How To Turn Your PC Into a Virtual Router

To check out Part 1 of this post explaining what a Virtual Router does, click here.
Now, we’ll show you the easiest way to setup a virtual router on your PC with Connectify Hotspot. Using Hotspot, our free PC app that lets you transform your computer into a real WiFi hotspot, you’ll be running a virtual router and sharing Internet with just a few clicks.

Setting up your Connectify Hotspot virtual router

1. Download and Install Connectify Hotspot – First, point your browser at the Connectify website to download and install the latest version of Connectify Hotspot Lite. A reboot may be necessary to complete your installation.
2. Launch Connectify Hotspot – Once Connectify Hotspot is fully installed, it will be running in your Windows system tray at the bottom right corner of the screen (next to the system clock). If it isn’t already, click the Connectify hand logo in the system tray to open the Connectify Hotspot interface. Now, you’re just a few clicks away from turning your laptop into a real virtual router.
3. Setup and start your Virtual Router – By default, Connectify is in Wi-Fi hotspot mode, so you simply have to enter a name (SSID) and a password for your Hotspot to get started. Then, just make sure that you’ve selected the Internet connection you want to share from the ‘Internet to Share’ dropdown, and you’re ready to go! Click the ‘Start Hotspot’ button to start using your virtual router. Once started, your virtual router will appear to other WiFi-enabled devices just like any other wireless network.

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Don't Have Connectify Hotspot Yet?

Turn your PC into a WiFi Hotspot and Share Internet with your Devices

Setup · about two minutes

Get Connectify Hotspot running on your Windows PC

Three steps, no command prompt, no netsh commands to remember.

  1. Install and open Connectify Hotspot

    Run the installer and let the install finish. Connectify Hotspot opens on its own.

    Connectify Hotspot open on the settings tab
  2. Pick what you are sharing

    Choose the connection your Windows PC is already using, then set a hotspot name and password.

    Choosing which internet connection Connectify Hotspot will share
  3. Start Hotspot

    Your phone, tablet or console now sees the network name you just typed. Connect to that network like any other Wi-Fi.

    Setting a custom hotspot name and password in Connectify Hotspot
Download Connectify Hotspot

Available for Windows 10 and 11

Free, PRO or MAX

Which version of Connectify Hotspot you need

The free version of Connectify Hotspot covers the setup in this guide. The only limit you will hit is the 60-minute session, and restarting the session takes one click.

Recommended: MAX adds Connectify Hotspot's Repeater Mode and Bridging Mode, which is what most people come back for later.

Download Connectify Hotspot

Available for Windows 10 and 11