Very often on the Internet you can find questions about Wi-Fi networks. The network policies of older OS versions are different from new ones. The design of the settings windows is also different, and sometimes it can be difficult to find the familiar old tools. Setting up a Wi-Fi access point in Windows 7 has also changed. Therefore, today I will tell you about how to create a wireless connection.
In Windows 7, the developers found it necessary to protect the network. Undoubtedly, this can protect your computer from hacking, but it also causes some inconvenience. Therefore, before setting up, you need to disable this protection in order to have access to folders and files over the network. To do this, click on the network icon on the Windows workbar and select “Network and Sharing Center.”
Pic 1. Network and Sharing Center.
In the network management window, select the sharing settings settings. And change additional sharing settings.
Fig 2. Select homegroup and sharing options.
In the window that opens, disable password protection at the very bottom of the settings and save the changes.
Fig 3. Disabling password protection.
This is followed by setting up a Wi-Fi access point in Windows 7. We return to the network control center. In the left menu of this center, select: “ Wireless Network Management" and click "Add". A window should open with a choice of two types of network settings. The first is for connecting to an access point, the second is for creating an access point.
Fig 4. Connecting to a wireless network manually.
Therefore, you need to select the second: “Create a computer-to-computer network.” Click next and start setting up. Set the name of your network, for example: “MyNetwork”. Next, let's talk about security types. WEP type - transfers the encryption key to each computer, according to Windows developers, the WEP type is easy to crack. But if you are not installing a network in a corporate company or office, then there is no point in hacking you. This type is also suitable for a regular home network. WPA requires user authentication and is more secure. The last type is Open, which comes without a password. For example, choose WEP and set the password. Save the network parameters.
Fig 5. Network setup.
After this, the work point is ready! Let's check it and try to connect from another device. I used a second laptop to connect. If you have a special button for turn on Wi-Fi, then check if it is enabled. We look at the available points and connect to the previously created one.
Fig 6. SettingsWi—Fi access points inWindows 7.
In the window that opens, enter the password that you specified during setup.
So, dear readers of our online magazine, in this article we will share four simple and quick ways to “share” a laptop’s Internet connection via Wi-Fi. In other words, we can easily turn our Windows 7 computer into Wi-Fi hotspot.
How it works?
Any Wi-Fi network card can be used to transmit a wired Internet signal via the Wi-Fi protocol. To implement this task, you need some kind of virtual bridge or router connecting network devices. The Windows 7 operating system contains built-in capabilities for accessing a wired Internet connection through devices connected via a wireless protocol. However, now there is software with which you can literally set up a real Wi-Fi point on your own computer in just one click. In this article we will offer several methods, but the choice is yours!
Wi-Fi access point using standard Windows 7 methods
The most obvious way to turn a laptop into a Wi-Fi point is to use the standard function of creating a new Computer-to-Computer WiFi connection, which allows you to open access to local files and the Internet connection to all computers and devices connected via WiFi.
Go to Network and Sharing Center by clicking on the network icon in the system tray at the bottom right and selecting the appropriate item:
The security type is the type of connection security. The recommended type is WPA2-Personal. It requires entering a password between 8 and 63 characters long. When, if your external WiFi device(phone, tablet, laptop, etc.) the network will not be found, or the connection will be interrupted, You can change the security type to WEP(requires 5-digit password), or open ("No authentication"), that is, without encryption and password.
Click Next and your access point will be created. You may also need to enable access to your computer's Internet connection over the network. To do this, go to the Network and Sharing Center, then in the menu on the left “Change adapter settings” and call up the properties of the Wireless network connection. On the “Access” tab, check the “Allow other network users to use this computer’s Internet connection” checkbox:
Due to the ease of setup and quick activation/deactivation, this method is best suited for temporary and quick connection with various devices.
Setting up a Wi-Fi access point using the Windows Command Line
If you are familiar with the Windows Command Line, then I think it will be easy and simple for you to create a Wi-Fi connection using two simple console commands.
First of all, you need to run Command Prompt as Administrator. To do this, open Start and type “cmd” in the search. In the search results, click on the icon cmd right click and select " Run as Administrator«:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=YourSSID key=YourPassword keyusage=persistent
Where YourSSID— Network name, and YourPassword- password. After this, with the following command we enable the configured network:
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
You can break the connection with the following command:
netsh wlan stop hostednetwork
Automatic creation of a Wi-Fi point using a Batch file
All the actions specified in the previous subsection can be easily automated by writing a small script. All we need is to open Notepad (via the Start menu) and enter a few lines there:
@echo off
CLS
:MENU
ECHO.
ECHO —————————————————
ECHO.
ECHO Press 1, 2, or 3 to select your task, or 4 to Exit.
ECHO —————————————————
ECHO.
ECHO 1 - Set Wifi Sharing Attributes
ECHO 2 - Start WiFi Sharing
ECHO 3 - Stop WiFi Sharing
ECHO 4 - Exit
ECHO.
SET /P M=Type 1, 2, 3, or 4, then press ENTER:
IF %M%==1 GOTO SET
IF %M%==2 GOTO START
IF %M%==3 GOTO STOP
IF %M%==4 GOTO EOF
:SET
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=YourSSID key=YourPassword keyusage=persistent
GOTO MENU
:START
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
GOTO MENU
:STOP
netsh wlan stop hostednetwork
GOTO MENU
Again, instead of values YourSSID And YourPassword enter your connection name and password values. Save the file under any name and Necessarily specify extension ".bat". All you have to do is run the script as Administrator and follow the instructions on the command line screen.
Virtual Wi-Fi hotspot using third-party applications
There are a huge number of applications that allow you to turn your laptop into a virtual WiFi router. We will not consider this countless number, but will dwell a little on a wonderful program called Connectify Hot Spot PRO. The application is distributed on a paid basis.
Connectify Hot Spot allows you to connect both mobile devices of various platforms and computers of various operating systems to a virtual access point. The program is easy to set up. All you need to indicate is Network name(Hotspot Name) password(Password) and, in fact, network adapter(Internet To Share), from which Internet access will be opened. After starting with the “Start Hotspot” button on the “Clients” tab, you can view connected or recently connected devices.
Conclusion
There are many different uses for a Wi-Fi hotspot other than providing Internet access to Wi-Fi devices and computers. However, we hope that any of the methods we described will help you cope with the task posed in this article. Find the best one for yourself and don't forget to like!
How to create a WiFi access point using Windows 7. Instructions, step by step with illustrations. Although people are mostly interested in the question of how to make a laptop a wifi access point, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s a laptop or a regular desktop computer.
Creating a wifi hotspot is the same in both cases. Imagine the situation: you come to visit and you need fast Internet on your smartphone or tablet, but the hosts only have a laptop connected to the Internet with a cable, but no router. No problem - you can organize wireless Internet distribution from this laptop in a couple of minutes.
What is WiFi
The abbreviation WiFi (Wi-Fi) stands for: Wireless Fidelity(wireless attachment). WiFi is the transmission of network data over a radio channel.
Most often, WiFi is used to “distribute” the Internet. For these purposes, WiFi is used in various public places - cafes, restaurants, train stations, shopping centers.
But in the last year or two, WiFi routers have begun to be actively installed in apartments. This is explained by the fact that today people have many mobile devices from which they can access the Internet - laptops, tablets, smartphones, netbooks.
And often WiFi is not only the most convenient way to connect such a device to the Internet, but also the only possible one. For example, tablets and smartphones do not have wired Ethernet network adapters, so they cannot be connected to the network via a cable.
Although WiFi is most often used to distribute the Internet, nothing prevents you from building a regular local network via WiFi.
And by the way, in some offices they do this, since installing one WiFi router (access point) is cheaper and easier than laying UTP network cables.
A home WiFi network allows you not only to receive the Internet via WiFi on all devices, but also to conveniently exchange various information - you can easily copy photos from your smartphone to your computer or laptop. Or music from your computer to your smartphone. No need to fiddle with different USB cables.
WiFi specifications are described by the international standard 802.11. There is a division into modes based on the access speed that 802.11 devices can provide:
802.11a
802.11b— speeds from 1 megabit per second to 11 megabit per second.
