How to Enable or Disable Mobile Hotspot in Windows 11
Mobile hotspot in Windows 11 turns your PC into a wireless router so you can share your internet connection with other phones, tablets, or laptops nearby. This built-in tool works whether your computer gets online through Wi-Fi , an Ethernet cable, or cellular data.
You need administrator permissions on your PC to turn the hotspot on or off. Keep in mind that sharing a cellular connection will use up data from your mobile plan.
You can enable or disable the mobile hotspot in Windows 11 via Settings Network & internet Mobile hotspot. Toggle the switch to turn it on or off. For advanced control on Pro/Enterprise editions, use the Local Group Policy Editor.
Option 1Use Local Group Policy Editor (🪟 Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education)
Editions like Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education include the Local Group Policy Editor (a built-in administrative tool for managing system configurations). This interface handles network policies directly.
- Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
- Type
gpedit.mscand press Enter. This opens the Local Group Policy Editor. - In the left sidebar, go to:
Computer Configuration Administrative Templates Windows Components Network Network Connections
- In the right pane, find and double-click Prohibit use of Internet Connection Sharing on your DNS domain network.
To Enable Mobile Hotspot (Default Setting):
- Select Not Configured.
- Click OK.
To Disable Mobile Hotspot:
- Select Enabled.
- Click OK.
The Local Group Policy Editor window closes upon completion.
Example screenshot:


Option 2Use Registry Editor (All Windows Versions)
Windows editions lacking the Local Group Policy Editor utilize the Windows Registry for mobile hotspot modifications.
To Enable Mobile Hotspot (Default Setting)
reg delete "HKLMS\OFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Network Connections" /v NC_ShowSharedAccessUI /f
To Disable Mobile Hotspot
You can turn off the Windows 11 mobile hotspot feature on any edition of Windows 11 by using the Registry Editor. This involves opening Notepad, copying a specific code to disable the hotspot, saving it as a .reg file, and then running that file to apply the change.
- Open Notepad.
- Copy and paste the code for enabling or disabling above into Notepad.
- Save the file with a
.regextension, for example,mobile_hotspot_enable.regormobile_hotspot_disable.reg. - Double-click the saved file and confirm any prompts to add the information to your Registry.
- Restart your PC to apply the changes.
Summary
- You can turn on or off the mobile hotspot feature in Windows 11 using two main ways: the Local Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor.
- The Local Group Policy Editor method works only on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
- The Registry Editor method works on all Windows 11 editions.
- Make sure you're an administrator to make these changes.
- Always back up your Registry before making any changes to avoid problems.
- Sharing your internet is useful, but be careful if you use cellular data since it can use up your data plan quickly.
Managing the Windows 11 mobile hotspot relies on either the Local Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor. Group Policy applies to Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education variants, whereas the Registry functions across all Windows 11 releases. Administrative credentials and a registry backup remain prerequisites for implementation.
Does 🪟 Windows 11 support mobile hotspot?
Windows 11 - Turn Mobile Hotspot On / Off Here's how to turn Mobile Hotspot for your Windows 11 device on or off. If your device isn't running Windows® 11, refer to the Windows 10 instructions.
Why can't I set up a mobile hotspot on my PC?
Update your network adapter driver If it's outdated, you may not be able to connect to a hotspot. On the taskbar, type Device Manager in the search box. Select Device Manager Network adapters. Right-click your adapter (like Intel® Dual Band Wireless).
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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