How to Create a Wireless Ad Hoc Network in Windows

Ad-hoc WiFi networks are wireless peer-to-peer (P2P) networks where the devices communicate directly, without any kind of router. Like other P2P configurations, an ad-hoc WiFi network features a small group of devices all in very close proximity to each other. Learn more about ad hoc wireless networks on Wikipedia.

Since they require no additional router, ad hoc WiFi networks should be easy to set up. Unfortunately that’s not always the case, at least not in Windows 8 or Windows 10. You’d have to follow complex steps inside the Windows command prompt. Connectify Hotspot skips them: Download Connectify Hotspot free.

Read below to see a new way to set up an ad hoc WiFi network between your Windows computer and another device using Connectify Hotspot virtual router software!

When You Need an Ad Hoc WiFi Network

In an ad hoc WiFi network, each connected device forwards data to the other nodes in a sort of decentralized network that doesn’t use any additional resources, such as a WiFi router.

Here are a couple of scenarios you might use an ad hoc WiFi network:

• You want to stream something from one device to another, locally, for example to stream your PC’s desktop to you GearVR
• You want to share the Internet connection with other devices from a connected computer.

Naturally, you can use a wireless router to get around in any of the situations above, but that’s an added cost, plus configuration time, plus it might be limiting the connectivity (open ports, etc.) between the devices you want to connect.

Connectify Hotspot Makes Ad Hoc WiFi Networks Happen Quickly and Easily

Connectify Hotspot’s virtual router functionalities are fully compatible with any ad hoc WiFi network scenario. The software app runs on Windows PCs and laptops and allows you to connect any other device directly through WiFi, or through wired Ethernet with wired router mode in Connectify Hotspot PRO.

Don’t waste your time with cryptic commands in Windows’ console environment in order to create an ad hoc WiFi network; with Connectify Hotspot you’ll be ready in 2 minutes or less. Plus, it’s free to use as a WiFi hotspot!

So, whether you’re connecting your laptop to your smartphone through an ad hoc WiFi network or if you’re trying to get that Ethernet-only game console connected to your PC (with PRO’s wired router mode), Connectify can do that for you. Plus, it can share your Internet connection with all your devices: see here how to turn your laptop into a WiFi hotspot, so you can connect your other device to it in an ad hoc WiFi network!

How to Set Up a WiFi Network from Your Windows PC in 5 Steps

1. Download and install Connectify Hotspot on your 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 PC.
2. Open it and choose Wi-Fi hotspot.
3. Under Internet to share, pick the connection you want to share: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, a VPN or a phone plugged in with USB.
4. Set a password. Turn on Block ads if you want lighter pages on every device.
5. Click Start hotspot. Devices join by scanning the QR code on the Hotspot screen, or with the network name and password, like any other Wi-Fi network.

Connectify Hotspot 27 runs on 64-bit Windows 10 (version 1703 or later) and Windows 11. On a Windows 7 or 8 PC, use Connectify Hotspot 2021 instead: see our Windows 7 and Windows 8 guides.

Ad Hoc WiFi Network: Connectify Hotspot Virtual Router Software Does Much More

Connectify Hotspot virtual router software for Windows comes packed with other cool advanced features you can use:

• Boost Your Range Instantly with WiFi Repeater Mode: Easily extend the range of your existing WiFi network with Connectify Hotspot MAX (your PC’s Wi-Fi adapter has to support it).
• Block ads on all your devices by turning your Windows laptop or PC into a whole house ad blocker. The ad blocking is universal: it also works with in-app ads and is a viable solution to block iPhone app ads.
• Connectify Hotspot also works with gaming consoles: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, etc. Its free gaming mode is set per device, and UPnP is on by default.

Forget about following complex instructions in Windows to create an ad hoc WiFi network. Get started quickly and easily with Connectify Hotspot for FREE!