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Latest Windows Update KB5014697 breaks Wi-Fi hotspot feature for some PCs

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Following a recent update, some Windows PCs are unable to stay connected to the internet when acting as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

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What you need to know

  • A recent Windows Update causes an issue with some PCs that prevents the Wi-Fi hotspot feature from working correctly.
  • Affected systems may lose their connection to the internet when trying to use the hotspot feature.
  • Microsoft is working on a permanent fix for the issue.

Microsoft rolled out the KB5014697 update for Windows earlier this week. Since that update shipped, Microsoft discovered a known issue with it that affects the ability to use the Wi-Fi hotspot feature.

The hotspot feature allows users to share their internet connection with other devices through Wi-Fi. It works with the host devices obtaining an internet connection through Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or a cellular data connection.

Unfortunately, some systems running the latest Windows Update will lose their connection to the internet when trying to act as a host for other devices.

“After installing KB5014697, Windows devices might be unable to use the Wi-Fi hotspot feature,” says a Microsoft support doc. “When attempting to use the hotspot feature, the host device might lose the connection to the internet after a client device connects.”

A variety of Windows versions are affected by the issue:

Client

  • Windows 11 version 21H2
  • Windows 10 version 21H2
  • Windows 10 version 21H1
  • Windows 10 version 20H2
  • Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019
  • Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016
  • Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB
  • Windows 8.1Windows 7 SP1

Server

  • Windows Server 2022
  • Windows Server version 20H2
  • Windows Server 2019
  • Windows Server 2016
  • Windows Server 2012 R2
  • Windows Server 2012
  • Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
  • Windows Server 2008 SP2

Microsoft is working on a permanent fix but in the meantime, the company suggestions the following workaround:

“To mitigate the issue and restore internet access on the host device, you can disable the Wi-Fi hotspot feature. For instructions, please see Use your Windows PC as a mobile hotspot.”

If you need to use your PC as a hotspot before Microsoft releases a fix for the issue, it may be worth uninstalling the latest Windows Update.

Source
windowscentral.com
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