Best Free WiFi Hotspot Software For Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP

WiFi has now become one of the most popular ways to connect computers and smart devices to network. But unfortunately, you don’t always have a WiFi connection around you to enable you to surf anytime you want without using your data planIn fact there are several ways to bring a WiFi network along. Here we’ll show you these methods and let you decide which one is the most suited for you. Meanwhile, we’ll introduce the best free WiFi hotspot software for Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP.

 

Best Free WiFi Hotspot Software For Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP

 


Quick Overview – Best Free WiFi Hotspot Software For Windows

 

 Free WiFi Hotspot
File Size2.25 MB
Price$0 (Freeware, no hidden cost)
Supported OSWindows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Step-by-Step GuideHow to Create WiFi Hotspot
Video GuideVideo Tutorial
Supported Network TypesLAN, DSL, Cable, Bluetooth, Mobile Broadband Card, Dial-Up, 2G/3G/4G Cellular, GPRS, Ethernet, USB Tethering, etc.
Supported WiFi SmartphonesApple iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Mini, The New iPad, Microsoft Surface, Google Nexus, Kindle Fire, Huawei Matebook, ASUS ZenPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, etc.
Supported WiFi TabletsApple iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Huawei Mate, BlackBerry KEYone, LG, Sony Xperia, OnePlus, Essential Phone, etc.
Supported Smart TVsHisense, Sharp, VIZIO, Sony, TCL, Skyworth, Samsung, LG, Insignia, Seiki, etc.
Supported Smart WatchesApple Watch, Casio, Garmin, Ticwatch, Suunto, Fitbit, UFH Tech, Huawei Watch, Misfit Vapor, XiaoMi, Fossile Gen, Samsung, etc.
Supported E-readersAmazon Kindle, Square Reader, Ematic, Kobo, iRiver Story, Sony Reader, Barns & Noble Nook, etc.
Supported Game ConsolesXbox, Sony PlayStation (PS, PSP, PSV), Nintendo Switch/Wii, etc.
Other WiFi Gadgets SupportedApple iPod, GoPro, Google Glass, TV Boxes, etc.

Make a WiFi Hotspot With Your Cellphone

For most of us, cellphones/smartphones are inextricably linked to our daily lives. Some of us can’t even live without using them, either for the work or the entertainment. As we know we use data traffic to get an Internet connection while on the roam, but actually you can also create a WiFi hotspot from your cellphone so that you can share the Internet connection with all the other devices.

 

How to Create WiFi Hotspot on You iPhone

 

How to Create WiFi Hotspot on You iPhone

 

1. Open “Setings” and choose “Mobile Data” (or “Mobile” in versions before iOS 10).

2. Enable “Personal Hotspot” (the system will ask you whether to turn the WiFi & Bluetooth on and we suggest you turn them on to create a hotspot with less limit).

3. Tap “Wi-Fi Password” to set the password to access the hotspot you create (do NOT use your Apple ID as the WiFi login because it’s not safe). Now you can find the hotspot created via your iPhone on other devices and use the password you set to connect to it.

 


Create WiFi Hotspot on Windows 10

 

For users sitting before their computers, sharing the network via “Hosted Network” feature would be an easy way. Under Windows 10, go to “Windows Settings”, click “Network & Internet” and choose “Mobil HotSpot” to set up the hotspot. It may involve command-line so it would be a better choice for professionals so we suggest you go for other alternatives.

However, if you are willing and have enough time to learn some skills, here are the details to convert Wireless Adapter to Hotspot on Windows 10.

 

Create WiFi Hotspot on Windows 10

 


Create WiFi Hotspot with a Wireless USB Dongle/Adapter

 

If you have a wireless USB dongle or adapter, it would be much easier. However, it is a specialized device that is not in common use so you will have to purchase one if you want to use it to share your network. Before jumping into purchase, we suggest you shop around to compare several products that meet your needs. Read some reviews and check their specifics if possible.

 

Create WiFi Hotspot with a Wireless USB Dongle/Adapter

 

How to Turn Your USB Dongle into WiFi Hotspot

 

1. Connect the wireless USB dongle/adapter to your computer

2. Launch the software provided with the dongle/adapter to connect to the internet.

3. Set the ID and password in the software that comes with the dongle/adapter. Now you can connect to this hotspot on your devices.

