Hardware and software setup

Download a program to create wifi hotspots. Programs for Wi-Fi

As you know, almost every laptop has a built-in Wi-Fi adapter that allows you to connect to the Internet without using wires. However, not everyone knows that this technology in laptops can work not only for receiving, but also for bestowing. This allows you to distribute a Wi-Fi network if the user of another device (for example, a tablet or smartphone) cannot connect via cable or USB modem. To carry out this operation, you will need to use special software, which will be discussed later.

MyPublicWiFi is the first program in our article today. Its name already speaks about the main purpose, but the banal distribution of the connection is not the only possibility of this application. To begin with, let's still dwell on the principle of creating a network. To do this, you only need to set a login (SSID) and a password to connect here. After filling in these two fields, it remains to click on the button "Set up and Start Hotspot". Now all devices within range will be able to join this network without any problems, after entering the password. The creator through the MyPublicWiFi interface will be able to track connected clients and manage them, for example, restrict access at any time.

Additionally, this software can emulate a local network or a virtual one, but only for users. This will help advanced users figure out how to perform other tasks, such as checking settings. Note the option block file sharing: it disables the ability to use P2P technology, which is used in various torrent clients. You will need this if you want to restrict file downloads, for example, to save traffic. You can download and test MyPublicWiFi for free using the official website. To do this, click on the link below.

Our site has a separate material on the topic of using MyPublicWiFi. We recommend that you study it for those users who are still interested in this solution and are faced with the task of creating their own network. In this help guide, you will find all the information you need to know when interacting with this application.

Connectify

The next program called Connectify already has a more extensive interface and many useful settings, which makes it not only multifunctional, but also increases the complexity of learning for novice users. From the very beginning, you should choose the type of connection. Connectify can act as a regular Wi-Fi distributor, as well as a bridge or a wired router, which is useful for connecting another wired device, such as a TV or game console. However, we note that advanced options are available only in the premium version, so everyone needs to spend money on purchasing it. When creating a regular Wi-Fi SSID, you only need to enter a username and password, and then start distributing.

Let's mention one more interesting option, which is available only to users who have purchased the full version on the official website. It consists in increasing the coverage area of ​​the wireless network, which is achieved through the use of other connected devices. However, it should be borne in mind that the speed of the Internet will decrease slightly - this depends on the number of devices and the distance between them. Connectify displays all connected clients and allows you to manage them. Of the shortcomings, only the lack of a Russian interface and the limitations of the free version can be noted. Before buying, we strongly recommend that you start with a standard build to make sure Connectify is right for you.

For all novice users who have chosen Connectify as a program for distributing the Internet through a laptop, we advise you to refer to the supporting material by clicking on the link below. There, the author, in the most detailed form, described the principles for setting up this software for different purposes.

mHotspot

mHotspot is another program that falls under the subject of our material. In it you will find all the same options that were mentioned earlier. The principle of creating a network is also practically the same - you just need to set the SSID and access key, and then select the appropriate connection type and start distribution. However, there is one interesting feature that was missing from the previous two apps. It consists in setting a limit on the maximum number of connected clients.

Of course, after creating a new network in mHotspot, you can view a list of all connected clients and, if necessary, terminate the connection with any of them. Additionally, the main menu displays a general summary of the current connection. It shows the number of megabytes consumed, the number of connected clients, the current download and upload speed. This tool is distributed free of charge and is available for download on the official website. The only drawback of mHotspot is the absence of the Russian interface language, but there are quite a few different items and buttons, so it won’t take much time to master.

Switch Virtual Router

The functionality of the Switch Virtual Router tool focuses on ease of use and speed of creating a new network. Here you will not find any special settings and even a separate menu where you could view a list of connected devices or general information about the current connection. Through the main menu of the Switch Virtual Router, a small additional window is called up, where the user sets a name for the network and sets a password. Here you can also configure sleep mode and enable automatic startup along with the operating system.

However, sometimes such minimalism is even an advantage for those users who do not need any third-party options that do not affect the main task of the software. This design helps Switch Virtual Router practically not consume system resources, so during its active operation you will not notice any changes in computer performance. This software copes with its task perfectly even when connecting four or more sources at the same time.

Virtual Router Manager

Virtual Router Manager is another extremely easy-to-use free application that allows you to share Wi-Fi from your laptop. It does not have any additional windows and menus, and the entire setting takes place in just a few clicks. The user only needs to choose a name for the network, set a password and click on Start Virtual Router. Then a list of connected clients will be displayed at the bottom, but there is no way to manage them.

