The Anchorfree HSS Adapter is a virtual network adapter associated with Hotspot Shield VPN software. Its driver allows Windows to communicate with the adapter so the VPN application can route network traffic through a virtual connection. When installing it on Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, choose a driver package that explicitly supports your operating system.

Key Features

• Virtual network connectivity: Provides the software interface used by compatible VPN software to send and receive traffic through the Anchorfree HSS Adapter.
• Windows network integration: Allows the operating system to recognize and manage the adapter alongside other network devices.
• Support for VPN operation: Supplies the adapter-level functionality needed by the VPN application; encryption and connection settings are handled by the VPN software.
• Driver repair and replacement: Reinstalling a compatible package may resolve missing-driver warnings or adapter initialization problems caused by damaged driver files.

How to Install

1. Check your Windows version and system type. Open your system information to confirm whether you use Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7 and whether the installation is 32-bit or 64-bit. Match both details to the package’s stated requirements.

1. Obtain a compatible driver package. Use a trusted package supplied by the manufacturer or included with the relevant VPN application. If the driver is distributed as part of the application, use that installer rather than an unrelated standalone network driver.

1. Disconnect the VPN and run the installer. Close the VPN application before making changes. Launch the setup program with administrator permissions and follow its prompts. Your network connection may briefly disconnect during installation.

1. Use Device Manager if manual installation is required. For a package containing driver files without a setup program, extract the files, open Device Manager, and locate the adapter under Network adapters or Other devices. Select Update driver, choose Browse my computer for drivers, and point Windows to the extracted folder.

1. Restart and verify the connection. Restart Windows if prompted, then check that the Anchorfree HSS Adapter appears without a warning icon in Device Manager. Open the VPN application and test a connection. If the adapter still fails, repairing or reinstalling the compatible VPN application may restore its associated driver components.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or adapter shows Code 10/28: Uninstall the Anchorfree HSS Adapter and any hidden TAP adapters in Device Manager, reboot, then reinstall Hotspot Shield as administrator with antivirus temporarily disabled.
• Device not detected / no Network Connections entry: In Device Manager, scan for hardware changes under Network adapters. If still missing, run the Hotspot Shield installer’s repair option, then enable the adapter in Network Connections.
• Version conflicts with other TAP/VPN adapters: Remove stale Anchorfree or TAP-Windows adapters, keep only the current HSS adapter, update Hotspot Shield, and roll back the driver if a recent update breaks connectivity.