Ultimate Fixes For ‘The Hosted Network Couldn’t Be Started’ Error On Windows 10, 8 & 7

Not able to set up a mobile hotspot, instead of getting the error ‘Hosted Network Couldn’t Be Started.’ If your Command Prompt is returning this error message, it simply means the hosted network isn’t working properly. The problem usually appears due to a Wi-Fi driver or network adapter configuration issue. But don’t worry! We’ve listed the most effective solutions to help you get rid of ‘The Hosted Network Couldn’t Be Started’ issue on Windows 10, 8 & 7 PC.

In case you need to learn: How to Turn on Wi-Fi Hotspot on Your Windows 10 Laptop?

Stop ‘The Hosted Network Couldn’t Be Started’ Error On Windows 10, 8 & 7 {2020}

One of the quickest solutions to resolve this Windows error is to restart your PC multiple times. Additionally, try running the Command Prompt with administrative rights. If you are still witnessing the issue, you can do the following:

Solution 1- Update Wi-Fi Network Driver (Recommended)

Undoubtedly, wrong or outdated drivers can cause many issues, including ‘The Hosted Network Couldn’t Be Started’ Error On Windows 10, 8 & 7. Therefore, it’s best to update all device drivers frequently to eradicate the annoying driver issues or BSOD errors on Windows operating systems. 

There are multiple ways to update drivers on Windows. However, the most feasible yet correct way to replace current drivers and update the latest version is to use a professional driver updater software. We recommend using Smart Driver Care for the purpose since it makes the entire process hassle-free and ensures all the downloaded versions are the latest and compatible.

To update Wi-Fi Network Drivers using Smart Driver Care, all you have to do is: 

STEP 1- Install & launch Smart Driver Care on your Windows 10, 8, or 7 PC. 

STEP 2- From the registered Smart Driver Care version, click on the Start Scan now button and let the driver updater utility lists all corrupted, outdated, missing, damaged, or incompatible drivers.

STEP 3- If you want to update Wi-Fi drivers individually, you can simply locate them, click the Update button next to it or click on the Update All button to replace all the current drivers with the latest and most compatible versions in one-click.

Note – With the free Smart Driver Care version, you can only update two drivers each day. If you want to update more, you can switch to the registered version.

Must-Read: Smart Driver Care VS Driver Easy: Which Is The Best Driver Updater Utility

Solution 2- Activate Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter

When you want to use your computer as a Mobile Hotspot in Windows 10 or other versions, you need to enable the Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter feature. If, by any chance, the functionality is disabled, then you can witness ‘The Hosted Network Couldn’t Be Started’ Error.

STEP 1- Open Device Manager. You can press the Windows key & X key altogether and hit the Device Manager to open it.

STEP 2- Navigate to the View tab and select the option ‘Show hidden devices.’

STEP 3- At this point, you need to locate the Network adapters from the list and expand the category. When you find the Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter entry, simply right-click on it and choose the Enable device option.

Now try again to set up the Wi-Fi Hotspot. Hopefully, you should be free from ‘The Hosted Network Couldn’t Be Started’ Error On Windows 10, 8 & 7. If you are still struggling, don’t worry, and go ahead with our next workaround!

Must-Read: {Resolved}: How To Fix Network Adapter Missing In Windows 10?

Solution 3- Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Running the Network Adapter Troubleshooter has turned out to be an effective fix. Several Windows users have reported this. So, let’s try that:

STEP 1- Launch the Settings app and go to the Update & Security module.

STEP 2- From the new window, click on the Troubleshoot header from the left-hand side panel, and you can see multiple options on the right side.

STEP 3- Now carefully scroll down and locate the Network Adapter option.

STEP 4– You need to click on the Run the Troubleshooter button to start the troubleshooting process.

The built-in troubleshooter will start looking for all the potential network issues and fix them instantly when found.

Solution 4- Verify The Sharing Settings

If the hosted network is still refusing to start, you need to check the sharing settings selected on your Windows 10, 8, or 7. To verify them, follow the instructions below:

STEP 1- Open the Run Window using the Search menu. 

STEP 2- Type ncpa.cpl and hit the Enter button.

STEP 3- From the new window, simply right-click on your connection and go to its Properties.

STEP 4- Now, head towards the Sharing tab and ensure the option ‘Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection’ option is selected.

Check if this workaround helps you resolve ‘‘The Hosted Network Couldn’t Be Started’ Error On Windows 10, 8 & 7.

Final Words 

Don’t get bothered by the annoying Windows 10, 8, 7 ‘Hosted Network Couldn’t Be Started’ error. All of the aforementioned fixes are effective enough to resolve your issue. Most of all, updating your Wi-Fi drivers will instantly troubleshoot the problem, and you’ll be able to set up the mobile hotspot successfully.