If your regular broadband internet is out of commission or acting strangely, you can use mobile internet on Windows 10 PC. All you have to is share mobile data with Windows 10 PC and you are good to go. Let me show you how.
Generally, you can share your mobile data with Windows 10 PC in two different ways. The first method is to create a Wi-Fi hotspot and the second method is to use USB tethering. I will show both methods, use the one you are comfortable with.
Jump to:
- Hotspot method (easy & no wires required)
- USB tethering
Note: Depending on your Android version, the below settings may be located in some other place. I’m using Android Pie (v9) to show the procedure.
Use Mobile Data via Wi-Fi Hotspot
Almost all Android versions have a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot functionality using which you can share your mobile internet with the Windows PC. The best thing is, there are no cables required to share the mobile internet with Windows 10. Almost all laptops will have built-in Wi-Fi and even if you are using a desktop PC with no built-in Wi-Fi, you can buy a cheap USB Wi-Fi dongle for under $10.
1. First, open the Settings app and go to the “Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering” page.
2. In this page, tap on the “Wi-Fi hotspot” option.
3. Here, go through each option and fill in the details as follows.
- Hotspot name: The name of your choice. This is the name you see when you try to connect to the hotspot.
- Security: Choose WPA2 PSK option.
- Hotspot password: Type a strong but easy to remember password.
4. Once you’ve added all the details, turn on Wi-Fi hotspot by toggling the top-right switch.
5. Now, click on the network icon on the taskbar and you will see your Wi-Fi hotspot with the name you choose earlier.
6. Click on the network, enter the Wi-Fi password and click on the “Connect” button.
If everything goes properly, you should have an internet connection. If you are unable to access the internet, make sure that the mobile data is turned on and you have a valid mobile data plan.
Use Mobile Internet on Windows via USB Tethering
If you are on a desktop with no Wi-Fi module/dongle, you can use the USB tethering option to share mobile data with Windows 10 PC. Before getting started, install Google USB driver or OEM specific USB drivers. This allows you to create USB tethering.
1. First, connect your Android phone via USB cable to the internet.
2. Next, open the Settings app, go to “Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering” page.
3. Here, toggle the switch next to “USB Tethering”.
If you’ve installed proper drivers and have a working mobile internet plan, you should be able to connect to the internet.
That is all. It is that simple to use mobile internet on Windows 10. Though using mobile Wi-Fi hotspot to share the internet is pretty nifty, I recommend you use an Android VPN app to secure your internet connection. In case you don’t know, a VPN connection will encrypt your internet connection and protects you from snooping in public places.
If you are worried about consuming all the mobile data with Windows updates, turn on metered connection option in Windows 10 on this particular network and you’ll be good.
Hope that helps. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible.
