Unable to connect my iPhone 5s hotspot to my Windows 8 computer.

My software version: iOS 7.1.2 iPhone5 and Win 8.1 on Lenovo

I feel like a genius today. I have been struggling with this issue for over 4 months and none of the forums on MS or Apple have this correctly resolved. The resolution I found was pretty simple and stupid:

On your iPhone, go to Settings->General->About->Name

Make sure the name you entered for your phone is a single word with no apostrophe's or special characters. Make sure NO SPACES.

If you change the name on the phone, just turn off the Personal Hotspot and turn it back on. Go to your laptop and now connect to the IPhone Hotspot with the new name.

I wonder why Win8.1 is unable to use a device name that has spaces. It is pretty stupid IMHO.

Hello Winnie,

I would suggest you to try following methods and check if it helps.

Method 1:

Disable 802.1X authentication

802.1X authentication can help enhance security for 802.11 wireless networks and wired Ethernet networks. 802.1X uses an authentication server to validate users and provide network access. On wireless networks, 802.1X can work with Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) keys.

This type of authentication is typically used when connecting to a workplace network.

a. Press "Windows" + R key. It will open run Window. Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter.

b. Right-click the network that you want to enable 802.1X authentication for, and then click Properties.

c. Click the Security tab, and then, in the Security type list, click 802.1X.

d. In the Encryption type list, click the encryption type you want to use.

On wireless networks, 802.1X can be used with Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) or Wi‑Fi Protected Access (WPA or WPA2) encryption.

e. In the Choose a network authentication method list, click the method you want to use.

To configure additional settings, click Settings.

Method 2:

Disable the IP Helper service:

a. Press "Windows" + R key. It will open run Window. Type "services.msc" (without the quotes) and press Enter.

b. Scroll down to the IP Helper service, right click on it and select Properties

c. In the dropdown box that says "Automatic" or "Manual", set it to Disabled and then click on "Apply"

d. Then click on "Stop" to stop the service from running in the current session.

Please reply with results so that we can assist you further.

Thank you