 


Best Free WiFi Hotspot Software for Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP

 

if you want to share your network on your laptop, Free WiFi Hotspot – the best free WiFi hotspot software surely is the easiest way; it does not use your cellular data; it does not require much time and energy to learn tricky command lines; you don’t need to buy any hardware – all you need is a laptop with network connection of any type. It is compatible with all Windows OS after XP.

 

How to Create WiFi Hotspot with Best Free WiFi Hotspot Software

 

1. Download and install Free WiFi Hotspot.

 

Download Free WiFi Hotspot

 

2. Launch Free WiFi Hotspot, and set the SSID and password to get access to your hotspot.

 

Set the SSID and Password

 

3. Choose the network type you want to share in the “Share From” menu and click “Start” to enable the hotspot. To stop the hotspot, click “Stop”.

 

Enable the Hotspot

 

Now we have showed you how to set up a WiFi hotspot to share your network with the best free WiFi hotspot software. Go have some surfing fun on your devices!


How to Turn Your Phone Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot

If you are in an urgent/emergency situation and desperately need a hotpost, but you don’t have a laptop at hand, what would you do? Or does your iPhone have far more than enough cellular data while your other devices don’t? Here’s the solution: create a hotspot on your iPhone to share the data network with yoru devices.

 

iPhone Personal Hotspot

 

  1. Open the “Settings“, and choose “Mobile Data“. (In some versions before iOS 10, you should choose “Mobile“)
  2. Toggle “Personal Hotspot” on.
  3. If WiFi and/or Bluetooth are off, the system will ask if you want to enable them. Turn them on unless you want the hotspot limited to USB only.
  4. Tap “Wi-Fi Password” to enter a password for the access to the hotspot you are about to create. (Important! Do NOT use your Apple ID!)

Now you can share the hotspot with any devices! Make sure you turn it off when you’re done because it will use much cellular data.


How to Set up a Mobile Hotspot on Android

 

What if instead of an iPhone, you have an Android phone or tablet? You can still create a hotspot on it to share the data network with other devices. The operation is somewhat like what you need to do on iPhone.

 

Android Personal Hotspot

 

  1. Go to you system “Settings“.
  2. At the bottom of “Wireless & networks” section, tap the “More” button.
  3. Tap on “Tethering and portable hotspot“.
  4. Tap on set up “Wi-Fi hotspot” to enter the hotspot name you want, choose a “Security” type (not necessary), and enter a password.

18 Tips to Increase Your WiFi Speed

 

Tips to Increase Your WiFi Speed

 

  1. Perform a speed test to check the speed of your network.
  2. Perform a wireless survey to check congestion.
  3. Reboot your router to on a regular basis.
  4. Reset your router settings.
  5. Increase WiFi range with DIY hacks or use range extender/amplifier/repeater/powerline adapter to rebroadcast the signal.
  6. Use another router to extend the WiFi range into different rooms.
  7. Provide enough “private” space for the router by clearing out the obstructions.
  8. Turn off the “Echo” mode of your router.
  9. Control or turn off the bandwidth hogs like unnecessary devices & apps.
  10. Beware of WiFi thieves – set a strong password and change them regularly.
  11. Keep your router away from the appliances (other routers, microwaves, cordless phones, etc.) that can mess with your wireless signal.
  12. Find the right wireless channel to avoid overlapping your channels with your neighbors’ routers.
  13. Place your router in the perfect spot without obstructions instead of hiding it.
  14. Parallel match the WiFi router antennas.
  15. Use the newest WiFi technologies: wireless AC standards.
  16. Get a dual-band router.
  17. Upgrade WiFi router antennas to high-gain WiFi antennas.
  18. Update WiFi router’s firmware.
  19. Enable throughput enhancement & roaming aggressiveness.
  20. Stay near your WiFi router to get better signal.
  21. Choose a good Internet Provider (IP).

How to Make WiFi Faster (Video)

 


How to Get Faster Internet Speed (Video)

 


How to Secure Your WiFi Network (Video)

 


Guide to Create a Strong Password (Video)

 


Step-by-Step Guide: DIY Tricks to Boost WiFi Signal

 

Use a Pop Can to Boost WiFi Signal

(Be careful: the tools you use and edges of the pop can be very sharp – don’t cut yourself!!!)

