Mobile Hotspot error and strange fix...

salzrat 6 Reputation points
2021-08-07T23:29:58.837+00:00

I got the following error:
"To share your connection, you need to add this feature to your cellular data plan first"
when trying to activate mobile hotspot on a Laptop with integrated LTE module. This occurred on two different laptops, and only with the SIM cards from one network operator. SIM cards from another operator worked fine. However, the offending SIM cards worked fine e.g. as a mobile hotspot in an iphone, and the operator confirmed that no tethering functionality was blocked, and referred me to Windows tech support.

After a lot of digging, I got this to work by creating a COSA customization package as described here:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/desktop/customize-cosa

by extracting the existing COSA database, copying over the data for this operator in a new profile, and adding
<HotSpot>
<Enabled>True</Enabled>
<EntitlementRequired>False</EntitlementRequired>
</HotSpot>

to the package.

What is strange, however, is that I can now remove the provisioning package from the OEM directory, and the mobile hotspot continues to work.

I wonder why this error occurs at all. I have compared the original COSA database entries for the SIM card that works and where it doesn't, and couldn't find any relevant difference - none of the had the hotspot setting explicitly enabled.
Also, why can the error be permanently fixed using an OEM provisiong file just once? Will this set something in the registry that will not get deleted again when the provisioning file is removed again? If so, what?

It'd be great if I could get to the bottom of this, because the network operator claims he has nothing to with the problem at all, but I suspect all customers will be affected...

Windows 10 Network
Windows 10 Network
Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Network: A group of devices that communicate either wirelessly or via a physical connection.
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  1. franco d'esaro 271 Reputation points
    2021-08-08T15:15:42.507+00:00

    Hello,
    I found a similar problem to yours on the Italian Microsoft community. You can try if that solution is also valid for you:
    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/to-share-your-connection-you-need-to-add-this/31bf2ae8-3a38-4de8-a07c-a04090d6dee9