Program to enable wifi. The best programs for distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop

In this article we will look at the most popular programs with which you can start distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop or computer that runs on Windows 10, Windows 8 (8.1), and Windows 7. But, I will show the setup process using a laptop as an example , on which Windows 10 is installed. Still, this is a new, popular system, and we will consider it using its example. But you won’t notice any significant difference even with Windows 7. So, this instruction is suitable for all computers and laptops that run on Windows 7 and newer systems.

For those who are not in the know and don’t know how to distribute Wi-Fi from a laptop, launch an access point, and why use special programs, I’ll explain. In Windows, it is possible to launch a virtual Wi-Fi network. Simply put, turn a laptop or computer with a Wi-Fi adapter into a regular router. We have internet connected to our laptop. We launch a Wi-Fi access point, in our case using a program, and the laptop begins to distribute the Internet wirelessly. In this way, you can distribute Wi-Fi to your phone, tablet, other laptops, etc. The main thing is that your computer must have Wi-Fi and the Internet (via network cable, or via USB modem).

To launch a wireless access point, you can use special programs. Or you can do without them and start distribution by executing certain commands on the command line and opening general access to the Internet. For example, it’s easier for me to start a network using commands than to use third-party programs for this. We already have detailed instructions for launching an access point on a laptop via the command line:

And instructions specifically for those who have .

In this article I will show several programs created specifically for launching Wi-Fi distribution from a laptop and for managing a virtual network. I have selected 4 of the most popular programs, including one paid (I don’t know if it’s necessary, but I’ll show it). Today I sat for half a day and tested these programs on a computer with Windows 10. I figured out each one, configured it, and tested it. Everything works for me, the laptop distributed Wi-Fi to the smartphone, the Internet worked.

Select a program:

Virtual Router, she's the same Virtual Router Plus (as far as I understand, in older versions). The simplest, free and working program. Well, probably the most popular. Works great in Windows 10. There is a Russian language, but the translation is very bad (it's not needed there).
Switch Virtual Router. Another free program for distributing Wi-Fi from a computer. It has more settings compared to "Virtual Router". There is a Russian language and a clear interface. I have already written about this program, but let’s look at it again.
Maryfi(Russian version) . The program is also free, but something didn’t work out for me with it. At first, Yandex didn’t let me into the official website, they say there’s a virus there (but this is not a fact, the antivirus did not swear). I downloaded it, installed it, but still couldn’t start the access point. And in general, problems began with the virtual adapter, I had to reinstall the drivers. Maybe it's just me who has these problems. So it seems like the program is good and popular.
Connectify 2016. Very cool and functional program. But it's paid. There seems to be a trial period. At least I was able to use it to launch a virtual Wi-Fi network. It’s immediately obvious that the software is paid, there are a lot of cool features. But I never found the Russian language.

There are, of course, other options, but we will only consider these programs. There are quite enough of them.

Important tip! Choose one program for yourself (Which one did you like the most), download and use it. No need to download and install/launch everything at once. Otherwise nothing will work out at all. If, for example, when starting a network in the Virtual Router program an error appears that startup is impossible, then it will also appear in other programs, since the problem is most likely in the Wi-Fi adapter (no driver, it's disabled, wrong driver). The principle of operation of these programs is the same, we can say that they differ only in the interface and not very necessary functions (such as autostart, display of Wi-Fi clients, etc.).

The program will only create and launch a virtual network. You can connect to it, but in order for the Internet to work, you need be sure to allow public access to the Internet (except Connectify). I’ll write how to do this at the end of the article.

We configure it according to this scheme:

Download and install the selected program.
We start distributing Wi-Fi in the program. If a startup error appears, we solve it.
We open general access to the Internet in the connection properties.

Here we go!

Virtual Router Plus: a program for distributing Wi-Fi in Windows 10

I checked the version of Virtual Router v3.3. It is of course very different from Virtual Router Plus, but it works well. You can download it from .

No installation required. Just unzip the downloaded archive and run the file VirtualRouter.exe. Most likely the official website will open in your browser, just close it.

Immediately after launch, Virtual Router will try to start distributing the Wi-Fi network. If the status says “working,” then the network is already running. And now, you need to open public access to the Internet (how to do this, see the end of the article), restart the computer, and run the program again.

And if the status says “Virtual Router failed to start,” then the problem is most likely in the wireless adapter itself. I wrote about the solution to this problem in the article: .

Using the program is very simple: minimize it and it hides in the notification panel. They closed it, the distribution of the wireless network stopped.

