Create a Virtual Wifi Network Using Command Prompt on Windows 10

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Intro: Create a Virtual Wifi Network Using Command Prompt on Windows 10

I will be demonstrating how creating a virtual wifi network works on windows 10 computers. I will show multiple steps on how to do as well as explain if your computer supports the function or not.

STEP 1: Start Menu

1. First, go to the start menu on your computer.

STEP 2: Password

Enter a password if asked (if you’re not on an

administrative account).

STEP 3: Command Prompt

Search for the command prompt application (cmd).

STEP 4: Administrator Account

Second, right click and select run as administrator

STEP 5: First Command

Third, type the following command to see if your

computer supports hosted network: “NETSH WLAN SHOW DRIVERS”.

STEP 6: Support for Your Computer

If you see a “Yes” that means your computer does

support hosted network and “No” if it does not support hosted network.

STEP 7: Setting Up the Network

Type the following command prompt: NETSH WLAN SET

HOSTEDNETWORK mode=allow ssid=Network key=passphrase and press enter. *Make sure you replace the “network name with the name you want to use and the “key” with the password of your choice.

STEP 8: Start HOSTEDNETWORK

Type NETSH WLAN START HOSTEDNETWORK and press enter.

This will turn on the hosted network.

STEP 9: Stop HOSTEDNETWORK

Type NETSH WLAN STOP HOSTEDNETWORK to turn the

hostednetwork off.

STEP 10: Close Window

After you are finished exit out of the command prompt

windows.

8 Comments

The average user, ie myself, could be confused In step 6 when you indicated that a “yes” means your supported and a “no” doesn’t. We don’t understand what all the other cmd info on that screen means, and in your screen shot, just like how it is on my PC, there are lines of info that say : yes and :no one right about the other.

Not sure if I should proceed, since I’m not confident in compatibility. EVEN THOUGHT windows 10 has a section in the action center for hot spot, and I’ve made a network name and pass which showed up on other devices but eventually once connected would say “no internet connection”. Assured my Pc is connected at this point :/
It successfully changed the mode to allow and the ssid and passphrase - then next cmd to START

“Hosted group could not be started. The group or resource is not in the correct state to preform the requested operation”
Upon further research it seems the NO when running the compatibility cmd indeed indicated my system is not compatible.

Obviously not your fault but why does windows add a box in the “action center” for wireless hotspot connects (up to 8), if it’s not supported in my system and there’s no way to upgrade to have the capability included ?
Also the “no” was seen on your example which encouraged me to continue since you were completing the process ... just saying maybe clarify that you are just showing the steps, cause when ppl aren’t sure they see details like that

Whenever you create your hosted network it will automatically save for you to re-use whenever you want to. Just type the command netsh wlan start hostednetwork and it will turn on when using the command prompt.

Commands are not case sensitive, so they can be typed in either upper or lower case letters.