The GUI option
You can install a virtual router software package such as MaryFi (free) or Connectify.
Creating a hosted network from the command line
Another option is to do what you want from the command line. You must do a three-part procedure.
Part one
Start up a command prompt. Depending on your UAC settings you might need to use Ctrl+Shift+Enter to run CMD as an administrator.
Enter these two commands:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=network-name key=password
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
Choose whatever you want for the network-name and password.
This will create a wireless hosted network. Don't connect any devices to it yet. (If you connect some devices now, the devices will be able to communicate with each other, but won't be able to access the Internet.)
Part two
Open up the Network Connections control panel (ncpa.cpl
). Right-click on your Wi-Fi controller. Choose "Properties". Go to the "Sharing" tab. Figure out which network controller name represents your Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter. Allow the users of that virtual controller to access your computer's Internet connection.
Part three
Only now should you connect your tablet to the hosted network.
Note
If the laptop goes to sleep or hibernates, the virtual router/repeater won't start automatically after you wake/resume the PC. You'll have to start it again. Or you can just put the first two commands in a batch file and put the file on your desktop.