How to use my pc as a wifi extender?

How to Use Your PC as a Wi-Fi Extender

In today’s digital landscape, having a reliable internet connection throughout your home is paramount. Sometimes, due to the layout or materials used in your house, getting a strong Wi-Fi signal in every corner can be challenging. One effective solution is to use your PC as a Wi-Fi extender. This guide will walk you through the process of setting it up effectively, particularly if you’re using Windows 11 and are facing issues with the mobile hotspot feature.

Setting Up Your PC as a Wi-Fi Extender

1. Connect to Wi-Fi: First, ensure that your laptop or PC is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to extend. You can do this by clicking on the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar, selecting your network, and entering the password.
2. Enable Mobile Hotspot:
   • Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I.
   • Click on Network & Internet and then select Mobile hotspot from the sidebar.
   • Toggle the switch to On. Under “Sharing my Internet connection from,” select the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
3. Configure Hotspot: Make sure to edit the hotspot name (SSID) and password for the devices you wish to connect. This will help you and your guests easily identify your hotspot.
4. Prevent Sleep Mode from Disabling Hotspot:
   One common issue with using your PC as a Wi-Fi extender is that the hotspot will turn off if your PC goes into sleep mode. Here’s how to mitigate that:

• Adjust Power Settings:
  • Go to Settings > System > Power & battery.
  • Click on Additional power settings (located under the “Related settings” section).
  • Select your chosen power plan and click on Change plan settings.
  • Then choose Change advanced power settings.
  • In the new window, locate Sleep and set Sleep after to Never or adjust the time according to your preferences.
• Disable the Sleep Feature: In your device’s settings, you can also set the laptop’s lid closing action to “Do nothing.”
  • Navigate to Power Options > Choose what closing the lid does, and select Do nothing for both “On battery” and “Plugged in.”
• Use Background Task Options: Some laptops may allow you to keep certain features active, such as your mobile hotspot function while in sleep mode. Ensure that any background services related to your hotspot are configured to run even when your laptop is “sleeping.”

1. Test Your Setup: Once set up, test the connection by trying to connect another device to your newly created hotspot. You should be able to browse the internet without interruptions, even if your laptop is in sleep mode.

Conclusion

Using your PC as a Wi-Fi extender can be a practical solution to improve connectivity in your home. By following the steps above, especially regarding managing your power options, you can maintain a reliable mobile hotspot without interruptions. This setup not only enhances your internet accessibility but also helps you stay connected seamlessly.