Connectify Hotspot is an easy-to-use software router designed for your Windows PC or laptop. This application allows you to transform your computer into a real WiFi hotspot, enabling you to share your Internet connection with any other PC or mobile device. Leveraging the “Virtual WiFi” technology built into Windows 7 and up, your computer can create a WiFi hotspot even while maintaining its connection to another WiFi network.
Beyond simple command-line tools, Connectify Hotspot functions as a comprehensive suite of powerful routing software, incorporating NAT, DNS, and DHCP capabilities. It can broadcast virtually any available Internet connection over WiFi, allowing you to share wired Ethernet, DSL, or even an existing WiFi network with just a click of a button.
In This Post
Pro Tips
Quick Start: Creating Your First WiFi Hotspot
- Launch the Connectify Hotspot application on your Windows PC.
- Navigate to the Wi-Fi Hotspot tab at the top of the app.
- In the Internet to Share dropdown, select the internet connection you wish to broadcast (e.g., your Ethernet or existing Wi-Fi connection).
- Enter a desired Hotspot Name (SSID) and a strong Password for your new WiFi network.
- Click the Start Hotspot button to begin sharing your internet connection.
How This Would Help: This quick start guide enables users to immediately transform their PC into a functional WiFi hotspot, allowing other devices to connect and access the internet securely.
Configuring Network Access (Routed vs. Bridged)
- In the Connectify Hotspot interface, go to the Network Access dropdown.
- Choose Routed for most standard use cases, where your connected devices will appear to have IP addresses from your hotspot.
- Select Bridged mode (available in MAX version) if you need connected devices, such as gaming consoles, to appear directly on the source network, which can help fix strict NAT issues.
How This Would Help: Understanding and selecting the correct network access mode is crucial for optimal performance, especially for gaming or specific network configurations where devices need to be on the same subnet as the source network.
Monitoring Connected Clients and Usage
- Once your hotspot is active and devices are connected, navigate to the Clients tab within Connectify Hotspot.
- Click on any Connected Client to expand its statistics section.
- Observe real-time graphs and data to monitor how much data each device is using.
How This Would Help: Monitoring client usage provides valuable insights into bandwidth consumption, helping users manage their network resources effectively and identify any devices consuming excessive data.
Download Connectify Hotspot
File size: 10.7 MB
OS support: Windows
Windows
Hardware Requirements
Minimum
- OS: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (32-bit, 64-bit); Windows Server 2008 R2, 2012, 2016, 2019
Key Features
- Easy WiFi Hotspot Creation: Connectify Hotspot simplifies the process of creating a WiFi hotspot. Users can quickly set up a hotspot by providing a name and password, making it effortless to connect all their devices.
- Versatile Internet Connection Sharing: The software allows you to share virtually any type of Internet connection, including wired Ethernet, DSL, or an existing wireless network. PRO and MAX versions extend this capability to include 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile broadband connections.
- Secure WiFi Sharing: Your hotspot is automatically secured with WPA2-PSK encryption, providing a safe and secure WiFi sharing experience comparable to a conventional router.
- Real-time Network Usage Monitoring: Connectify Hotspot offers real-time graphs to monitor data usage by each connected client device, allowing users to keep track of their network activity at a glance.
- Direct File Flinging: Unique among software routers, Connectify Hotspot enables users to wirelessly send files directly to connected devices without requiring an active Internet connection.
- Ethernet-only Device Connectivity (PRO and MAX): With Connectify Hotspot MAX in Wired Mode, you can share your computer’s WiFi connection via Ethernet, allowing older gaming consoles, computers, and other Ethernet-only devices to get online.
- Custom Hotspot Naming (PRO and MAX): Premium versions of Connectify Hotspot allow users to broadcast a fully custom name (SSID) for their hotspot, including support for emojis and Unicode characters.
Tech Specs
| Software Name | Connectify Hotspot |
|---|---|
| Version | 23.0.2.40177 |
| License | Freemium |
| File Size | 10.7 MB |
| OS Support | Windows |
| Language | English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Chinese (Simplified), Romanian |
| Developer | Connectify Inc. |
| Homepage | https://www.connectify.me/ |
| Changelogurl | https://www.connectify.me/new-release/ |
| Last Updated | October 25, 2025 |
Getting Started
Installation Steps
- Click the download button above to get the installer for Connectify Hotspot for your Windows operating system.
- Locate the downloaded connectify_hotspot_installer.exe file and double-click to run the installer.
- Follow the on-screen installation wizard, agreeing to the license terms and rebooting your computer if prompted, to complete the setup.
Compatibility: Compatible with Windows 7 and later versions, including Windows 10 and 11, and Windows Server editions.
Problem Solving
- Issue: Installation fails or features don’t work correctly → Solution: Ensure you are running the installer as an administrator and that your Windows operating system is up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Connectify Hotspot a free software?
Connectify Hotspot offers a free (Lite) version with basic functionality. Users can upgrade to PRO or MAX versions to unlock additional advanced features and remove limitations.
What types of internet connections can Connectify Hotspot share?
Connectify Hotspot can share various internet connections, including wired Ethernet, DSL, and existing WiFi networks. The PRO and MAX versions also support sharing connections from 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile broadband devices or tethered smartphones.
Is Connectify Hotspot secure for sharing WiFi?
Yes, Connectify Hotspot automatically secures your created WiFi hotspot with WPA2-PSK encryption, similar to a standard router. This ensures a safe and secure sharing experience for all connected devices.
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