Phone hotspots cap out at a handful of devices and run hot. Route the connection through a Windows PC instead and give the whole household a stable network.
Connectify Hotspot vs the Built-In Windows Hotspot: An Honest Comparison
The Windows hotspot is free and often enough. Here are the five situations where it isn’t – and an honest list of reasons not to pay for an alternative.
How Many Devices Can Connect to a Windows Hotspot? How to Go Past the Limit
The Windows Mobile Hotspot stops at 8 devices and there’s no setting to change it. Here’s where the limit comes from and the two ways past it.
Hotspot Connected but No Internet? How to Fix It on Windows 10 and 11
Devices join the hotspot, show full bars, and nothing loads. Seven fixes in order of likelihood, plus the two causes almost everyone misses.
Windows 11 Mobile Hotspot Keeps Turning Off? Here’s Why, and How to Stop It
Four separate Windows features shut your hotspot down. Here are the six fixes, in order, plus the limits you can’t configure away.
How to Share a Starlink Connection With All Your Devices From a Windows PC
Starlink router too far away, or no router at all? Here’s how a Windows laptop can rebroadcast a Starlink connection to every device in the house, RV or cabin.
Cruise Ship Wi-Fi Only Lets You Connect One Device? Here’s How to Get Them All Online
Cruise internet is sold per device. Connect one laptop, share it with your phone, tablet and everything else – here’s how to do it without breaking the rules.
Smart Device Won’t Connect Because It Needs 2.4 GHz? Use Your PC as a Setup Network
Smart plugs, cameras and printers that only support 2.4 GHz can’t see your dual-band router. Create a temporary 2.4 GHz network from your PC instead.
Airbnb Wi-Fi Too Weak in Your Room? Extend It With the Laptop You Already Packed
One bar in the loft conversion and a smart TV that can’t find the network. Your Windows laptop can rebroadcast a rental’s Wi-Fi without touching the host’s router.
University Wi-Fi Blocking Your Console, TV or Printer? Here’s How to Get Them Online
Campus networks use enterprise logins that consoles and TVs can’t handle. Here’s how to share your authenticated laptop connection with the rest of your devices.