, Connectify Hotspot is a software app that helps you turn your Windows PC or laptop device into a virtual router and share an Internet connection to all your devices. Thus, it uses the Windows networking features to make it easier for you.

Hosted Network is a WLAN feature supported on Windows 7 (or higher) and on Windows Server 2008 R2 (with the Wireless LAN Service installed). With this feature, a Windows computer can use a single physical wireless adapter to connect as a client to a hardware access point (AP), while at the same time acting as a software AP allowing other wireless-capable devices to connect to it. However, this feature requires that a Hosted Network capable wireless adapter is installed on the local computer. In short, Hosted Network is a Microsoft Windows feature that is used by Connectify to create access point mode Hotspots.

So how would you go about troubleshooting this issue? It’s actually very easy and you can determine this information in two steps.

1. Find information on your wireless driver. You can find information on your wireless adapter by opening the Command Prompt (found in the Start Screen / Menu by searching for ‘CMD’). Once the Command Prompt is opened, type in the following (without quotes): ‘netsh wlan show drivers’
2. Determine that your wireless adapter supports AP mode. After you have entered the above command you should see the below output. What you want to look for is “Hosted network supported:” which is outlined in the red box. If it says ‘Yes’ then your adapter supports AP mode and you’ll be able to use Connectify Hotspot.

If it says ‘No’ under “Hosted network supported:” then that means your adapter does not support AP mode and will not work with Connectify Hotspot.

In the event your adapter does not support AP mode there’s two possible options:

1. Check for driver updates. Sometimes checking for driver updates may include support for Hosted Networks (or AP mode). You can check for driver updates by either visiting the computer manufacturer’s website or the wireless adapter manufacturer’s website. After updating your wireless driver check your driver information again.
2. Add a USB dongle to the computer. In the event updating your wireless driver did not help then you’ll need to purchase a USB WiFi dongle that supports WPA2. Majority of USB wireless dongles today support Hosted Network so any one of your choice should be fine.

If you continue having problems after troubleshooting on your own please contact Connectify Support at support@connectify.me.