A Wi-Fi extender is a dedicated device or software, which can repeat and also extend the wireless signal. In short, we are talking about a Wi-Fi repeater that is extremely useful when the wireless router cannot provide the signal as far as you want.
An extender is usually required in large spaces or buildings where even a specialized router cannot cover the entire space.
So, if you are looking for the fastest and cheapest solution, read the following lines and learn how to use your own Windows 10 computer as a dedicated Wi-Fi extender.
Of course, the quickest and cheapest solution is not always the best. And that aspect can be applied when we detail the possibilities of expanding your Wi-Fi wireless signal.
Therefore, the best thing to do is to buy a repeater for less than $ 50 – this will involve installing a hardware repeater that will extend the existing signal beyond what your router currently does. Another way you can solve your problem is by purchasing specialized extension software, which also costs around $ 50.
But, if you want a quick fix and don’t want to pay anything for it, then Windows 10’s built-in feature will be more than perfect for you. However, unlike the payment possibilities described above, the Windows solution comes with some drawbacks: this wireless repeater software will create a second public access point that your devices must connect to.
Set up your Windows 10 PC to act as a Wi-Fi extender
So it is not really a classic Wi-Fi extender as a new network of public access points (hotspot) will be created – this network will be different from the actual Wi-Fi network provided by your router.
The new wireless hotspot has its own name and password: on one side of your house, you will have to connect to one network while on the other side you will have to connect to a different one.
It’s easy to create a separate wireless access point in Windows 10 to extend the wireless signal. All you have to do is follow:
- Press the keys of the keyboard shortcut Win + I .
- From System Settings click Network and Internet ….
- In the next window, in the left pane, select the Mobile Hotspot entry .
- Activate the option Share my Internet connection with other devices .
- Then click Edit and set a new network name and password.
- Save the modifications.
- That’s all.
As already mentioned, this is the free method where you can use your Windows 10 computer as a Wi-Fi extender. The other solution is to buy wireless repeater software that can act like a real wireless repeater.
In that regard, Connectify might be the best option – the software is available under three different pricing plans with the cheapest starting at $ 50.
Now you know how to use your PC as a Wi-Fi extender. You can also read about the top 21 Wi-Fi extensions for your Windows 10 device, in case you want to purchase a specialized hardware solution.
If you have other questions, or if we can help you in any other way, don’t hesitate to contact our team – we will always be there for you.
