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Not able to see hotspot Network adapter in 'Network Connections'

JOON MO JEONG 15 Reputation points
2025-11-26T01:30:14.4966667+00:00

Hi.

I'm trying to use VPN and Mobile hotspot at the same time. When I turn on Mobile hotspot, I can see the Network adapter in Advanced network settings. But I cannot see the adapter in Device Manger or Network Connection. I'm trying to set Internet Connection Sharing with this adapter, but It's not in the select list.

This was possible in my previous settings, where the hotspot adapter was named Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter.

These are my HW.

previous: intel wi-fi 6 AX201

current: intel wi-fi 7 BE200, TP-Link USB Adapter

I already tried installing the newest network drivers.

Is there a solution for this?

Thanks in advance.

Windows for business | Windows 365 Business
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  1. DustinTran 600 Reputation points Moderator
    2025-11-27T03:37:35.95+00:00

    Hi JOON MO JEONG, I truly appreciate your updates!

    Here’s a recommended approach you can consider:

    1. Connect to VPN first:

    Please make sure your computer is connected to the VPN and that your Internet connection is working properly.

    2. Enable ICS (Internet Connection Sharing)

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the necessary commands: 

    sc config icssvc start= auto
net start icssvc

    3. Share VPN over Ethernet

    Go to ncpa.cpl → locate your VPN adapter → Properties → Sharing tab:

    • Check Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
    • Select Ethernet as the “Home networking connection”.

    Important Note: If your VPN blocks ICS (e.g., GlobalProtect, AnyConnect, Zscaler), this method will not work. In that case, please use Windows built-in VPN (RAS) or a third-party solution like Connectify Hotspot.

    If you found this answer helpful, please click "Accept Answer" to share the love with everyone! 💖😊🌸✨

    Thank you again for your patience and support!

    Dustin Tran

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    2 people found this answer helpful.
  2. DustinTran 600 Reputation points Moderator
    2025-11-26T06:56:43.2+00:00

    Hi JOON MO JEONG, thanks for contacting Microsoft Community.

    This is a problem that many users are currently experiencing. Your Wi-Fi card does NOT support the Hosted Network feature. This is a hardware and driver limitation, not a system error.User's image

    You can consider the following two common solutions:

    1. Use software to create a virtual hotspot: Connectify Hotspot (widely used)

    Download and install Connectify Hotspot from the official website.

    Connect to the VPN on your computer.

    Open Connectify → select Wi-Fi Hotspot → Internet to Share = your VPN adapter.

    Set your Wi-Fi name and password.

    Click Start Hotspot → connected devices will access the Internet through the VPN.

    2. Share VPN via Ethernet to create a Mobile Hotspot:

    Connect to the VPN on your computer.

    Enable Internet Connection Sharing (ICS):

    • Go to Network Connections (ncpa.cpl) → select your VPN adapter → Properties → check Allow other network users to connect… → select Ethernet.

    Enable Mobile Hotspot:

    • Choose Share my connection from: Ethernet → turn on the hotspot.

    Note: If your device does not support Ethernet, you can use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.

    If you found this answer helpful, please click "Accept Answer" to share the love with everyone! 💖😊🌸✨

    Thank you again for your patience and support!

    Dustin Tran

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    2 people found this answer helpful.
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