It was usually a priority to get the most out of your connection. If you’re stuck with an old modem that doesn’t support Wi-Fi, you’ll have no choice but to use a cable connection.
No one said you couldn’t turn your PC into a wireless router and share the joy of the internet with all nearby Wi-Fi-compatible devices (read: every modern device out there).
As a result, we’ve provided a few options for maximizing the capabilities of your PC and using it as a virtual router. The router that we’ve all been waiting for.
Even when you’ve never created or configured virtual wireless routers before, the instructions outlined below should walk you through the process in no time.
How to use your PC as Wi-Fi router
- Use Windows Resources
- Virtual Router Manager
- Connectify Hotspot
Method 1. Use Windows resources
When you have got Windows 10 Anniversary Update, with little more than system resources, Windows 10 users can build a Wi-Fi hotspot.
This function is useful in a variety of situations because it avoids the need to install multiple third-party programs in order to share the Wi-Fi or wired connection with other devices.
All you need is a Wi-Fi adaptor and a few adjustments, and you’re ready to go.
The technique is as straightforward as they come, but we’ve broken it down for you in the steps below:
1. Right-click Start and go to Settings.
2. Choose Network & Internet.
3. Go to Mobile Hotspot from the left panel.
4. Turn on ”Share my internet connection with other devices”
5. Click the Edit button, create a name for your newly-created Hotspot, and put in the password.
6. Click OK and try the access out.
ALSO READ: Best Windows 10 router software you can configure routers with
Method 2. Try Virtual Router Manager
If you’re unable to use the built-in mobile hotspot for whatever reason, there are third-party programs (or rather utilities) that can help you out.
There are a lot of tools out there, some better than others, therefore we created a list of the most trusted ones for you.
The first tool, appropriately named Virtual Router Manager, is widely considered the best virtual router manager.
It’s a completely free-of-charge tool that’s simple to set up.
Aside from that, it has a basic and easy UI and uses few resources. Here’s how to put it to work on Windows 10 (or any other Windows version):
1. Download Virtual Router Manager, here.
2. Right-click on the installer and set it as administrator.
3. After that, restart your PC.
4. Select Virtual Router Manager, name your connection, put in the password, and go to the shared connection source.
5. Press the Start Virtual Router button.
6. If you’re still unable to set up the connection, go to Network and Sharing center > Change adapter settings.
7. Right-click on the Internet you want others to access and open Properties.
8. Under the Sharing tab, tick the ”Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection” box and save the differences.
9. Try once more, this should do its trick.
ALSO READ: How to: Update your router firmware
Method 3. Use Connectify Hotspot
The second product, Connectify Hotspot, is also highly popular in the virtual router’s area. It’s a freemium tool
Connectify is a tad more feature-rich than Virtual Router Manager, but it maintains the general simplicity and easy design. However, the many commercials and pop-ups encouraging you to upgrade to the premium edition can grate on your nerves.
The setup process does bear a striking resemblance, but if you have any issues, make sure to check out the procedures below:
1. Download Connectify Hotspot by clicking here.
2. Right-click on the installer and run it as an administrator.
3. Restart your PC.
5. Do as told by the outlined steps to set up Connectify Hotspot.
6. Name the hotspot, set a password, and select the default sharing device.
7. Choose ”Start Hotspot” and this should do.
You should be able to utilize your Windows 10 PC as a router after following the procedures indicated above. If your hardware configuration prevents you from following the procedures above, you may simply download one of these hotspot software solutions and install it on your device.
Download your preferred software, install it, and then just follow the on-screen instructions to complete the task.
That should be the end of it. You should now be able to utilize your PC as a virtual router to provide Wi-Fi to your entire home. Finally, don’t forget to post your questions and recommendations in the comments section. We look forward to hearing from you.
