Add Virtual Network Adapter Windows 11 Link File

To add a virtual network adapter in Windows 11, you can use the Add Legacy Hardware wizard for a basic loopback adapter or Hyper-V Manager for virtual machine networking Method 1: Use the Legacy Hardware Wizard (Recommended) This method installs the Microsoft KM-TEST Loopback Adapter

, which acts as a virtual network interface on your physical machine. Open Device Manager : Right-click the button and select Device Manager Select Your Device

: Click on your computer's name at the very top of the list. Start the Wizard : Click the menu and select Add legacy hardware Manual Selection , then choose

Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced) Choose Hardware Type : Scroll down, select Network adapters , and click Select the Adapter Manufacturer Microsoft KM-TEST Loopback Adapter twice, then . You can now find and configure this adapter in your Network Connections window (type in Search). Method 2: Use Hyper-V (For Virtual Machines)

If you need a virtual adapter specifically for a virtual machine, use the Hyper-V Virtual Switch Manager Create a Virtual Switch Hyper-V Manager Virtual Switch Manager

from the Actions pane, choose a switch type (External, Internal, or Private), and click Create Virtual Switch Add Adapter to VM : Right-click your VM, select Add Hardware Network Adapter , and click : Select the virtual switch you created and click Microsoft Learn Troubleshooting Missing Adapters add virtual network adapter windows 11 link

If your existing adapters aren't showing up, you can try these quick fixes:

Step 5: Select Microsoft KM-TEST Loopback Adapter

On the left pane, select Microsoft. On the right pane, scroll until you find Microsoft KM-TEST Loopback Adapter.

Important Note for Windows 11: In older versions of Windows, this was simply called "Microsoft Loopback Adapter." In Windows 11 22H2 and newer, look for the "KM-TEST" variant.

Click Next and then Finish to install.

Result: You have successfully added a virtual network adapter. You can verify this by going back to Device Manager > Network Adapters. To configure its IP address, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings. To add a virtual network adapter in Windows

Step 3: Install the Adapter Manually

Select the option: "Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced)." Click Next.

Q1: What is the direct "link" to network adapters in Windows 11?

Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter. This opens the legacy Network Connections panel, where all physical and virtual adapters appear.

Step 4: Choose Network Adapters

Steps to Access the Hidden Legacy Link

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Right-click on your PC name at the top of the list.
  3. Select "Add legacy hardware" (this option is no longer obvious; it’s hidden in the right-click context menu).
  4. Follow the same wizard as in Method 2 (Loopback adapter), but now you can install drivers from:
    • Microsoft (Loopback, Hyper-V, WAN Miniports)
    • Other vendors (Citrix, Check Point, etc.)

Pro tip: If you need to add a virtual network adapter for a specific VPN or emulator, this "legacy link" is your best bet.

Adding a Hyper-V Virtual Adapter via PowerShell

Run PowerShell as Administrator:

# Create a new virtual switch (which creates a virtual adapter)
New-VMSwitch -Name "MyPowerShellSwitch" -SwitchType Internal

How to Add It (The "Legacy Hardware" Link)


Because Windows 11 hides the Loopback adapter by default, you must use the Add Legacy Hardware wizard. Step 5: Select Microsoft KM-TEST Loopback Adapter On


    

  1. 

    Open Device Manager:
    

      

    • Right-click the Start button → Device Manager.
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    2. 

  2. 

    Action Menu:
    

      

    • Click Action → Add legacy hardware.
      • 

    

    3. 

  3. 

    Wizard Steps:
    

      

    • Click Next.
      • 

    • Select "Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced)" → Next.
      • 

    • Select "Network adapters" → Next.
      • 

    

    4. 

  4. 

    Select Microsoft Loopback Adapter:
    

      

    • In the left panel, select Microsoft.
      • 

    • In the right panel, scroll to "Microsoft KM-TEST Loopback Adapter" (or just "Microsoft Loopback Adapter" depending on your build).
      • 

    • Click Next → Finish.
      • 

    

    5. 



Verification: Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings. You will see a new "Ethernet" icon labeled "Microsoft KM-TEST Loopback Adapter."


Link to note: This adapter does not require a physical Ethernet cable. It will always show "Network cable unplugged" unless you assign it a static IP.




Step 1: Open Device Manager


    

  • Right-click Start → Device Manager.
    •