 

Use a Pop Can to Boost WiFi Signal

 

  1.  Get a pop can (Coke, Pepsi, soda, beer, coffee, juice, etc.).
  2. Clean the pop can to rinse the residue and dry it.
  3. Remove the pop tab & cut off the bottom of the can with a scissor or a knife.
  4. Turn the can upside down and make a horizontal cut to create the base (similar to the one you made in step 3, but leave half an inch of the can attached to the rest).
  5. Make a vertical cut on the opposite side of the attached section.
  6. Pry the sides of the can apart (like a radar)
  7. If your router has antennas, make a booster for each of them. Place the can over your WiFi router antenna via the hole at the base & use tape to hold the can in place.
  8. The can’s inner side should be facing in the direction toward which you want to strengthen the WiFi signal.
  9. If your router has no antenna, put the can behind the router.

Use Aluminum Foil (Tin Foil) to Boost WiFi Signal

 

Use Aluminum Foil to Boost WiFi Signal

 

  1. Tear off a sheet of Aluminum foil (about the size of an A4 paper:210 x 297 millimeters / 8.27 x 11.69 inches).
  2. Curve the foil.
  3. Place the curved foil behind the router.

Use Paper & Tin Foil to Boost WiFi Signal

  1. Cut out required parts as shown in the image below.

Cut Out 2 Parts

(You can download a stencil to print it out for easy cutting.)

 

DIY WiFi Booster Stencil

2. Cover the two parts in tin foil & fold them to put them together.

Cover with Foil & Fold

3. Drill a hole for the antenna.

Drill a Hole

4. Place the booster onto the antenna.

Place the Booster onto Antenna


Choose a Good Internet Provider – Best Internet Provides Quick Look-up

 

 Priced fromConnection TypesSpeed up toPlansTel
Xfinity Comcast$29.99/moFiber, Cable2000 Mbps54855 495 1603
Charter Spectrum$29.99/moCable100 Mbps15844 501 6904
AT&T$40/moFiber, ADSL, VDSL, Mobile Broadband1000 Mbps110866 795 6026
Cox$19.99/moFiber, Cable1000 Mbps16855 401 5515
Optimum$39.99/moCable400 Mbps21408 871 1192
Suddenlink$34.99/moFiber, Cable1000 Mbps43877 794-2724
Verizon FiOS$34.99/moFiber, ADSL, ADSL2+940 Mbps85855 900 8659
Frontier$20/moFiber, ADSL500 Mbps132855 399 9927
Mediacom$49.99/moCable1000 Mbps17877 561 4877
CenturyLink$45/moFiber, ADSL, VDSL1000 Mbps81855 382 5146
WOW!$29.99/moFiber, Cable1000 Mbps37866 376 7003
T-Mobile$20/moMobile Broadband90 Mbps7866 219 0324
Windstream$35/moFiber, ADSL, VDSL1000 Mbps36800 347 1991
Google Fiber$50/moFiber1000 Mbps8844 363 4237
RCN$29.99/moFiber, Cable1000 Mbps146800 746 4726
Viasat Exede$30/moSatellite100 Mbps11855 605 2426
Cable One$25/moFiber, Cable1000 Mbps10800 651 9737
Verizon Wireless$30/moMobile Broadband12 Mbps17800 922 0204
Sprint$15/moMobile Broadband15 Mbps5800 841 0087
EarthLink$14.95/moADSL, VDSL75 Mbps7855 376 2964
HughesNet$49.99/moSatellite25 Mbps2866 3473292
Time Warner Cable$49.99/moCable200 Mbps6844 501 6904

WiFi FAQs

Q: How WiFi works?

A WiFi (Wi-Fi) connection sends data between your router/modem & devices via radio frequency signals instead of cables.

 

Q: I want to use WiFi. What do I need?

1. An internet connection.
2. A WiFi router to boradcast your WiFi signal (or Free WiFi Hotspot to turn your laptop with internet connection to a WiFi router)
3. A WiFi-enabled computer/laptop/tablet/smartphone.

 

Q: Is a password necessary?

A password is necessary if you want you WiFi network stay private and safe. If you don;t set a password for the WiFi network, others may use your data, change your modem/router settings and even do more harmful hacking behaviors.

 

Q: How far can WiFi signals reach?

Regular WiFi signals has a range of about 30 meters but they will be reduced by various obstacles.

 

Q: Is WiFi more stable than Ethernet connection?

No. The stability and speed of the WiFi network depends on the interference from obstacles and other signals as well as the distance from the router. That’s why the cable connection is more reliable. However, WiFi connection is much more convenience, without all the wires.