Windows 11 users could soon benefit from an exciting new feature that will make sharing their internet connection with other devices much faster and more efficient.
The latest buzz in tech circles suggests that Microsoft is working to enable Wi-Fi hotspots using the 6GHz band on Windows 11 PCs, promising faster speeds, more bandwidth, and reduced interference for users who meet the hardware requirements.
Wi-Fi 7 and 6GHz Hotspots Coming to Windows 11
With the recent 24H2 update, Windows 11 introduced support for Wi-Fi 7, a new wireless standard that aims to deliver faster speeds and more robust connections.
However, Microsoft isn’t stopping there. The company is now focused on expanding wireless capabilities further by allowing users to create Wi-Fi hotspots using the 6GHz band, a feature previously limited to the 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequencies.
At present, Windows 11 PCs allow users to set up Wi-Fi hotspots over 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, helping to share their internet connection with nearby devices.
But now, thanks to Wi-Fi 6E technology, the next frontier—6GHz hotspots—could soon be within reach.
This feature has been uncovered by PhantomOfEarth, a well-known leaker on X (formerly Twitter), although it is still not available for everyone yet.
6GHz Hotspot Support in Preview Builds
The ability to create 6GHz Wi-Fi hotspots is currently rolling out in the most recent preview builds in the Dev channel of Windows 11.
Some testers already have access to the feature, while others might still be waiting. For those eager to try it out, there’s good news.
Testers who do not yet see the option can enable 6GHz hotspot support using a Windows configuration utility called ViVeTool. This tool allows users to manually activate certain features that are still under development.
Although this is an exciting feature, it’s important to remember that not all users in the Dev channel will have access to 6GHz hotspots just yet.
The feature is still in its early stages of testing, but it’s expected to make its way to the full version of Windows 11 soon, offering widespread availability to users.
Hardware Requirements for 6GHz Hotspots
To take advantage of the 6GHz hotspot feature once it’s fully released, users will need to ensure their hardware is compatible.
Specifically, a PC with Wi-Fi 6E support is required, as well as a router that can handle the 6GHz band. Additionally, any devices that wish to connect to the hotspot will also need to be 6GHz-capable.
The 6GHz band offers significant advantages over the more traditional 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequencies. Users can expect faster Wi-Fi speeds, greater bandwidth, and a more reliable connection with reduced interference.
This is especially important in densely populated areas like apartment buildings, where numerous Wi-Fi networks can create congestion on the more commonly used bands.
No Need to Rush for Test Builds
While the idea of faster, more stable Wi-Fi hotspots is certainly appealing, Microsoft advises users not to jump into preview builds solely to try out this feature.
Since 6GHz support is still in early testing phases and isn’t widely available, it might be worth waiting until it debuts in the stable release of Windows 11.
For those who are keen on exploring the latest advancements, however, and are comfortable navigating preview builds or using utilities like ViVeTool, this could be a great opportunity to get a sneak peek at what’s coming.
Nonetheless, for the average user, the official release is likely just around the corner, so patience might be the best approach.
