Virtual WiFi, also known as a wireless hosted network, is a feature in Windows that allows you to create a virtual wireless adapter. This feature is particularly useful when you want to share your internet connection with other devices, or when you need to create a temporary hotspot. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of enabling a virtual WiFi in Windows, and will cover various methods, including using command prompts and third-party applications.
Note: This feature is available on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.
Part 1: Enabling Virtual WiFi using Command Prompt
1.1 Check for Virtualization Support
Before you begin, it is essential to check if your computer supports the virtualization of a wireless network adapter. To do this, follow these steps:
Press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Access menu.
Click on “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” to open the command prompt with administrative privileges. If prompted, click “Yes” to confirm.
Type the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan show drivers
Look for the line that says “Hosted network supported.” If it says “Yes,” your computer supports virtualization, and you can proceed. If it says “No,” you will need to update your wireless adapter driver or try a different method.
1.2 Create the Virtual WiFi Network
Now that you have confirmed your computer’s compatibility, follow these steps to create a virtual WiFi network:
Open the command prompt with administrative privileges, as explained earlier.
Type the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=YourNetworkName key=YourPassword
Replace “YourNetworkName” and “YourPassword” with your desired network name and password, respectively. Keep in mind that the password should be at least 8 characters long.
If the command executes successfully, you should see a message that says, “The hosted network mode has been set to allow.” This means that the virtual WiFi network has been created but not yet started.
1.3 Start the Virtual WiFi Network
To start the virtual WiFi network, follow these steps:
In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
If the command is successful, you will see a message that says, “The hosted network started.” Your virtual WiFi network is now active, and other devices can connect to it using the network name and password you provided earlier.
1.4 Stop the Virtual WiFi Network
When you no longer need the virtual WiFi network, you can stop it by following these steps:
Open the command prompt with administrative privileges.
Type the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan stop hostednetwork
You should see a message that says, “The hosted network stopped.” Your virtual WiFi network is now deactivated.
Part 2: Enabling Virtual WiFi using Third-Party Applications
If you prefer a more user-friendly approach, several third-party applications can help you enable a virtual WiFi network in Windows. Two popular choices are Connectify Hotspot and MyPublicWiFi.
2.1 Connectify Hotspot
Connectify Hotspot is a popular and easy-to-use application that allows you to create a virtual WiFi network. Here’s how to set it up:
Download Connectify Hotspot from the official website (https://www.connectify.me/) and install it on your computer.
Launch Connectify Hotspot.
Click on the “Settings” tab and customize your network name, password, and security settings as desired.
Choose the internet connection you want to share from the “Internet to Share” dropdown menu. This can be your Ethernet connection, Wi-Fi, or even a cellular data connection if your computer has a built-in modem.
Under “Share Over,” select “Wi-Fi” to ensure that you are creating a virtual Wi-Fi network.
Adjust other settings, such as client connection management and firewall controls, as needed. These options are available in the “Advanced Settings” section.
Click the “Start Hotspot” button to enable your virtual Wi-Fi network. Connectify Hotspot will now create and broadcast the virtual network, allowing other devices to connect using the network name and password you specified.
To stop the virtual Wi-Fi network, click the “Stop Hotspot” button in the Connectify Hotspot interface.
Note: Connectify Hotspot offers a free version with basic features, but some advanced options may require a paid license.
2.2 MyPublicWiFi
MyPublicWiFi is another reliable application for creating a virtual Wi-Fi network in Windows. Here’s how to set it up:
Download MyPublicWiFi from the official website (http://www.mypublicwifi.com/publicwifi/en/index.html) and install it on your computer.
Launch MyPublicWiFi.
In the “Network Configuration” section, enter your desired network name (SSID) and password. Ensure that the “Enable Internet Sharing” box is checked.
Choose the internet connection you want to share from the “Network Connection Sharing (ICS)” dropdown menu.
If you want to enable additional features, such as client connection management or firewall controls, navigate to the “Advanced Settings” section and configure the options as needed.
Click the “Set up and Start Hotspot” button to enable your virtual Wi-Fi network. MyPublicWiFi will now create and broadcast the virtual network, allowing other devices to connect using the network name and password you specified.
To stop the virtual Wi-Fi network, click the “Stop Hotspot” button in the MyPublicWiFi interface.
Conclusion
Enabling a virtual Wi-Fi network in Windows can be accomplished using either command prompts or third-party applications. Regardless of the method you choose, creating a virtual Wi-Fi network allows you to share your internet connection with other devices or create a temporary hotspot for various purposes. By following the instructions in this guide, you can easily enable a virtual Wi-Fi network on your Windows computer and enjoy the benefits of this useful feature.
