Can I access a server running on the Hotspot computer?
Yes! Devices on your hotspot can reach a server (for example a web server, a game server or a shared folder) running on the PC that hosts the hotspot.
Use the hotspot's own address
The simplest way is to connect to the PC at the hotspot's own address. While the hotspot is running, you'll find it on the Hotspot screen, in the Connection details card, as Router address. The button next to it copies it.
Reach this PC at any of its addresses
Your PC also has other IP addresses, such as its address on the network it gets its internet from. By default, devices on your hotspot can only use the hotspot's address. To let them use any of the PC's addresses, turn on this setting:
- Click Settings, then Network.
- Under Routed mode, turn on Reach this PC at any of its addresses: "Lets devices connect to a server or share on this PC using any of its IP addresses, not only the hotspot’s."
It is off by default, and it works in every edition. Like the other Routed mode settings, it is not available when Network access is set to Bridged ("Not available in bridged mode.").
If devices still can't reach the server
- Make sure devices are allowed to reach your PC. In Settings > Security and privacy > Device access, Devices can reach this PC and each other must be on. It is on unless someone turned it off, and changing it needs Hotspot PRO or MAX. On the Clients screen, check that the device's own Can reach this PC and others switch is on too. See Device access (firewall) options in Connectify Hotspot for more about these switches.
- Make sure your firewall (Windows Defender Firewall, or your security software's firewall) isn't blocking the port your server is running on.