You use the Windows VPN programs to protect your data. You should be aware of the Tap Windows Adapter v9. In a nutshell, it’s a virtual network interface. It allows VPN clients to establish a VPN connection.
Many IT professionals recommend using a VPN. It minimizes the risk of many online and espionage threats. The benefits of a private connection may be enjoyed by both home and business users. It makes VPNs a beneficial tool for many.
However, while It is enabled, some customers have reported issues with their Internet connection. I will go through what Tap Windows is and how to uninstall and reinstall it.
What is TAP-Windows Adapter V9?
TAP-Windows Adapters allow Windows users to use a virtual TAP device. It’s located in the C: Program FilesTAP-Windows folder and is needed for your VPN program to work.
TAP devices are software-only virtual network kernel devices that are not backed up by hardware network adapters.
TAP drivers are created with low-level kernel support for Ethernet tunneling and make TAP devices work.
TAP-Windows are included in VPN installers and are installed alongside the VPN software. You don’t have to install them individually.
There are two types of TAP-Windows drivers:
- On Windows XP: NDIS 5 driver Tap windows
- On Windows Vista / 7 / 8 / 10: NDIS 6 driver Tap
What is the use of the Tap Windows Adapter?
The Tap Windows is a network driver. It allows VPN providers to make it easier for users to connect to their servers via VPN. If you wish to use VPN programs, it’s a must-have component on your device. However, you won’t see the Tap Windows adapter if you connect to a VPN browser extension.
Where is the Tap Windows Adapter Located?
The Tap Adapter may be found as a driver in both Device Manager and Apps & Features.
It is assigned by default in C:/Program Files/Tap-Windows. Your operating system and VPN provider determine its exact version.
When to Remove or Reinstall?
You’re using a VPN over the Internet but having trouble connecting. You should look at the potential of a driver that has become corrupted. It is preferable to reinstall the Windows Tap Adapter.
You previously set up a VPN connection but don’t use it anymore. The remaining Windows Tap Adapter could hamper your Internet connection. You’ll almost certainly need to remove the adapter to resolve the problem.
If the error “All TAP-Windows adapters on this system are now in use” appears, you may need to restart the Tap Windows Adapters.
The Tap Adapters may be reinstalled if you continue to use your laptop or computer with VPN software installed.
1. Remove Tap Windows Adapter V9
It cannot be uninstalled from the Device Manager. When you boot up your computer, your VPN client will most likely detect the missing driver and attempt to install it.
As a result, the uninstall procedure differs from that of standard drivers.
- In your start menu, right-click and select device manager.
- Go to network adapters and select Tap adapter, and right-click it.
- Click on uninstall the driver and follow the directions on the screen.
- The TAP-Windows Adapter may resurface the next time you boot up your device and connect to your VPN. I recommend restarting your computer to see if the adaptor reappears.
You must uninstall the VPN application to delete the TAP-Windows Adapter completely.
- Press your keyboard’s Windows + R buttons to use the Run utility.
- To open the traditional Programs and Features window, type appwiz.cpl.
- Uninstall the VPN client by right-clicking on it.
- To uninstall the VPN client, follow the on-screen instructions. You can now uninstall the TAP-Windows Adapter.
2. Reinstall Tap Windows Adapter V9
Reinstall the tap windows version 9.9 x by following the below procedure.
- Begin by closing the VPN software and ending the VPN connection.
- Then, to open Device Manager, open a Run window (Windows key + R), type “devmgmt.msc” and push Enter.
- Scroll down to Network adapters in Device Manager and expand the drop-down menu.
- Next, look for Tap Windows Adapter V9 and see if the icon linked with it has an exclamation point.
- Reinstalling the driver usually solves the problem if you see an exclamation point.
- Right-click on the driver. Select Uninstall device from the context menu.
- Remove the Tap Windows Adapter V9 driver from Device Manager. Now, Reopen your VPN client.
- You’ll be prompted to install the missing Network Driver (the Tap Windows adaptor). It will install it automatically without prompting.
- Check Device Manager to check if the yellow exclamation icon has vanished. If it isn’t, contact your VPN client for assistance or look for another VPN service.
3. Restart Tap Windows Adapter V9
The abovementioned issue indicates a problem with the Tap Windows Adapter, which can be resolved by restarting it. To restart the Tap Adapter, follow this simple guide:
- Open the Control Panel window.
- Select Network and Internet from the menu.
- Change the adapter settings now.
- Disable the local area connection linked with TAP-Windows Adapter V9.
- In the Network Connections window by right-clicking it.
- Right-click it again after a few seconds and pick Enable.
- Restart your VPN client to test if it’s still working.
Do Tap Windows Adapter Driver Safe?
The Tap Windows Adapter isn’t a virus in the conventional sense. VPN services rely on this network driver to connect to servers. It is a requirement for most VPN clients and must be installed on your device.
