How to Create a Wireless Ad Hoc in Windows 8.1

If you want to share information stored on your computer with other people nearby and everyone’s computer has a wireless network adapter, a simple method of sharing is to set up an ad hoc wireless network. In spite of the fact that members must be within 30 feet of each other, this type of network presents a lot of possibilities. For example, you might consider establishing an ad hoc network at a meeting of mobile computer users so that you can share information with other attendees on their own screens rather than an overhead projector. (After establishing the network, you can do this by using Windows Meeting, for instance.)

Ad hoc networks are by definition temporary; they cease to exist when members disconnect from them, or when the computer from which the network was established moves beyond the 30-foot effective range of the others. You can share an Internet connection through an ad hoc network, but keep in mind that the Internet connection is then available to anyone logging on to a computer that is connected to the network, and thus is likely not very secure.

In Windows 7, under "Set up a new connection or network" you can create an Ad hoc wireless connection via the "Set up a wireless ad hoc" option. Unfortunately Microsoft has made it one of several features removed in Windows 8.1 so it is no longer available through the GUI (Graphical user interface).

To share internet connection in Windows 8 now you need to use a third-party utility such as Virtual Routeror Connectify Hotspot to turn your PC into a Wi-Fi hotspot as introduced in this post. For those who do not want to install third-party software there is still a solution to set up a Wireless Ad Hoc through the netsh command, but it’s a little bit tough.

Create an Ad Hoc Wireless Network

In this tutorial, I’ll step by step show you a valuable tip to create a wireless ad hoc connection in Windows 8.1.

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt (CMD) as an Administrator. (Press Windows key + X + A)

Step 2: Type in the following command to ensure that your network interface supports Hosted Network feature:

netsh wlan show drivers

If Hosted network supported shows “Yes”, that’s great.
If it says “No”, you can try to update your wireless driver. If the updated driver still does not help, then you need to upgrade your hardware.

Step 3: Now, we need to configure Ad Hoc Wireless connection. Type in CMD this command:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=<your desired network name> key=<your password>

Step 4: Next, you need to start it. Type in CMD the command below:

netsh wlan start hostednetwork

Note: Make sure your wireless network connection is enabled.

Step 5: Navigate to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center. Click on “Change adapter settings”

Right-click on Wi-Fi adapter > select Properties

Head to “Sharing” tab > check the box Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection > finally click on OK button.

Now you can connect your Wi-Fi devices such as iPhone, Android smartphone, iPad, laptop … to this ad hoc wireless network.

Enjoy internet connection sharing.

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