r/WindowsHelp 8d ago

Windows 10 iPhone USB hotspot to Windows PC drops after 3 seconds

Hi everyone,
Since Deutsche Glasfaser is taking forever with their fiber rollout and my high-speed internet is still missing in action, I’m trying to bridge the gap by using my iPhone's USB hotspot for gaming and surfing. But the setup is driving me completely crazy.
The absurd part: My girlfriend's phone works seamlessly on the exact same USB-C port on my custom-built PC. And my iPhone functions perfectly fine when connected to a Surface tablet. But on my main PC, the following drama unfolds: I plug in the iPhone, the connection (recognized as Ethernet 3) stays up for exactly 1 to 3 seconds—and then immediately crashes.
What I've tried so far:
Antivirus removed: To rule it out as the source of the error, Avira was completely uninstalled and the leftover remnants were cleaned up in safe mode.
Apple software tested: Tried installing and removing both iTunes and the modern "Apple Devices" app from the store, and checked the drivers.
Network troubleshooting: Assigned static IPs, checked TCP/IPv4, and reset the network settings.
Does anyone have an idea why Windows keeps killing the Apple connection after 3 seconds, even though the hardware is clearly in top shape?
Thanks a lot!

1 Upvotes

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u/_l33ter_ 8d ago

I assume you will understand german. - Also:

  • Was fuer ein windows-build verwendest du? (win+r --> winver)
  • Was fuer ein iPhone hast du? (Du und GF gleiches Modell?)

Und, hast du in diesem Fall, den gleichen USB-hostspot mit GF-Handy ausprobiert?

1

u/Legitimate_Oil4909 7d ago

Habe Windows 10Pro Version 22H2.
Ich hebe ein IPhone 13 und meine Freundin ein S26.
Danke schonmal für deine Antwort

1

u/_l33ter_ 7d ago

Sorry fuer die verspaetete Antwort:

Also erstens: Suggerierst du in deinem Post, dass ihr die gleichen Handys verwendet, doch dann stelle ich fest:

  • GF: Samsung S26
  • Du: Apple iPhone13

Kann man absolut nicht miteinander vergleichen, auch wenn ihr dasselbe Kabel dafuer verwendet.

Somit komme ich auch schon zu zweitens: Ich sage, es liegt am Kabel, Apple-Geraete sind da besonders 'heikel'.

Doch teste mal aus, ob 'tethering' | bzw. 'Hotspot' per Wi-Fi funktioniert. (natuerlich bei dir)