Switch Virtual Router program for running a Wi-Fi access point in Windows

I think this is the best program. It has all the necessary functions, Russian language and it is free. You can download it from the link. Or, from the official website http://switchvirtualrouter.narod.ru.

We start the installation and install Switch Virtual Router. Then, we launch the program. If you want to change the default network name and password, then click on the gear-shaped button and set new parameters. There are also other settings there.

To start the access point, simply click on the “Start” button and open general access to the Internet (instructions at the end of the article).

I won’t write anything more about this program, since we already have it on our website. Everything is described there in great detail, with all the nuances. By the way, if the error “Wi-Fi adapter is turned off” appears, then you need to check the operation of the virtual adapter.

Setting up Maryfi. We distribute the Internet from a laptop

If you decide to use the Maryfi program, then the Russian version can be downloaded from (version 1.1), or from the page on the official website http://www.maryfi.com/maryfi-russian-edition.php (I don’t give a direct link, since Yandex says the site is malicious. But the antivirus did not find any viruses).

Run the installation file and install the application. Most likely, when you launch Maryfi for the first time, the program will ask you to install the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 component. You just need to agree. The system will download and install everything itself. After this you can launch Maryfi.

In fact, the entire program fit into one small window. There we set the network name and password, and click on the “Start Wi-Fi” button. If everything is in order with the Wi-Fi adapter, the network will be launched.

If the network starts, then you need to open public access to the Internet, and you're done.

Connectify 2016 to run Hotspot on your computer

Let me remind you that this is a paid program, but it seems to have a free, greatly reduced version, or with a trial period. But the program is very cool. Many different functions. What I liked most is that you don’t have to manually share the Internet (many people have problems with this). We just choose which connection to share the Internet from, and you’re done.

I downloaded Connectify from the official website: http://www.connectify.me/hotspot/. After downloading, the program must be installed on your computer and launched.

Next, everything is very simple (even without Russian language). Select the connection through which you are connected to the Internet, if necessary, change the network name and password, and click on the “Start Hotspot” button.

The computer will immediately start distributing the Internet. I connected my phone and the internet was already working. After launch, a tab immediately opens that displays connected devices (clients). And it even displays statistics on how much Internet they use. In the program, near the fields, you can see the inscriptions “MAX” and “PRO”. These are most likely features that are only available in the paid version. But you can do without them.

If I'm not mistaken, and there really is a free, stripped-down version of this program, then I advise you to use that one.

Opening public access to the Internet

If you launched a Wi-Fi network through the Virtual Router, Switch Virtual Router, or Maryfi program, then you must configure shared access. Otherwise, there will be no Internet access.

Right-click on the Internet connection icon and open “Network and Sharing Center.” Next, go to “Change adapter settings”.

Right-click on the connection through which you are connected to the Internet and select "Properties".

Open the "Access" tab, check the box next to "Allow other network users...", select the connection we created from the list, and click "Ok".

Important! After these steps, you need to restart your computer and restart Wi-Fi distribution in the program. After this, you can connect your devices to the network. The Internet should already be working.

If devices do not connect to a running Wi-Fi network

If during connection an error appears that it is impossible to connect, or an IP address is constantly being obtained, then the first thing you need to do is disable the antivirus. You can also disable the firewall and other programs that may block the connection.

Most often, it is the antivirus that is to blame. It blocks the device connection.

Afterword

It seems to me that there will be a lot of questions about this article. Ask them in the comments.

I tried to describe all the points that may appear during the process of launching an access point using programs. But the equipment, operating system, set of programs and drivers are different for everyone. Therefore, various problems may appear. Read the article carefully, look at the links I provided, and if nothing works, then describe the problem in the comments. Best wishes!

The topic of setting up an access point (HotSpot) on Windows is very relevant. Therefore, we decided to collect on one page the best programs for setting up Internet distribution via Wi-Fi from your laptop or computer. Also, for some programs you will find detailed instructions on how to configure them. Since very often, during the process of setting up HotSpot on Windows, many questions arise.

But first, in a few words, let’s figure out what they do and how the programs that you can download below work.

In Windows, it is possible to set up an access point and connect other devices via Wi-Fi. This means that if you have a computer that has Wi-Fi, and the Internet is connected to this computer, then you can distribute this Internet via Wi-Fi to other devices. Your laptop will be like a Wi-Fi router.

For example, if you have a laptop at home to which cable Internet is connected, and you also have, say, a smartphone or tablet that can be connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi, then the laptop can distribute the Internet to these devices.