The software is suitable for all those users who are interested in organizing a simple distribution of the Internet and do not need a huge number of additional options that are used only from time to time. The only drawback of Virtual Router Manager is the lack of a Russian interface language, but here it is not really needed, since the user does not have to interact with different options and menus.

MaryFi

MaryFi is similar to the previous solution, but with the presence of the Russian interface language. All the same features that we have talked about many times before are present here, and the connection is created in the same way as in other software. MaryFi is a free application, practically does not load the operating system, and also works great in the background. There is nothing more to say about it, but we can recommend it to those users who do not need any auxiliary options that allow you to configure the connection or manage connected sources.

Virtual Router Plus

The penultimate free software we want to talk about is called Virtual Router Plus. This is again the same program as the previous ones, without any features. All settings take place within one window, where there are only two forms to fill out and one button that starts the distribution of the Internet. The only difference between Virtual Router Plus and other representatives of similar software is that it does not require installation. You just download the archive, unpack it and run it.

Magic WiFi

The list of programs for distributing Wi-Fi is completed by an application called Magic WiFi. In it, you enter a name for the new connection, set an arbitrary password, select one of the available network types and start the point that distributes the Internet. After that, a list of clients will be displayed in a separate table at the bottom of the main window, taking into account the type of device, but you cannot manage them. If you need to turn off the network, you just have to press a dedicated button.

Above, you have read the list of software that allows you to distribute Wi-Fi on a laptop. As you can see, there is nothing complicated in the implementation of this task, and most applications do not have any features that require detailed study or preparation from the user.

Get acquainted with the best selection of free applications for a computer and laptop to create a Wi-Fi connection distribution. See instructions for creating an access point without a router and solving a problem with a wireless network problem using third-party programs.


If there is one, then your laptop has a Wi-Fi module.

PhotoNameDescription
WiFi Virtual RouterAn application that creates a router from your PC or laptop using the computer's system settings for this. Now you can share Wi-Fi and receive it with other devices if they are within range
ConnectifyThe program does not take up much space and uses your computer as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Installed for free, only works with Windows 7 and above, no additional devices required
MyPublic WiFiThe application will quickly set up an access point with Internet access on your device. Restricts the use of special P2P connection functions so that the user can comfortably surf sites and watch videos. These actions require a built-in Wi-Fi module.
mHotspotWhen connected to the Internet, this program can create a hotspot from your Wi-Fi device. Convenient and simple setup will help you easily deal with this utility.
SwitchVirtualRouterThe utility does an excellent job of creating and managing a virtual access point to the Internet. Built-in convenient settings for starting and disabling the wireless Wi-Fi network. The program was developed specifically for Windows OS
winhot spotIf your PC or laptop has a built-in wireless module for receiving and transmitting the Internet, then you can install this free application. With this program, you can create a virtual point for accessing the Internet by other devices via Wi-Fi

Detailed description of Connectify

The program uses the capabilities of your module on a laptop to create a public Internet access point with other gadgets. Works with Windows 7 and up. Simplifies the standard OS settings for sharing Wi-Fi and is indispensable for use with several devices. It saves users from tangled router wires, and if you follow the installation instructions and recommendations for work, then this is an indispensable alternative to expensive modems.

How to install connectify


How to set Connectify to start automatically

When the computer restarts, a shortcut with the name of the program will appear on the desktop, launch it.

  1. In the program menu on the top panel, click on "Settings" and in the "Startup" option, activate the checkbox. This will allow you to run the program along with the PC. To disable services, you can use the "Disable all .." item.

    Note! In the Display parameter, you can activate services for displaying and connecting Connectify. And for advanced users, there are settings in the Advanced tab. But these functions are active only in the paid version of the program. They are disabled in the free version.

  2. Pay attention to the "Firewall" block. Checkboxes must be active.

    More experienced users can use the “Wired Router” item instead of an access point to distribute the Internet using the controller.

    And you can also use a repeater that amplifies the signal and range of Wi-Fi.

  3. Now you can click on the "Launch Hotspot" button.

In the menu bar there is an item "Clients". In it, you can get acquainted with the connected devices to your created wireless access point to the Internet.

If the program notifies you that there is no distribution, then check your Internet connection by disabling the utility. If the Internet is working, there is a possibility that the Wi-Fi module on the laptop is missing. How to check if the device is installed for wireless communication, read at the beginning of the article.

