If you want to share a wireless Internet connection in Windows 8 or 7 with other wireless devices, you’ll need use a third party app. We recommend Virtual Router because it’s free, open-source, and easy to set up. You can also use it to share a wired connection if you just want an easier way to do it than creating an ad-hoc network.

Start by downloading Virtual Router and starting it up. Using it really couldn’t be easier. Provide a name for your network, enter a passphrase, and choose the connection you want to share with devices that connect to that Wi-Fi network. Click the “Start Virtual Router” button, and you’re done. You can even see a list of connected devices in this window.



Setting up a mobile hotspot on your Windows PC can be a bit of a hassle, or it can be pretty easy. It just depends on what version of Windows you’re running and whether you’re willing to use a third-party app. But the next time you’re stuck somewhere with only a wired Internet connection, at least you know you can use your PC to share that connection with your other wireless devices.