Mobile hotspots can be lifesavers when you're away from home and need an internet connection to do schoolwork or run your business. But if your Windows™ laptop isn't connecting, there's not a lot of work you can get done. Show
Don't panic. When your tech breaks, we fix it—whether your laptop has a virus or the battery isn't charging, our experts at Asurion are here to help. Here's their guide on how to fix a computer that won't connect to a hotspot so you can get back up and running. Quick fixes if your computer won't connect to a hotspotTry these steps first if your laptop isn't connecting to the hotspot on your mobile device or cellphone:
How to fix a PC that won't connect to a hotspotIf your computer still won't connect to a hotspot, try these steps for PCs running Windows 10 version 20H2. If you're unsure of which version of Windows you have or how to update it, check out the Update your operating system section below. Forget your mobile hotspot network, then reconnect your deviceThis should resolve any signal issues if your computer won't connect to a hotspot.
You can’t work when your laptop doesn’t want to Get it repaired fast at one of our stores. Just stop in or make an appointment—we’ll handle the rest. Schedule a repair Update your operating systemYour operating system is responsible for managing the software and hardware on your computer. But if it's outdated, your PC can experience a lot of issues—like being unable to connect to a hotspot. Here's how to update it:
Update your network adapter driverThe network adapter driver is also a critical component of your internet connection, and if it's outdated, it can cause your computer to be unable to connect to a hotspot. Here's how to update it:
Roll back your network adapter driverIf updating your network adapter driver doesn't help your hotspot issues and causes other problems with your computer, Windows gives you the option to undo the update using the rollback feature. Here's how:
Troubleshoot your network adapterThis could help if there are issues outside of driver updates that are causing your network adapter to malfunction:
Run the internet connections troubleshooterLike troubleshooting your network adapter, this will ensure there are no general connectivity issues that are causing your computer to be unable connect to hotspot:
Check the storage space on your PCIf your PC is out of storage space, your computer can experience major performance issues, including hotspot problems. Here's how to check your storage:
Turn off antivirus protection software and Microsoft Defender FirewallOccasionally, antivirus and firewall software can prevent your laptop from being able to connect to a hotspot. Here's how to disable it: Note: If you choose to disable your antivirus software or Microsoft Defender Firewall, this could leave your PC vulnerable to cyberattacks. So be careful while browsing certain websites.
Reset the network settings on your PCIf none of the above steps resolves the issue, you can try this step as a last resort—resetting your network settings will remove and reinstall all your network adapters and wipe all of your password presets. Here's how to do it:
Nothing ruins productivity like a laptop breakdownProtect your laptop and all of your other favorite home tech with Asurion Home+. For less than $1 per day, you'll get fast repairs for your laptop from trusted experts whenever you need them—no matter where you bought it or the brand. To learn more about laptop protection plans, visit asurion.com/homeplus. *The Asurion® trademarks and logos are the property of Asurion, LLC. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Asurion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the respective owners of the other trademarks appearing herein.* |