Detailed description of WiFi Virtual Router

A program that does not require the presence of a router and similar additional equipment. The built-in Wi-Fi module will completely replace these devices, but with a smaller signal radius and coverage area for receiving Internet connections on a phone, tablet, etc. Using the WiFi Virtual Router utility, your laptop will distribute a signal like the same router, using the built-in module and the computer's system parameters.

Advantages and disadvantages

AdvantagesFlaws
Minimum options for setting up (to create a workplace with Wi-Fi access, you need to select the name of the point, create a password and activate the Internet connection)Fresh and raw program has no support and guarantees. Released by the manufacturer as an experimental version, which is no longer alarming
Installed without additional software and does not contain ads. Has a free versionIt may be necessary, after installing this software, to configure the PC for the correct functionality of the utility
There is no need to purchase any of the additional equipment. System resources when working with the application are not consumed much

See photos of WiFi Virtual Router

Detailed description of MyPublicWiFi

The fastest setup for distributing the Internet through a laptop with the English program MyPublicWiFi is a couple of mouse clicks. The program does not require the connection of additional software and third-party equipment. Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista.

After installation, the utility should be launched: right-click on the shortcut and select "Run this program as administrator".

The simple interface is divided into several panels:

  • Management- Responsible for configuring the Firewall. Excludes torrent and file sharing icons to free up channels. The program can be launched together with the OS at startup, in the same menu, you need to activate the checkbox for this;
  • Clients- an information window for monitoring devices connected to the Internet access point created by the program;
  • Setting- a settings mode window in which you can assign a name, come up with and enter the desired password for a wireless Internet connection. You can also use the possibility of 3G / 4G connections if the laptop supports the connection of Sim-cards (in case the service is allowed by the mobile operator to distribute Wi-Fi).

Advantages and disadvantages

AdvantagesFlaws
Regular program updatesThere is no way to use different laptops to create available Wi-Fi hotspots. The developers of the program attribute this to non-standard configurations of network modules located in laptops.
Setting a password on Wi-Fi to prevent third-party connection by usersSupported hardware expands with updates
Quick setup of a wireless access pointAlways run as administrator program requirements
In the options for choosing the language interface, Russian is missing

See photos of the program MyPublicWiFi

Detailed description of mHotspot

The program has a free license with which you agree before installation. Supports multiple encryption processing options, which is convenient and reliable for protecting your Internet connection. Attempts by attackers to break into your confidential information will be unsuccessful. Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7. The developers are trying to please users as much as possible and are now looking for a solution to run this utility on Ubuntu OS.

The main panel of the program interface contains active information in English:

  • information about the volume of incoming and outgoing data:
  • the speed of information received and return via the Internet;
  • number of connected users/devices to a given Wi-Fi hotspot
  • in the "Clients connected" tab you can learn more about connected clients.

Advantages and disadvantages

AdvantagesFlaws
Supports maintenance of 10 gadgets at the same timeProgram updates delay
Quick, self-service and automatic Wi-Fi access setup with password setting
Support for working with Internet protocols 3G, 4G, Lan in the background

See photos of the mHotspot program

Detailed description of SwitchVirtualRouter

Create a virtual "Hot Spot" Wi-Fi hotspot using the SwitchVirtualRouter utility. The lack of a router will replace the wireless internet module installed on your laptop. After installing and configuring the application, the Internet can be used by several devices at once through the Wi-Fi module.

Setting up the application is quite simple.

  1. On the main page, you can set the functions for work: launch with OS loading, add an icon to the tray, and much more.
  2. After downloading the application, specify the parameters of the wireless Internet distribution for it to work in automatic mode. The program also supports the distribution of the Internet to several devices at once.

Advantages and Disadvantages of SwitchVirtualRouter

AdvantagesFlaws
A small amount of the program does not require resource costsThe program is configured to work only with Windows 7 and 8 version
Control over connected devices
Built-in function to turn off the computer or put it into "Hibernation" mode

See photos of the program SwitchVirtualRouter

MyPublic WiFi- a simple, small and free program that will allow your laptop with Windows 7, 8, 10 and an Internet connection to turn into a Wi-Fi access point, for "sharing the Internet" with other devices: smartphones, tablets or other laptops.

You can download the free program MyPublicWiFi from the developer's website mypublicwifi.com or via a direct link: MyPublicWiFi.exe (file size ~1Mb).

