How to Use Your Laptop as a Wireless Internet Adapter For Your Xbox 360

Connect your Xbox 360 online using your laptop's wireless Internet signal.

New Xbox 360 models include a built-in wireless adapter, allowing the console to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots. Original Xbox 360s did not include this feature, meaning you either had to purchase Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Networking adapter or find another connection method. If you already own a Windows-based laptop, however, you do not need to spend the extra cash on an adapter. Use your laptop's built-in controls to share its wireless Internet connection with your Xbox 360.

Things You'll Need

• Ethernet cable

Instructions

1. Connect the Ethernet cable into your Xbox 360's rear Ethernet port.

2. Connect the Ethernet cable's opposite end into your laptop's Ethernet port. See your laptop's manual for help if you do not know the Ethernet port's location.

3. Turn on the Xbox 360 and laptop.

4. Click "Start" on your laptop.

5. Click "Control Panel." The "Start" menu closes and the "Control Panel" opens.

6. Click the "Search" box and type "Adapter." Results appear.

7. Click "View networks connections" beneath the "Network and Sharing Center" section.

8. Click the "Local Area Connection" listing.

9. Hold "Ctrl" and click the "Wireless Network Connection" listing. Release "Ctrl." Both icons become selected.

10. Right-click "Local Area Connection" and click "Bridge Networks." The networks bridge, allowing your laptop to share its wireless connection with the console.

Tips & Warnings

• Also no need to use the Xbox Ethernet cable, any kind will do.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Create a Network Bridge
• Xbox Support; Use Your Computer to Connect Your Xbox 360 Console to Xbox Live; November 2010

Resources

• Xbox