Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter Driver

The Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter is a software-based network adapter used by Windows to create a wireless hosted network through a compatible Wi-Fi adapter. Its driver support allows the virtual interface to work with your physical wireless hardware, helping share an internet connection when Windows settings and hardware capabilities permit. Availability on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 varies: newer systems commonly use Mobile Hotspot instead of the older Hosted Network feature.

Key Features

• Virtual wireless networking: Provides a logical Wi-Fi interface for a hosted wireless network without requiring a second physical adapter.
• Connection sharing support: Works with Windows Internet Connection Sharing to provide network access to other devices when correctly configured.
• Windows networking integration: Uses Microsoft’s built-in networking components alongside a compatible wireless adapter driver.
• Hardware-dependent functionality: Relies on the physical Wi-Fi adapter and its driver supporting Hosted Network; installing a driver cannot add this capability to unsupported hardware.

How to Install

1. Check your wireless adapter. Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters to identify the physical Wi-Fi device. Select View > Show hidden devices to check whether Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter is already listed.

1. Choose a compatible update. This virtual adapter typically does not require a separate standalone driver download. Obtain the physical wireless adapter’s driver through Windows Update or your computer or Wi-Fi adapter manufacturer, matching your Windows version and system architecture.

1. Install the wireless driver. Run the manufacturer’s installer, or right-click the physical adapter in Device Manager, select Update driver, and browse to the extracted driver folder. Restart your computer if prompted.

1. Check Hosted Network support. On systems using the legacy feature, open Command Prompt and run `netsh wlan show drivers`. Look for “Hosted network supported.” A “No” result means the current hardware and driver combination does not expose that feature.

1. Set up the appropriate sharing option. On Windows 10 or Windows 11, check Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot. On Windows 7 or Windows 8, use Hosted Network configuration and Internet Connection Sharing if supported. The virtual adapter may appear only after a hosted network is configured or enabled.

If the adapter remains missing, avoid installing unrelated network drivers. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility guidance; Mobile Hotspot can work on supported newer systems even when the legacy Hosted Network adapter is unavailable.