Connectify Hotspot for Windows

Connectify Hotspot 23.0.2.40177 is a Windows program from Connectify that turns a laptop or PC into a Wi-Fi hotspot. You download Connectify Hotspot when you have internet on your computer, for example through a cable, a hotel login page or a USB modem, and want to share it with your phone, tablet or other devices.

What does Connectify Hotspot do?

Windows includes a basic Mobile hotspot feature, but it is limited in how it handles some connections and gives little control. Connectify creates a virtual router on your PC's Wi-Fi adapter and shares any available internet source through it: Ethernet, another Wi-Fi network, a USB modem or even a VPN connection. You name the hotspot, set a password, and devices connect as they would to a normal router. The dashboard lists connected clients with their data usage, and you can rename or block them. Paid editions add more: repeater and bridge modes for extending a Wi-Fi network or connecting game consoles and smart TVs, custom hotspot names with emoji, an ad blocker for connected devices, and wired router mode that shares Wi-Fi over an Ethernet cable. The company documents changes in its release notes.

Is there a free version?

Yes. The free Lite edition shares basic connections through Wi-Fi and is enough to get a phone online. Pro and MAX editions unlock sharing of mobile connections, repeater and bridge modes and other features. Details and prices are on connectify.me.

How do I set it up?

1. Download the installer from the official download page and run it.
2. Restart the PC if the setup installs a network driver.
3. Open Connectify, choose the internet source to share and set the hotspot name and password.
4. Click Start Hotspot and connect your devices.

The installer is about 10.66 MB according to catalogue data.

What hardware do I need?

A Windows PC with a Wi-Fi adapter that supports hosting a network, plus any working internet connection. Laptops are ideal; desktops may need a USB Wi-Fi adapter.

Is it safe?

Always protect the hotspot with a strong password. Check the rules of hotels, schools or mobile plans before sharing a connection, because some forbid tethering. Download only from connectify.me, since fake installers of network tools can carry malware.

Any tips?

Place the laptop in an open spot, not in a bag or under a pile of papers, to improve the signal. If devices connect but have no internet, check that the correct source is selected and that your VPN or firewall allows sharing. Stop the hotspot when you are done to save battery.

Pros and cons

• Pro: shares almost any internet source.
• Pro: clear list of connected devices.
• Pro: repeater and bridge modes in paid editions.
• Con: many useful features are paid.
• Con: installs a network driver.
• Con: depends on Wi-Fi adapter support.

What are the alternatives?

Other hotspot tools on our site include OSToto Hotspot and Free WiFi Hotspot. For remote access to devices, Tailscale creates a private network over the internet.