Add Virtual Network Adapter Windows 11 Link May 2026

pnputil /add-driver "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\netloop.inf_amd64_*\netloop.inf" /install

Note: The exact path may vary. Alternatively, use the built-in command:

Better method – use devcon (if installed from Windows SDK) or this script: add virtual network adapter windows 11 link

$netloop = Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_SystemDriver | Where-Object $_.Name -like "*loop*"
if (!$netloop) 
    Start-Process "hdwwiz.exe" -ArgumentList "/C" -NoNewWindow -Wait

But easiest is still the Method 1 GUI or this reliable PowerShell: Note: The exact path may vary

Add-WindowsDriver -Online -Driver "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\netloop.inf_amd64_neutral_*"

If errors occur, use Device Manager method. But easiest is still the Method 1 GUI

Enable users to create, configure, and remove virtual network adapters directly within Windows 11 without third-party tools (like Loopback Adapter or OpenVPN TAP). This feature simplifies network simulation, VM hosting, container networking, and VPN testing.

If your virtual adapter shows "No network access," you need to force a link state. Fix: Open PowerShell as Admin and run:

Get-NetAdapter -Name "vEthernet*" | Restart-NetAdapter

You have followed all steps, but the virtual network adapter is not showing in Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network Connections (accessible via the ncpa.cpl link). Here is the fix: