Last reviewed and substantially updated: August 5, 2026.
Free WiFi Hotspot 8.0.0 is a free Windows utility that helps you turn a compatible Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC into a Wi-Fi hotspot. You can then share the PC’s Internet connection with phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, e-readers, and other Wi-Fi devices.
Important: the current 8.0.0 release supports Windows 11 and Windows 10. References to Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, or macOS in older guides do not apply to the current release.
Download Free WiFi Hotspot 8.0.0
Free WiFi Hotspot 8.0.0 at a glance
| Current version | 8.0.0 |
|---|---|
| Supported operating systems | Windows 11 and Windows 10 |
| Price | Free download |
| Main purpose | Create a Wi-Fi hotspot from a compatible Windows PC and share an existing Internet connection |
| Hardware | A compatible Wi-Fi adapter and an active Internet connection are required |
How to download Free WiFi Hotspot safely
- Open the official Free WiFi Hotspot download page.
- Confirm that the page shows version 8.0.0 and Windows 11/10 compatibility.
- Click the Windows download button and save the installer.
- Before running the installer, review the information shown by Windows and make sure the file came from this official website.
How to create a Wi-Fi hotspot on Windows 11 or Windows 10
1. Install and launch Free WiFi Hotspot
Run the downloaded installer and complete the setup. Then launch Free WiFi Hotspot on the Windows PC whose Internet connection you want to share.
2. Choose a hotspot name
Enter a recognizable name in the hotspot name or SSID field. Avoid including private information such as your full name, address, or phone number.
3. Create a secure password
Use a unique password of at least eight characters. A longer password containing a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols is harder to guess. Do not reuse an important email, banking, or Windows account password.
4. Select the Internet connection to share
Use the Share From menu to select the active connection. Depending on your Windows PC and network hardware, this may be Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB tethering, or a compatible mobile Internet connection.
5. Start the hotspot
Click Start. On the phone, tablet, laptop, or other device you want to connect, open Wi-Fi settings, choose the hotspot name, and enter the password you created.
6. Stop sharing when you are finished
Return to Free WiFi Hotspot and click Stop. Stopping a hotspot that is no longer needed reduces unnecessary network exposure and prevents other devices from reconnecting.
Windows built-in mobile hotspot or Free WiFi Hotspot?
Windows 11 and Windows 10 include a built-in mobile hotspot feature. It is a good first choice when it recognizes the correct network connection and provides the controls you need. Free WiFi Hotspot can be useful when you prefer a dedicated hotspot interface or need an alternative workflow for selecting and sharing a connection.
Whichever method you use, performance depends on the Windows PC, Wi-Fi adapter, driver, Internet connection, distance, interference, and the number of connected devices.
Troubleshooting common hotspot problems
The hotspot will not start
- Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled and airplane mode is off.
- Restart Free WiFi Hotspot and, if necessary, restart Windows.
- Install current Windows updates and update the Wi-Fi adapter driver from the PC or adapter manufacturer.
- Close another hotspot application that may already be controlling the Wi-Fi adapter.
- Temporarily disconnect a VPN to determine whether it is interfering with connection sharing.
Devices connect but have no Internet access
- Confirm that the Windows PC itself can open websites.
- Check that the correct active Internet connection is selected in the Share From menu.
- Stop and restart the hotspot, then forget and reconnect to the network on the other device.
- Review firewall or security software settings if Internet sharing is being blocked.
The hotspot is slow or keeps disconnecting
- Move connected devices closer to the Windows PC.
- Reduce interference from walls, nearby routers, Bluetooth equipment, and microwave ovens.
- Disconnect devices that are not currently needed.
- Prevent the PC from entering sleep mode while it is sharing the connection.
- Remember that all connected devices share the speed of the original Internet connection.
Hotspot security recommendations
- Always use a strong, unique hotspot password.
- Share the password only with people and devices you trust.
- Change the password if an unknown device connects.
- Stop the hotspot when it is no longer required.
- Keep Windows and network drivers updated.
- Review the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use before installing or using the software.
Frequently asked questions
Does Free WiFi Hotspot 8.0.0 support Windows 11?
Yes. Version 8.0.0 supports Windows 11 as well as Windows 10.
If Windows 11’s built-in hotspot is missing, will not turn on, or connects without internet, use our Windows 11 Mobile Hotspot troubleshooting guide to check drivers, services, network settings, and adapter compatibility.
Does the current version support Windows 7, 8, Vista, or XP?
No. The current 8.0.0 release is intended for Windows 11 and Windows 10. Older operating systems should not be listed as supported for this release.
Is there a Mac version?
No. The current version described on this website is for Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Do I need to buy a separate router?
Not for this use case. You need a compatible Windows PC with a Wi-Fi adapter and an Internet connection. Hardware and driver compatibility can vary between PCs.
Why can the connection be slower on connected devices?
The Windows PC is relaying an existing connection. Speed is affected by the source connection, adapter, signal strength, interference, and the number of devices sharing it.
Download Free WiFi Hotspot for Windows
Download the current Windows version from the official page: