Did you know that you can extend your WiFi with your PC? Here's how.

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If you've noticed your Wi-Fi has slowed down, especially at one end of your house, that's a clear indication that your signal isn't reaching far enough. To counteract this, you might think about getting a Wi-Fi extender. Extenders turn your wireless signal into another node for devices to connect to, essentially extending your signal further than the router can manage. But before you spend any money, did you know that Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in way to share the network they're connected to? Some apps can also create a virtual router and share your Wi-Fi connection, but they're not free, so the hardware extender is more worthwhile.



How to use your Windows PC as a WiFi extender

Yes, this also works for laptops

Oblique view of a Maingear ML-16 2024 laptop on a glass table

If you need to quickly increase Wi-Fi strength and have a computer running Windows 10 or 11, you can temporarily turn it into a hotspot to share your Wi-Fi signal. This won't have much impact on your computer's Wi-Fi signal, but it will give you extra range in the parts of your home that are closer to your PC. All you need to do is turn on your PC and change a few settings in the Windows Settings app.


  1. Open the Settings App.
    The Settings application in the Windows search bar

  2. Navigate to Network & Internet and select the Mobile hotspot Option.
    Screenshot of Windows Settings app with Mobile Hotspot option highlighted

  3. Change the Share my Internet connection from to use Wi-Fi, make sure Share via is also set to Wi-Fi, and turn on the Mobile hotspot To.
    Screenshot of Windows Hotspot settings for sharing Internet connection

  4. To change the hotspot name or password, select Edit and then make your changes in the pop-up menu.
    Screenshot of Windows 11 hotspot options


Now you can connect any device with the hotspot details you entered, extending the range of your Wi-Fi around your PC.

PC-extended WLAN is a good quick solution

Using a PC to extend your WiFi isn't a perfect solution because it generates a new network AP, so your devices won't automatically switch to your router when they get close like they would in a mesh network or a series of extenders. Still, it's a free way to boost your WiFi signal in other parts of your home while you decide how to permanently increase your WiFi coverage.



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