Transform Your Windows 10 PC Into a Powerful WiFi Extender

Struggling with weak Wi-Fi signals in certain areas of your home? You can transform your Windows 10 PC into a powerful Wi-Fi extender. Let's dive into the methods you can use to extend your Wi-Fi coverage using your laptop.

How to Use Your Laptop as a Wi-Fi Extender?​

1. Using MyPublicWiFi​

• Download and Install MyPublicWiFi:
  • Visit the official MyPublicWiFi website and download the software.
  • Follow the installation instructions provided on the website.
• Open MyPublicWiFi:
  • Launch the MyPublicWiFi application after installation.
• Set Up WLAN Repeater:
  • Click on the Network tab.
  • Select the WLAN Repeater option.
• Choose Internet Connection:
  • From the drop-down menu, select the internet connection you want to extend (usually, there will be only one option).
• Configure Settings (Optional):
  • Go to the Security tab to toggle additional options like bandwidth control, ad blocker, and URL logging.
• Start Hotspot:
  • Click on Start Hotspot to begin repeating the Wi-Fi signal.

Using MyPublicWiFi will allow you to repeat your Wi-Fi signal, extending its range without additional hardware. This is ideal for larger houses or areas where a single router can't cover effectively.

2. Using Windows Built-in Mobile Hotspot​

• Open Settings:
  • Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings menu.
• Navigate to Mobile Hotspot:
  • Go to Network & Internet.
    
  • Click on Mobile Hotspot in the left-hand menu.
• Configure Mobile Hotspot:
  • Toggle the switch next to Share my Internet connection with other devices to On.
  • Select the source of your Internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the drop-down menu next to Share my Internet connection from.
• Edit Network Details:
  • Click on Edit to change the network name (SSID) and password.
  • Enter your preferred network name and password, then click Save.
• Enable Mobile Hotspot:
  • Toggle the switch next to Mobile Hotspot at the top of the window to turn it on.

By using the Windows built-in Mobile Hotspot feature, you can create a new hotspot with a different SSID and password, which is useful for sharing a single connection in places like hotels or airplanes.

3. Using Connectify Hotspot​

• Download and Install Connectify Hotspot:
  • Visit the Connectify website and download the latest version of Connectify Hotspot.
  • Follow the installation instructions.
• Launch Connectify Hotspot:
  • Open the Connectify Hotspot application after installation.
• Select Wi-Fi Repeater Mode:
  • Click on the Wi-Fi Repeater button at the top of the interface.
• Choose Wi-Fi Network to Repeat:
  • Under Wi-Fi Network to Repeat, select the network you want to extend.
• Start Hotspot:
  • Click on Start Hotspot to begin acting as a wireless repeater.

Using Connectify Hotspot allows you to extend your Wi-Fi range with added features like bridging mode and compatibility with all devices. This software also offers frequent updates and additional functionalities, making it a robust solution.

4. Using Ethernet and Windows Network Sharing​

• Connect Ethernet Cable:
  • Plug an Ethernet cable into your router and the other end into your laptop.
• Open Network and Sharing Center:
  • Right-click the network icon in the system tray and select Open Network & Internet settings.
  • Click on Network and Sharing Center.
• Set Up New Connection:
  • Click on Set up a new connection or network.
  • Select Set up a new network.
• Share Internet Connection:
  • Right-click on your active Internet connection and select Properties.
  • Go to the Sharing tab and check the box for Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection.

By using Ethernet and Windows network sharing features, you can share your wired connection via Wi-Fi. This is a useful method when you have devices that need a stable wired connection but still want to provide wireless access to other devices.