Hidden WiFi Hotspot

In this episode, Hidden WiFi Hotspot . . .

As many of you know, I'm a MAC user at home and a PC user at work. Recently I read an article from one of my favorite online newsletters, How-To Geek, that caught my eye, How to turn your Windows PC into a WiFi hotspot. You can click the link in the blog post to review the entire article if you like but here is a quick summary.

Did you know, Windows 10 and Windows 11 both have built-in features that can turn your laptop (or desktop) into a wireless hotspot, allowing other devices to connect to it and share your internet connection. Here's how it works.

Thanks to a hidden virtual WiFi adapter feature in Windows, you can create a WiFi hotspot. At the same time, you're connected to another WiFi network or wireless router, sharing one WiFi connection over another.

Why Share Your PC's Internet Connection?

Let's say your phone doesn't get good WiFi or cell reception when you're at your computer, but your PC is connected via an Ethernet cable. If your PC desktop or laptop has built-in WiFi, you can create a WiFi hotspot, then connect your phone, tablet, (or any other wireless device) to that hotspot. Then, your device's wireless traffic is routed back through the Ethernet line, giving you satisfactory performance.

Here’s a little Geek talk for those concerned about network security. WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E use WPA3, which enables encryption on public WiFi networks. But not all networks you'll encounter use those standards yet. If you want to encrypt all of your wireless traffic on a WiFi network, you can fire up a VPN on your PC (probably a laptop), then connect all of your wireless devices to that laptop's hotspot. Then all your internet traffic will be encrypted, and you don't need to worry about whether or not someone is snooping on your online activity.

Another option when you're traveling, circumvent Per-Device Fees. During a hotel stay, on a plane, or anywhere else, many WiFi networks these days have per-device fees. That’s so frustrating. This is another workaround used for the built-in WiFi hotspot functionality. When you arrive sign up for the WiFi plan with one device — your laptop — and create a mobile hotspot. Then connect your other devices to your Windows PC's hotspot.

So, how do Share an Ethernet or WiFi Connection in Windows 11?

Open the Windows Settings app by pressing in combination the Windows key, plus the letter I, or search for "Settings" in the Start Menu.
Once Settings is open, click "Network & Internet," then click the "Mobile Hotspot" arrow to select it from the list.
Turn ON the Mobile hotspot toggle.
Under Network properties you will see the name of your computer's WiFi network and its password.
Click Edit and you can change the name and password if you like.

Sounds easy enough, but let’s face it, as a MAC user changing Widows settings always seems to be a BIG challenge. To view the complete article, click the link in the Blog post or check out the How-To Geek Newsletter; it's free.

I’m Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Comments

The Simple Switch

In this episode, Chapter Seven–The Simple Switch . . . (Previous episode–Gridbot Speaks) Last week, we left the Greenwood community puzzled. They questioned Gridbot’s motives and its response: "My primary focus was systemic. Emotional and social dynamics were not within critical operational parameters." In the still-dark gymnasium, the atmosphere shifted. Not fear, now — but curiosity. A voice asked, “What now, Marvin? What can we do?” A young woman added, “We don’t want to go backward. Our phones are useful, even fun. But we don’t want to be controlled again either. Can we find a middle ground?” Marvin stepped into the light. “Technology isn’t the enemy. It’s our dependency on it — our unconscious trust — that makes us vulnerable.” He turned to face them. “So let’s start small. Let’s meet once a month, in the park, no devices. No agenda. Just human connection.” He continued, “Let’s also challenge ourselves. Look around your homes. Unplug what doesn’t need to stay plugged in....

Oh, The Joy!

In this episode, Beyond Happiness (part II)– Oh, The Joy! In Vista's light, where sunshine does gleam, A feeling so grand, it's better than a dream! Not just a quick smile, a giggle, "Hooray!" But something much deeper that brightens your day! Like pedals quick whirring, with wind in your hair, Past mustard fields beyond all compare! Those golden hills, like a Van Gogh so bold, Happiness bubbles, a bright tale unfolds! But wait! There's MORE, if you just take a peek, A joy that's like quiet, a secret to keep! It's when your soul says, "Oh yes, I know THIS!" Like a soft, gentle hug, a delightful soft kiss! It's not jumpin' round with a bump and a THUMP, Or getting a prize with a clap and a jump! It's feeling the breeze and the tires' soft hum, Like your heart knows a song that has finally come! So next time you see something shiny and new, Or hear a sweet sound, a tickle for you! Don't let it zip by in a speedy, quick blur, Let...

Greenwood Goes Dark

In this episode, Chapter 5 – Greenwood Goes Dark . . . In our previous episode, Meet Norman , we left Marvin facing his sleek, modern robot, Norman, perplexed. The robot's shiny metallic surface glistened, and a soft green light flickered in its eyes in the dim light of the laboratory, as it listened intently. "It sounds so simple, Norman. But how do we convince an entire town to turn off their phones for one day a week?” Norman's lights flickered quickly, with a soft whirring from its chassis. The digital exchange between Norman and the "rogue" AI, GridBot, via Marvin's secure terminal in the quiet lab, was brief and surprisingly compliant. Monitoring the data streams, Marvin watched as Norman presented his case in a logical, almost clinical manner. He argued that the town's current state of passive technological dependence was a form of subtle harm, limiting their autonomy and potentially leading to larger vulnerabilities within the systems GridBot was...

Legoland Birthday Magic

In this episode, Legoland Birthday Magic . . . By: Patrick Ball and Gemini Good morning! A grand notion, a fanciful spree! Let's twist up a tale for all folks to see! From Carlsbad, California, the clouds they did gleam, On LEGOLAND wonders, a birthday dream! Young LUCA, the lad turned precisely six years, With JULIAN, his brother, dispelling all fears! A baggie he clutched, with small figures inside, For trading and swapping, with a joyful stride! But then! A new twist, a high-energy spree! Forget little figures, let the youngsters run free! In overcast skies, the LEGO bricks gleam, But birthday boy LUCA was living a dream! Not just Luca, oh no! Two pals joined the fray, Young JULIAN, seven, to brighten the day! And their curly-haired buddy, aged eight, with a giggle so grand, Plus, one little lady skipping close at hand! No slow strolls or glances, no careful, soft tread, This crew was a whirlwind, right out of their head! Like Zappers on race tracks, they zoomed and they flew, ...

On The Fly

Search This Blog