How do I configure Windows Defender with Connectify?

If Microsoft Defender Antivirus (the antivirus built into Windows, which older versions of Windows called Windows Defender) is interfering with Connectify Hotspot, add the Connectify folder to its exclusions. On Windows 10 and Windows 11 you do this in the Windows Security app:

1. Open the Start menu, type Windows Security and open it. Click Virus & threat protection, and under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.

Windows Security: Virus & threat protection, with Manage settings

2. Scroll down to the Exclusions section and click on Add or remove exclusions. Click Yes if Windows asks for permission.

Virus & threat protection settings: Exclusions, with Add or remove exclusions

3. Now click Add an exclusion and choose Folder.

Exclusions: the Add an exclusion menu with File, Folder, File type and Process

4. Finally, navigate to the Connectify folder, C:\Program Files (x86)\Connectify, and click Select Folder to add it to the exclusions list.

Connectify Hotspot 27 only runs on 64-bit Windows, but it is installed in C:\Program Files (x86)\Connectify, not in C:\Program Files.

Microsoft explains exclusions in more detail here: Add an exclusion to Windows Security. If you use other security software, see How do I configure my firewall to work with Connectify Hotspot?