[Solved] – “We Can’t Set Up A Mobile Hotspot” Error On Windows PC

We-Can’t-Set-Up-A-Mobile-Hotspot

We all know that the Windows operating system has a fantastic function called a mobile hotspot that lets you share your network connection with other devices. However, some Windows users claim they cannot activate the mobile hotspot. They encounter the following issue when attempting to enable mobile hotspots on their systems:

“We can’t set up mobile hotspot because your PC doesn’t have an Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular data connection.”

Mobile hotspot

This means they cannot use the mobile hotspot and connect to the internet. In such a situation, you either look for an alternative to go online and if that isn’t an option you look for ways to fix it, right? If you are solution-oriented and want to troubleshoot what is broken, you are reading the right post. Here we will discuss expert-recommended solutions to troubleshoot We can’t set up a mobile hotspot. 

Best Ways to Fix Mobile Hotspot Not Working in Windows 10,11

Method 1: Verify whether network sharing is turned on or off

Your machine can share the Internet with nearby computers thanks to network sharing. Therefore, if it is off, the mobile hotspot on your computer will not work. The feature is typically enabled by default but sometimes gets automatically disabled due to an update or incorrect configuration. In such a situation, you must manually activate the feature by taking the following actions.

Step 1: Press Win + S to open the search box and type Control Panel. Click on the best match result.

control panel
Step 2: Switch to Large Icons in the View menu.

Large Icons
Step 3: Locate and click on Network and Sharing Centre icon.

Network and Sharing Center in control panel
Step 4: Click on Change Adapter Settings on the left side.

Change adapter settings option
Step 5: Now click on the network adapter for your hotspot.  You may find it as Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter or Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter.
Step 6: Make right-click and choose Properties.

choose Properties
Step 7: Now select the Sharing tab and place a checkmark in the checkbox labeled Allow Other Network Users to Connect Through This Computer’s Internet Connection.

checkmark the box Allow Other Network Users to Connect Through This Computer's Internet Connection.

Method 2: Launch The Network Adapter Troubleshooter

The network adapter troubleshooter is a built feature of Windows that automatically identifies and fixes common network issues. This tool checks the PC for incompatible network settings and incompatibilities with other networked devices and automatically fixes them. Running the network adapter troubleshooter requires you to follow the provided instructions:

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box.
Step 2: Type ms-settings: troubleshoot and hit Enter key.

ms-settings troubleshoot command
Step 3: Click Other Troubleshooters when the troubleshooting window appears.

click Other troubleshooters
Step 4: Locate Network Adapter and click the Run button next to it.

Network Adapter
Step 5: Wait until the scan is finished, choose the necessary network adapter from the list and click the Next button.detecting problems
Step 6: It will display the message “Apply this fix” if it discovers any problems. To resolve the network adapter problem, click on it.
Step 7: Restart the computer and check if the problem has been resolved.

Read Also : Here’s How To Fix Wi-Fi Network Not Showing Up Issue On Windows PC 

Method 3: Update Drivers

Updating network drivers is another method of resolving this problem. You can always update your drivers using the Device Manager app, but that method has a major limitation. The Device Manager does not search for driver updates beyond the Microsoft Servers, which have a slow process of authenticating and updating drivers. Instead, we recommend using Advanced Driver Updater, which can update your PC’s drivers to the latest versions provided by the device’s manufacturers. Here are the steps to update drivers using Advanced Driver Updater:

Step 1: Download and Install Advanced Driver Updater from the below button.

Step 2: Launch the app and click on Start Scan Now.

start scan using advanced driver updater
Step 3: Look for your Network drivers in the list of drivers presented after the scan.
Step 4: Click the Update driver link next to the drivers you wish to update.
Step 5: After the process completes, reboot your PC to ensure the changes take effect.

Read Also: How to Fix Unidentified Network Error on Windows 11

Method 4: Activate The Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter

When you turn on the hotspot, a new virtual adapter called Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual adapter is added to the list of available network connections. And this adaptor gives you access to the Internet. But occasionally, even when this adaptor is activated, users cannot access the internet. We must disable and enable the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter to fix any short-term issues.

Step 1: Press Win + R to Open the RUN box
Step 2: Type devmgmt.msc and press the Enter key.

type devmgmt msc command
Step 3: Click the View tab on the top of the Device Manager window and Select Show Hidden Devices.

Select Show Hidden Devices
Step 4: Select Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter after expanding the list of network adapters.
Step 5: Make a right click on the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter and select Disable device.

select Disable device
Step 6: After a few seconds, right-click again and select Enable.

After this toggle, the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter will auto reset and resolve your issue.

The Final Word On How To Fix “We Can’t Set Up A Mobile Hotspot” On Windows PC

We hope that you were able to fix the “We Can’t Set Up A Mobile Hotspot” On Windows PC

with the methods mentioned above. Once the issue is resolved, you can share the internet connection on multiple devices.

Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or recommendations. We would be delighted to provide you with a resolution. We publish advice, tricks, and solutions to common tech-related problems. You can follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram

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About The Author

Dheeraj Manghnani
Dheeraj Manghnani

Dheeraj Manghnani likes to read and write about latest technological developments that make life simpler in today's intricate world. He has been fascinated by technology since he got his first computer and is on a never ending quest to know more and share his knowledge with others.

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