You can also configure Internet distribution through the command line, using certain commands. But it’s a little complicated, especially if you’re not very well versed in all these nuances. So, there are programs specifically for this matter, to which this page is dedicated.

With these programs you can set up HotSpot very quickly and easily. And all this through the program's graphical interface, rather than using commands.

It is enough to download the necessary program, install it and start distributing the Internet.

The best programs for setting up a virtual access point on Windows

is another free and very popular program for creating a virtual Wi-Fi network. The program does not have Russian language, but it is very easy to understand. In addition, it is quite simple to launch, no installation required.

– a free, simple utility with a Russian interface. With its help, you can launch a virtual access point in a few minutes.

A program for distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop may be needed to connect other devices (tablet, mobile phone or other laptop) to the Internet in the absence of a Wi-Fi router.

By downloading and setting up the Wi-Fi distribution program, you can use your laptop as a router for all devices within the signal range. This program creates a virtual Wi-Fi access point. The signal quality and coverage distance depend on the quality of the built-in Wi-Fi adapter of your device.

Programs for distributing Wi-Fi

Let's look at popular free programs for distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop.

MyPublicwifi– a free program for distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop, with the ability to view your browsing history. It is possible to restrict access to sites. The main advantage of the program is its simple setup and intuitive interface. It takes up very little space on your hard drive and installs in a couple of clicks.
Maryfi– a program for Windows that uses WPA2 protocols for increased connection security. Supports almost all modern devices, including portable ones.
Virtual Router Plus— a universal program for distributing Wi-Fi from various connections (3G, 4G, regular modem). Allows you to filter the list of allowed devices.
Connectify– the first development for distributing Wi-Fi on OS Windows 7, OS Windows 8, OS Windows 1. Available in paid and free formats. Allows you to set a network password. The setup is a little more complicated than in previous programs (you must specify the SSID).

These programs are easy to use and understandable even to those who are far from computers and setting up wireless networks. Their configuration is carried out once and does not require any further attention.

Basic program settings

For the program to work correctly, you only need to set a few parameters.

HotSpot Name – access point name. You can use any symbols and numbers, or you can come up with an original name that will make your friends and neighbors laugh.
Password – network access point password. Create a strong but easy to remember password. Be sure to write it down so you don't forget.
Internet to Share - LAN card. You need to select the one that works from the drop-down list.
Share Over – traffic distribution board. We also choose one that works (it’s easier to choose this method than to study all the subtleties and nuances of setting up networks).
Sharing Mode – type of network security. We recommend specifying WPA or WPA

You can download a free program for distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop for Windows on our website - just follow the link from the name of the program.

Sometimes you may need to search for wifi networks. Windows 7, like all other versions, has such a tool at its disposal, but there is a better option.

This is a free program for searching wifi networks — Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector, which you can download for free right here using the direct link at the end of the post.

Xirrus Inspector is a real radar for monitoring networks - of course, for a laptop (computers usually do not have such adapters, but you can install them yourself using the USB interface).

It can be an interesting alternative to Vistumbler and Netstumbler. Using the "Radar" function, the program scans all wireless signals that your adapter can intercept.

Xirrus Inspector allows you to check the speed and quality of the Wireless connection (buttons “Speed Test" and “Quality Test”).

What might this be needed for? In this way, you can determine exactly where to place the router or router in order to get a connection between it and your laptop and then receive a stable, high-quality signal.

Another interesting feature of this program is the presence of two buttons that allow you to quickly connect to one of the detected networks.

Flaws?!? Yes, for some people it is one... The program is only available in English. If this is not a problem for you, then Xirrus Inspector is ideal for you.

How to search for networks with Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector

As mentioned above, this program is not available in Russian. Therefore, you will have to use English to discover networks.

In fact, there are zero difficulties. All you need to do is click on the word “Radar” after launch.

Immediately after this, the process will begin to detect wireless signals. To view the found networks, you don’t need to do anything at all - everything is like on the radar. Searching for wifi networks is easy on the eyes.

It’s a pity, of course, that this analyzer program is not a Russian version, but you can remember a few words in English - they will come in handy in the future.

NOTE: you need to know that the application works on Windows XP, Vista windows 7 and is compatible with all Wi-Fi adapters, but if you want to use it on windows 10, you will have to run it in compatibility mode with windows 7. Good luck.

Developer:
http://www.lopesoft.com/index.php/en/

OS:
XP, Windows 7, 8, 10

Interface:
English