Setting up MyPublicWiFi

The program has a simple interface, so despite the lack of the Russian language, it will not be difficult to install and configure the access point.

After downloading and installing the program, a window will appear with a suggestion restart windows. Agree or choose to cancel if necessary.

Rebooted run the program as administrator(right-click on the MyPublicWiFi shortcut and select the action: "Run as administrator").

In the tab Settings install Automatic hotspot configuration.

In the fields Network name (SSID) and network key respectively, specify the name of the access point and password to it, or leave it by default.

We also put a checkbox Enable Internet Sharing and in the list, select the connection through which the Internet connection works on your laptop. Having finished with the settings, you can start the adapter with the button Set up and Start Hotspot. Everything is turned off by the same button, which changes the name to stop hotspot.

In the tab Clients you can see the devices connected to the created Wi-Fi point. Tab management allows you to select a language (no Russian), enable a firewall (Firewall) and, for example, prohibit torrents, enable logs of visited sites, enable autoload at the start of the operating system.

Unfortunately, MyPublicWiFi is a very capricious program, which, judging by the reviews, refuses to work on many devices. Therefore, in case of failure, try another way to create a Wi-Fi access point on a laptop.

You can download free programs for distributing Wai Fai here! The list contains only the best applications for quickly creating a hotspot.

If earlier wires and plugs were used to distribute the Internet, now these attributes have successfully sunk into oblivion. Most modern users create a wireless network using Wi-Fi. For this purpose, special utilities are used that run on both portable and stationary devices.

We suggest paying attention to software products that help organize the distribution of the Internet via Wi-Fi and control the quality of the original signal.

TOP apps for sharing WiFi

A small program that allows you to create Internet distribution via a Wi-Fi module. Developed by Chinese programmers. Makes the network card of the user's devices an access point for several technical devices. Thus, Magic WiFi allows you to use the most common network card as an advanced router. The program requires a high-quality signal. Installation is not required to use.

A compact utility for creating a network connection. Using the features of Virtual Router Plus does not require installing an application on your computer. The utility is distributed completely free of charge and can be used by anyone who needs to distribute Wai Fai.

With Virtual Router Plus, setting up a network access point is very easy. It is enough to come up with a connection name, password and select an Internet distributor.

With this utility, your personal computer or laptop will instantly turn into a convenient Internet access point. The data transfer speed will be enough for social networking, sending large files and watching videos online. All connections are fixed and can be corrected at any time.

If you have a laptop or netbook, most likely you will want to connect it to your home network without using wires - via Wifi. But for this you need to have a router at home. Many users who have only 1 home computer do not use routers and connect directly to the provider. How to connect the laptop to the network in this case?

The simplest and fastest solution is a virtual Wifi access point on a PC or laptop:

  • firstly, the Windows 7 operating system provides a standard tool for these purposes;
  • secondly, you can create such a point using special programs.

What kind of computer is needed

Unfortunately, not every personal computer and laptop allows you to create a wireless access point. First, there is a requirement for the distribution of the operating system. Your version of Windows must be at least Home.

The fact is that Windows Starter (Initial) does not support routing. On such an OS, nothing can be done. You need to upgrade the laptop to a more advanced version, or you will need to reinstall the system.

Secondly, you need to install a Wi-Fi adapter on your computer. Most PCs come without them, so you need to purchase an external device.

This is a small antenna that plugs into your computer's USB port and allows you to send and receive Wi-Fi signals. If you are working on a laptop, there is nothing to worry about. Every modern laptop has a built-in Wi-Fi module.

To begin with, let's consider creating a wireless Wifi access point using the built-in tools of the operating system. The advantage of this method is, firstly, reliability, secondly, simplicity, and thirdly, there is no need to install additional software on the laptop.

The downside for many users is the need to work with the Windows command line and the lack of a graphical interface. However, this is a very convenient way. It is recommended to know how to set up a Wifi hotspot using basic tools.

Creation by standard Windows tools

To make a new access point using basic Windows tools, follow the instructions below:


Now you can connect your other laptop, smartphone or even a personal computer with an adapter to the created network. If you restart the distributing Wi-Fi laptop, you will have to restart the connection. If you want the computer to stop distributing the wireless network, use the command "netsh wlan stop hostednetwork».

MyPublicWiFi program

If you do not want to open the command line and enter commands into it, turning on the computer, there is an alternative method. There are a huge number of special utilities that allow you to create an access point on your laptop.

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