How to Share Windows 11 Mobile Hotspot via QR Code
A Windows 11 mobile hotspot QR code lets you share your internet connection so other devices can join your network without typing a long password. According to Microsoft, the code appears in Windows 11 version 24H2. If you don’t see it, check your version under About in Settings, since on older builds you may only get the network name and password.
Open Settings , press Win+I, go to Network & internet, then click Mobile hotspot. Turn on the hotspot if it’s off, then point another device’s camera at the QR code displayed there to scan and connect without typing the password.
Why Use a Mobile Hotspot?
The PC needs a working connection of its own to share, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi . It also needs a network adapter that supports hotspot hosting. Most laptops do. Some older desktop Wi-Fi adapters don’t.
What Happens with 🪟 Windows 11 Version 24H2?
In Windows 11 version 24H2, Microsoft put a QR code display directly in the Settings menu, which removes the extra setup steps. Another device scans the code and connects right away. Home and Pro editions handle this the same way, so you don’t need a particular edition.
How to Share Your Mobile Hotspot with a QR Code
To share your hotspot with the built-in QR code, open Settings , go to Network & internet, and then open Mobile hotspot. Any phone camera can scan the code shown there. Follow the steps below.
- Open Settings by pressing
Win+Ion your keyboard. The Settings window should open. - On the left side, click Network & internet. On the right side, click Mobile hotspot. Open Mobile hotspot settings You should now see the hotspot page with its on/off toggle and the QR code. If the hotspot is switched off, turn it on first.
- Take another device with a camera and open the Camera app on it.
- Point the camera at the QR code shown in Settings and scan it. Hold the phone steady and about 20 to 30 cm from the screen. If the scan fails, raise the screen brightness and try again.
- Follow any prompts that appear on the other device to connect to your mobile hotspot. Most phones show a prompt to join the network after the scan. Once connected, the device should show up as connected on the Mobile hotspot page.
To stop sharing, go back to the Mobile hotspot page and turn the hotspot off. Connected devices drop off straight away, and no restart is needed.
Use Any QR Code Scanner
A dedicated QR scanner app or the scanner built into your phone’s browser or search app will read the code just as well. This helps on devices where the default camera doesn’t recognise QR codes.
Summary
Sharing the hotspot through a QR code makes network access much simpler for guests. They don’t have to read out or type a long password, and you don’t have to dictate it. When the visit is over, turn the hotspot off so no one else can join.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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