How to fix a Windows laptop not connecting to a hotspot

Fast fix

If your Windows™ laptop won’t connect to your mobile hotspot, try these quick steps first:

1. Restart your mobile hotspot device.
2. Restart your PC.
3. Turn Bluetooth® off on your PC.
4. Turn Wi-Fi off and back on.
5. Make sure you’re within your carrier’s network.
6. If using your phone as a hotspot, confirm it’s set up correctly.

Mobile hotspots can be lifesavers when you need internet on the go for school, work, or travel. But if your laptop won’t connect, it can bring everything to a halt. The good news: most hotspot connection problems can be fixed in just a few steps.

At Asurion, when tech breaks, we fix it—whether your laptop battery won’t charge, your computer has a virus, or your Wi-Fi won’t connect. Here’s how to fix a Windows laptop that won’t connect to a hotspot so you can get back online.

Forget your mobile hotspot network and reconnect

If your laptop still isn’t connecting after basic troubleshooting, forgetting the hotspot and reconnecting often helps.

1. On your taskbar, click the Wi-Fi icon.
2. Right-click your hotspot network name.
3. Select Forget.
4. Wait for it to reappear, then select it and reconnect.

Update your operating system

An outdated version of Windows can cause connectivity issues. Updating your OS ensures your laptop can manage hardware and software properly.

1. Click Start > Settings > Update & Security.
2. Select Check for updates.
3. If updates are available, Windows will download and install them automatically.

Update your network adapter driver

Your network adapter driver manages your Wi-Fi connection. If it’s outdated, you may not be able to connect to a hotspot.

1. On the taskbar, type Device Manager in the search box.
2. Select Device Manager > Network adapters.
3. Right-click your adapter (like Intel® Dual Band Wireless).
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software > Update driver.
5. Restart your PC, then reconnect to the hotspot.

Roll back your network adapter driver

If updating your driver makes things worse, you can roll it back.

1. In Device Manager, right-click your network adapter and select Properties.
2. Click the Driver tab.
3. Select Roll Back Driver.

Troubleshoot your network adapter

If your adapter isn’t working properly, run the built-in troubleshooter:

1. Click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Select Additional troubleshooters > Network Adapter.
3. Choose Run the troubleshooter and follow the prompts.

Run the Internet Connections troubleshooter

This helps rule out general connectivity issues:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Select Additional troubleshooters > Internet Connections.
3. Choose Run the troubleshooter.

Check your PC’s storage space

Low storage can slow down your computer and affect connectivity.

1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Storage.
2. If less than 1 GB is available, free up space using storage tools.

Turn off antivirus or firewall software temporarily

Security software can sometimes block hotspot connections.

Note: Turning off antivirus or firewalls can make your PC vulnerable, so enable them again as soon as you’re done testing.

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
2. Select Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Turn off Real-time protection.
3. Go back to Firewall & network protection, select Private network, then switch Microsoft Defender Firewall to off.

Reset your network settings

As a last resort, reset your network settings. This reinstalls your network adapters and clears saved Wi-Fi passwords.

1. Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
2. Select Network reset and follow the instructions.

If you’ve tried all of these steps and your laptop still won’t connect to a hotspot, there may be a hardware issue with your network adapter. Bring it to your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store for a free diagnostic and same-day repairs.

FAQ

Why won’t my laptop connect to my mobile hotspot?

It could be due to Bluetooth interference, outdated drivers, or incorrect hotspot setup. Restarting your devices and updating Windows often fixes the problem.

How do I reset hotspot settings on my phone?

On most phones, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & tethering and toggle the hotspot off and on. You may also need to reset network settings.

Can antivirus software block hotspot connections?

Yes—antivirus or firewall software can block connections. Turn them off temporarily to test, then re-enable them for security.

What if my laptop still won’t connect after troubleshooting?

It may be a hardware issue with your Wi-Fi adapter. A pro can help—visit your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store for expert repairs.