802.11g— speeds from 6 to 54 megabits per second.
802.11n- speed up to 150 megabits per second over one antenna, and if four antennas are used, then up to 600 megabits per second.
The most common devices now are those that support WiFi modes 802.11 b and g. In the specifications of such devices they say so - 802.11b/g.
In the last couple of years, the bulk of devices have been released with support for three WiFi modes - 802.11b/g/n. 802.11a mode is rarely used and is incompatible with b and g.
What is an access point
This is a regular network router that only transmits network packets via an 802.11 radio signal.
Performs the same functions as a simple network router - assign an IP address to the connected device, transfer network settings to it, and then ensure the transmission of network packets from this device to other network devices (routing).
Most often, a WiFi router looks exactly like an ADSL modem or Ethernet router. Only with antenna.
The incoming connection to this router is either RJ-11 (telephone jack) or RJ-45 (network cable jack).
In the first case The WiFi router receives the Internet through a telephone line using ADSL (xDSL) technology.
In the second case The WiFi router receives the Internet via a network cable using PPPoE FTTx technology.
There are also cellular WiFi routers that look a little like cell phones. This router receives the Internet via the GSM cellular network.
The router distributes the resulting Internet WiFi via a WiFi adapter.
How to create a WiFi hotspot on Windows 7
We need to create a software wifi router based on Windows 7 that will receive the Internet in some way and be able to distribute this Internet via wifi.
What we need:
1) Windows 7 Basic or older. Windows 7 Starter (initial) will not work. More precisely, on Windows 7 Starter you will have to solve the routing issue using a third-party program (for Windows 7 Starter there is a separate note at the end of the article).
2) An old wifi adapter. For example, the TP-Link TL-WN722NC USB wifi adapter was used for this article.
3) Internet connection. For this article, a GSM connection was used through the MTS operator (MTS USB modem). But it can be any connection - PPPoE, VPN, Dail-Up, Ethernet, WiFi.
The first step is to install the wifi adapter, if it is not already installed, and make sure that it is turned on and working.
After this, you need to check whether the “WLAN AutoConfig Service” service is running. Usually its launch mode is “Manual”, which means it can be stopped. If you plan to use the created access point constantly, then it is better to switch this service to the “Automatic” startup mode.
You also need to check that the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) service also has a startup mode of “Automatic”.
You also need to check that the “Routing and Remote Access” service also has the “Automatic” startup mode. And for this service to work.
There may be situations when the startup type of this service is set to auto, but when Windows 7 starts, it stops and, accordingly, others in this case will not receive the Internet. Read more about this in another article - “Windows 7 Routing and Remote Access service stops.”
These checks are done through “Control Panel - Administration - Services”.
After this, you need to open the Windows console (cmd.exe) with administrator rights. This can be done through the menu “Start - Programs - Accessories - Command Prompt”, then right mouse button and “Run as administrator”.
In the console, type and execute the command:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="winap" key="123456789" keyusage=persistent.
Instead of winap And 123456789 enter your access point name and password:
Note. Important! The password must be at least 8 characters long, this is a requirement for the WPA2 security type that is used in Windows when creating an access point. It is better not to use the Cyrillic alphabet in your password. Letter case matters - a and A are different symbols!
Next, check that the connection for the access point has been created. Open “Start - Run - ncpa.cpl” and after opening the “Network Connections” window, in this window find the wireless connection for which the physical adapter is not specified:
Right-click, then “Properties” and look there - it should be “MicroSoft Virtual Miniport Adapter”:
At the same time, you can remove unnecessary connections and protocols.
Immediately rename this connection in ncpa.cpl - for example, to “winAP”:
Enable ICS and specify the connection to which the Internet will be distributed - to the wifi connection of the access point (“winAP”):
Now you need to connect to the Internet. Or reconnect if the connection was established previously.
After that, type and execute the command in the console:
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
That's it, the access point should already be working. Now you can connect the client to this access point (this illustration is from the client’s computer):
How to connect a wifi client to:
— Laptop (or computer) under Windows — Setting up WiFi in Windows 7.
— How to turn on WiFi on your tablet.
