Most Popular WiFi Hotspot for Windows 7 and Windows 8: Get Set in Minutes
Sharing an Internet connection via WiFi with other devices in Windows 7 or Windows 8 can be done either by following complex setup steps in the operating system settings (which results in limited compatibility) or by using a free WiFi hotspot Windows 7 software.
The most popular WiFi hotspot software that turns your Windows 7 computer into a wireless hotspot or wired router is Connectify Hotspot. Best of all: it’s free to use! Read below to find out how to get started with a WiFi hotspot on Windows 7 in just minutes!
How to Create a WiFi Hotspot in Windows 7
With Connectify Hotspot wireless hotspot software you can easily turn your Windows 7 computer into a WiFi hotspot and share any type of Internet connection (WiFi, 4G/LTE, wired, VPN virtual adapters) with all your devices: computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, etc.
Whether you’re at home or traveling in airports or hotels, the Connectify Hotspot PC software is the easiest way to make sure you’re always connected across iPads, smartphones, kindles, and all of the other wired-only or WiFi-enabled devices that you use on a daily basis.
Check out the short video and easy tutorial below to learn how to turn your Windows 7 PC or laptop into a WiFi hotspot at the click-of-a-button.
Does This Still Work on Windows 7 and Windows 8?
Yes, and the reason is worth knowing. The Mobile Hotspot that Windows shows in Settings was introduced with Windows 10. It does not exist on Windows 7 or Windows 8 at all, so there is no built-in toggle to fall back on. Third-party hotspot software is not the convenient option on these versions, it is the only option.
Two practical notes if you are still running Windows 7 or 8:
- Install from the Connectify Hotspot download page. If the current build does not run on your version of Windows, that same page lists earlier releases (Hotspot 2021 and Hotspot 2018) under “Need an older version?”, and one of those will.
- Windows 7 and 8 no longer receive security updates from Microsoft. That does not stop a hotspot working, but a machine that stays online and shares its connection with your phones and tablets is worth keeping behind an up-to-date browser and antivirus.
6 Steps Guide to Setup the Best WiFi Hotspot for Windows 7
Forget about going through Windows operating system settings or getting mobile hotspot software programs that only “help” you share your Internet connection (inherent issues included: NAT levels issues, peering, Chromecast apps won’t find your Chromecast, your Apple TV won’t show up for your Mac to stream to). Connectify Hotspot is truly an easy-to-use out-of-the-box solution. Here are the 6 steps you need to take to turn your Windows 7 computer into a WiFi hotspot:
Step 1: Click here to download and install the latest version of Connectify Hotspot on your Windows 7 computer.
Step 2: Give your Hotspot a Name (up to 32 characters). Your Hotspot Name or SSID is the network name that other devices will see and connect to. Use emojis with that to set it apart from others and have fun with it!
Step 3: Protect your Connectify Hotspot by giving it a unique password.
Step 4: Make sure that the ‘Internet to Share’ dropdown is set to the particular wireless or wired connection that you want to broadcast using Connectify Hotspot. You can also select the ‘Automatic’ option in order to be sure that Connectify Hotspot will continue to share the connection your device will use should you be disconnected.
Step 5: We strongly recommend making sure the ad blocking feature is enabled. This will insure a smoother internet experience for your client devices: no ads, more bandwidth, increased battery life.
Step 6: You’re ready to go, just click ‘Start Hotspot’ to begin sharing your Internet connection on your Windows 7 laptop. Now, friends and family can connect to your Connectify Hotspot just as they would with any other WiFi Hotspot.
Setup · about two minutes
Get Connectify Hotspot running on your Windows PC
Three steps, no command prompt, no netsh commands to remember.
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Install and open Connectify Hotspot
Run the installer and let the install finish. Connectify Hotspot opens on its own.
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Pick what you are sharing
Choose the connection your Windows PC is already using, then set a hotspot name and password.
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Start Hotspot
Your phone, tablet or console now sees the network name you just typed. Connect to that network like any other Wi-Fi.
Available for Windows 10 and 11
Connectify Hotspot: More Than a WiFi Hotspot for Windows 7
Connectify Hotspot wireless hotspot for Windows 7 gives you more than just the ability to turn your Windows 7 computer into a WiFi hotspot. You can also:
- Boost your WiFi range with WiFi Repeater Mode in your dorm room or office and getting full coverage in your dorm room.
- Save up to 60% of Internet bandwidth by using the built-in universal ad blocker. It even blocks in-app ads!
- Easily bridge other devices onto your home network with WiFi Bridging Mode: eliminate all game consoles (Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox) and smart TV issues with your home WiFi network!
- Save Money While Traveling: Get all devices online for the price of one when being charged for Internet per device at hotels, on airplanes, etc.
- Share any Type of Internet Connection with All your Devices: share Internet from existing WiFi networks, LAN, DSL, 3G/4G, even tethered smartphones!
What are you waiting for? Get the best WiFi hotspot for Windows 7 free: download Connectify Hotspot now!
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.
Available for Windows 10 and 11

