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Free Alternatives to Connectify: Turn Your PC Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot

Wi-Fi networking on a laptop

Short answer: you do not need Connectify Pro to share your PC's internet over Wi-Fi, because Windows has a built-in Mobile Hotspot feature that does it in two clicks, for free. If you want more control, free tools like MyPublicWiFi add options. Here are the free ways, from easiest to most flexible.

Easiest: Windows built-in Mobile Hotspot

Modern Windows can share your connection with no extra software:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile hotspot.
  2. Choose which connection to share and the band (2.4 GHz reaches further, 5 GHz is faster).
  3. Set the network name and password under Edit.
  4. Toggle Mobile hotspot on. Other devices can now connect.

For most people this completely replaces Connectify at zero cost.

More control: MyPublicWiFi

MyPublicWiFi is free and turns your laptop into an access point with extras: a firewall to restrict which servers users can reach, URL logging, and bandwidth management. Good for a temporary access point in a hotel or meeting room where you want some control.

Other free options

  • Command line (netsh): advanced users can create a hosted network with a couple of commands, no software at all.
  • Various free open-source hotspot tools exist, but the built-in feature covers most needs.

Connectify vs the free options

NeedFree choice
Just share internetWindows Mobile Hotspot
Firewall / URL controlMyPublicWiFi
No software at allnetsh command line

The non-obvious tip: check your adapter and network policy

If Mobile Hotspot is greyed out or fails, it is usually the Wi-Fi adapter driver or a network that blocks sharing (some workplace and public networks do). Update your Wi-Fi driver, and note you cannot always share a network you are only a guest on. Sharing works best from your own wired or mobile-data connection.

Frequently asked questions

What is a free alternative to Connectify?

Windows' built-in Mobile Hotspot shares your internet for free with no extra software. MyPublicWiFi adds firewall and control features, also free.

How do I turn my Windows PC into a Wi-Fi hotspot?

Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile hotspot, choose the connection to share, set a name and password, and toggle it on.

Do I need Connectify Pro to share internet?

No. Windows Mobile Hotspot covers most needs for free, and MyPublicWiFi or the netsh command line handle more advanced cases.

Why is Windows Mobile Hotspot not working?

Usually an outdated Wi-Fi driver or a network that blocks sharing. Update the driver, and note some public or work networks do not allow resharing.

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