— A laptop (or computer) running Linux — A laptop (or computer) running Ubuntu.
Client connected:
On the computer where the access point is running, you can check its status. To do this, enter the command in the console:
netsh wlan show hostednetwork
It can be seen that one client is connected.
Stopping the access point with the command netsh wlan stop hostednetwork
Complete destruction of the access point with the command netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=disallow
If you want the access point to turn on automatically when Windows boots, then the start command needs to be added to autorun.
We are talking about the command netsh wlan start hostednetwork. The command can be written into a cmd script; you must specify “Run as Administrator” in the properties of this script. Then include the script in autorun.
It is necessary that the connection to the Internet is also established when Windows starts. Otherwise, you will have an access point, but there will be no Internet through it.
Of course this is a very simple access point. But everything is at hand. No third party programs needed. Just Windows 7. And everything can be configured in a couple of minutes.
Yes, there are programs like Connectify and Virtual Router. However, you need to understand that they only do the work that is done by two commands in the Windows console. These are just add-ons to the functionality of Windows 7. It’s easier to write two commands in the console than to download and install some gadgets.
Some may say that this option does not have many of the capabilities that an access point should have. Well yes, that's true. Only this is an option when you need to make a wifi router very quickly and without problems. And Windows 7 provides just such an opportunity - with a minimum of body movements, what is called “on the knee,” to create an access point.
But if your needs are broader and deeper, if you need an access point for every day, or in complex configurations, then you don’t need to use Windows, but buy a decent, or even good, WiFi router.
A decent WiFi router now costs less than a thousand rubles. And in such a situation, sculpting a design based on a computer and Windows is somehow absurd.
It’s another matter if you need an access point once a month, for a day or for a couple of days. Or on a business trip. Or on vacation. This is where Windows helps us out. You can quickly distribute the Internet via WiFi from a laptop to a tablet, smartphone or other laptops.
But if there is a need to make a permanent access point on a computer, then it is better to do it under Linux. This is how this is actually implemented in WiFi routers. For example, like in this article - Access Point on Ubuntu.
Hotspot on Windows 7 does not work
There is no need to swear at Microsoft, at Windows - in general, look for the guilty on the side. The problem in such cases is always on your own computer (or laptop).
It could be:
— Drivers for the WiFi adapter on which you are creating an access point.
— The WiFi adapter itself.
- You did something wrong.
— Any “left-handed” services or drivers/programs that use the WiFi adapter or USB port (if your adapter is connected via USB).
— You have Windows 7 Starter.
— One of the necessary services has stopped, for example, see the article “Windows 7 Routing and Remote Access service stops.”
For example, during Windows startup, the WiFi adapter driver can put the adapter into standby mode. And when Windows starts the hostednetwork service, the adapter does not wake up.
With a normal WiFi adapter and if you haven’t messed up your Windows with crooked programs and drivers, everything will work fine.
In general, always look for the source of the problem on your computer.
Access point on Windows 7 Starter (initial)
Microsoft did something weird with it. ICS is blocked on it, but you can create an access point as such. Paradox. Why do you need a hostednetwork mechanism if there is no routing?
Be that as it may, you can make a wifi access point on Windows 7 Starter. You just need to find a program with which to perform routing between the Internet and winAP interfaces.
There are many options here, for example you can use a proxy server, such as 3proxy.
There are times when it is not possible to distribute the Internet in the usual ways, but you need to get access to the network quickly and urgently. Then we suggest creating an access point.
The base station can be PCs, laptops, and even smartphones. The advantage of the performed manipulations is that there is no need to purchase additional equipment.
Operating modes of devices in Wi-Fi networks
Signal transmission without using wires is carried out via radio channels. To perform the required actions, a special-purpose device is used - a router.
But if it is not possible to use it, then the best option would be a laptop as an access point. Operation is carried out in two directions:
- Ad-Hoc mode. Users will receive direct contact, excluding extraneous objects from the chain.
- Infrastructure mode. Transfer of information between equipment is carried out using an assistant according to the client-server scheme.
It is impossible to carry out parallel functioning in several directions. with a built-in circuit, you can eliminate unnecessary parts and make it easier to access the Internet.
