Why is the "ad hoc network" option missing when creating a network connection in Vista?

Solution 1:

Make sure your wireless network card is turned on.

Go in to the "Network and Sharing Center", and on the left click "Manage Wireless Networks", from here click the add button and "Ad-Hoc network" should be one of the options.

However, if your Wireless is on, you should be able to get to it from the screen you were on -

If it isn't there, it is possible you have some sort of other error.

Solution 2:

I know that the question is for Vista, but if anyone is having this issue on windows 10, here is the solution.

1. Go to Start and the new "Windows Settings" and select "Network & Internet".
2. On the left side of the window, click "Mobile hotspot".
3. Slide the switch to the on position.

-- OPTIONAL --

4. Under "Network name" and "Network password", click the "Edit" button.
5. Change the network name and password to what ever you want.

Solution 3:

To help others, not all wireless adapters can host a connection.

From answers.microsoft.com they suggest running:

netsh wlan show drivers

Look for "Hosted network supported". If you see no, you're out of luck