For the smooth functioning of all objects it is necessary to have:
- operating system Windows 7 and higher;
- USB Wi-Fi adapter;
- contact with the network.
If you meet the requirements and have all the listed elements at your disposal, you can begin adjusting the access point from your laptop. This process is quite simple and does not require special knowledge or skills. The subscriber is faced with the task of checking the serviceability of the converter on the gadget, and also having access to the Internet.
Laptop as a Wi-Fi access point on Windows 7, 8, 10
To easily access the World Wide Web, you need to do some manipulations - connect to a wireless network. The process is the same as for operating systems 8 and 10.
There are several options for how to create a wifi access point. These include:
- Standard. One of the simple and affordable options. To implement it, you need to enter data into the command line.
- Launching hotspots using Virtual Router, Maryfi and others.
- Mobile hotspot. This option is only suitable for OS 10.
Having done all the steps correctly, you can gain access without much effort.
Creation of Virtual AR
Such a system makes it possible for several adapters to operate synchronously using the source of one device. A special feature is that it can function in two directions: client-server and point-to-point.
Installation of Virtual AR on gadgets with and 7 will be carried out according to the same scheme. This is explained by the fact that command lines, which have one form, are used for configuration. The whole scheme consists of the following stages:
1. The “Start” menu opens and from the proposed list you must click “All Programs”. After this, go to “Standards” and go to the “Command Line” entry. Using the touchpad or , you must select “Run as user”.
2. In the open menu there is a column where the request is entered. You need to enter the following: netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=»new.geek-nose.com» key=»password» keyUsage=persistent. If a malfunction occurs, you should check the correctness of the data and repeat again.
3. After adjustment, the startup process begins, the basis of which is “netsh wlan start hostednetwork”. Manipulations are carried out after each startup of the device.
4. To familiarize yourself with the configurations, use the following phrases: netsh wlan show - guarantees security, hostednetwork setting=security netsh wlan show settings - necessary for a smooth connection.
To understand what we are talking about, it is suggested for familiarization: new.geek-nose.com – the name, password – a code that protects against outside intrusion. It consists of 8 characters.
All data must be entered using the English keyboard. An error may occur. In this case, you need to find the automatic setting and check its status.
If it is disabled, then the following sequential actions are carried out: properties → startup type → automatically. After completing the steps, you should return to the connection process.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with:« »
A laptop is used as a wi-fi access point when Virtual AP is enabled and properly configured. For the OS described, this process is similar, but there are still some differences. For OS 10 the following points are performed:
1. Open a command line. To do this, you can use the menu, which is called up using Win + X.
2. As for OS 7 and 8, enter the request in the line, after which you must press Enter.
3. After this, you should carry out the manipulations that were described above. If problems arise with launching virtual access, then configuration is carried out according to the previously proposed scheme.
Separately, apple products can be noted. This also requires configuration. The difference from Windows is the need to use a modem.
The work is carried out according to the following scheme:
- Connecting a cable or modem to the gadget.
- Open system settings and go to sharing.
- In the “Connection” field, those connections that are necessary for operation are used.
- Wi-fi is selected. A name and password are given. The maximum number of characters for entering the code is 12.
- After this, you should check the box next to “Internet Sharing”.
Now the laptop, as an access point, will distribute the Internet. Other devices are connected to it. To connect, you must enter the correct password.
The whole procedure does not take much time. If you correctly configure the virtual network on OS 7 or 8, then there will be no problems with Windows 10. By following the described steps, you can access the network without using a router or other devices.
Creating a Virtual AP using third-party software
If there is no desire or opportunity to configure a virtual network, then you can use other methods. Such programs greatly simplify the setup process. One option is to use the utility. The advantage is that there is no need to activate it after starting or exiting sleep mode.
Using Virtual Router Manager, which you don't have to pay for, the setup process will take a little time. The main actions are:
- entering a name;
- installation of a security key;
- specify the interface with the Virtual AP base.
Upon completion of the input, “Start Virtual Router” is selected. In addition, it is suggested to pay attention to the MyPublicWiFi and WiFiCreator applications. Activation is carried out according to the scheme proposed above: name and password.
Possible errors when starting a virtual Wi-Fi network
When connecting to there is a possibility of problems occurring. Wi-Fi itself works the same on devices, regardless of the distribution method. Also, the work will not be affected by the use of a laptop or desktop computer.
To find out the reasons for the lack of connection, it is recommended to first try to connect. There is a chance that everything will work out the first time. If this does not happen, then errors are considered:
1. Stop the launch of the access point in the OS.
2. The signal is distributed, but access to the Internet is limited.
3. The devices are connected to the proposed network, then the web page does not load.
The first problem is the most common. The solutions depend on how the inclusion process occurs. The main reasons are: the lack of a built-in adapter or driver for it, or startup support. The reasons for errors on , 7 or 8 are the same.
Restricted access is also one of the common problems. Solving it is quite simple. The connection may be stopped by the antivirus program. You need to turn it off, and the network will appear.
The reason for the third error is that there is no common connection to the Internet. To troubleshoot problems, you need to open access, after which you will be able to access the World Wide Web, sites and web pages will load.
Before setting up access, you need to make sure that the device itself has access to the Internet.
Sooner or later, the user may need to distribute the Internet from the main device to others. But at the same time, there may not be a router available that would provide wireless Internet access. What to do in this case? The easiest method is to install a special program, such as Connectify. But it has a number of disadvantages, starting with annoying advertising and ending with “unkillable” processes that slow down the operating system and a limited session of 1 hour, after which you have to restart the hotspot in the program.
In modern Windows operating systems, it is possible to create a virtual WiFi access point without using third-party tools and programs. The thing is that these versions of the OS have virtual WiFi technology. This means that if the network card supports SoftAP (a standard thanks to which two devices with WiFi can interact without external intervention in the form of programs), then you can create a virtual adapter that acts as an access point and provides WPA2-PSK encryption.
How to make a wifi hotspot
Let's consider the option - wifi access point Windows 7 (there are differences in other Windows operating systems, but the principle is the same).
The first thing you need to do for this is configure the network settings. Launch a command line (cmd) with administrator rights and write in it:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=”invented network name in English” key=”invented network password in English” keyUsage=persistent
How to do this with pictures. Launch the command line with administrator rights: Start - All Programs - Accessories - Command Prompt.
Right-click to select Run as administrator
Next, the command line opens. We write the command. as described above. The simplest thing is not to type from the keyboard - copy the line into notepad, write down the network name and password and paste it into the command line.
After the command is completed, Windows itself will install the new hardware. After that, you can open Device Manager and find the Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter that just appeared there.
Open Device Manager like this: Start, select Control Panel, System and Security, and then in the System section select device Manager.
Then you need to go to Network Connections, where the newly created Wireless Network Connection 2 will appear (In version 8.1, it will appear only after completing the next step - starting the network via the command line).
The second thing to do is launch the network. To do this, you need to write in the same command line (cmd):
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
This will launch SoftAP, and the current connections will display two connections at once - permanent and virtual.
In order to stop the virtual network, you need to write in the same command line (cmd):
netsh wlan stop hostednetwork
When the computer is turned off, the virtual network also stops working and will not appear the next time the computer starts. In order for it to be created every time, you need to configure this event through the Task Scheduler.
To configure Internet sharing, you need to go to the Properties of this adapter and go to Access. There, check the active box and find the created virtual connection in the list.
This creates a wifi access point on windows.
The inconvenience of this type of connection is the inability to save ready-made settings for instant connection in the future. That is, you have to either create a virtual network each time, or set its creation on a schedule, which is also not convenient. Therefore, programs were invented, one of which was mentioned above. This Connectify and Virtual Router Manager. They are very easy to set up, because in order to get virtual WiFi, you just need to come up with a name and password for the session and specify the SSID.
Also, these programs can start when the system starts. But these programs are also not without their drawbacks - at the beginning of the article, reasons were given why it is better to choose the built-in capabilities of Windows. But in general, this is a matter of taste - for one-time or regular use of a virtual network, it is best to turn to standard operating system tools, and if you need it from time to time, then it is best to use a third-party program, for example MyPublicWiFi
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