What is: TAP Windows Adapter V9 and How to Remove it

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on September 1, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

The Tap Windows Adapter V9 is a virtual network interface that enables VPN clients to establish a VPN connection. The Tap Windows Adapter V9 driver is installed in:

C:/Program Files/Tap-Windows

Some users have reported issues with their internet connection while the Tap Windows Adapter V9 is enabled or that the adapter re-enables itself automatically after being disabled in Device Manager.

What is a TAP Windows Adapter?

A Windows TAP adapter is a network driver installed by most VPN programs. This adapter typically appears in Device Manager after the initial installation of the VPN client (Hamachi, SoftEther, Cyberghost, etc.). Most VPN suites use this adapter to enable private internet connections.

Depending on your Windows version, you may encounter two versions of Windows TAP drivers:

  • NDIS 5 driver (tap-windows, version 9.9.x) – on Windows XP.
  • NDIS 6 driver (tap-windows, version 9.21.x) – on Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista.

Should You Reinstall or Remove the Tap Windows Adapter? Here’s When and Why

If you’re using a VPN network connection, you generally don’t need to remove the adapter. However, if you’re experiencing connectivity issues with the VPN connection active, you should investigate and reinstall the Tap Windows Adapter if the driver is corrupted.

If you previously used a VPN but no longer do, the leftover Tap Windows Adapter might cause internet issues. Removing the adapter should fix the problem, but it may reinstall if you keep the VPN software.

How to Reinstall the TAP-Windows Adapter V9

If you cannot connect to a VPN network, check if the Tap adapter is installed correctly and reinstall it if corrupted.

  1. Terminate the VPN connection and close the VPN program.
  2. Open a Run window (Windows key + R), type “devmgmt.msc“, and hit Enter to open Device Manager.
  3. In Device Manager, expand Network adapters.
  4. Locate Tap – Windows Adapter V9. If it has an exclamation mark, right-click on the driver and select Uninstall device.
  5. Open your VPN client again. It will either prompt you to install the missing network driver or it will automatically install it.

Note: If your VPN software shows a “missing driver error” without reinstalling the driver, reinstall the entire VPN client. Alternatively, visit this OpenVPN link (here), scroll down to Tap-Windows, and download the installer.

Return to Device Manager and check if the exclamation icon is removed. If not, seek support from your VPN client or consider a different provider.

How to Remove the TAP-Windows Adapter V9

Removing the Tap Windows Adapter driver may require additional steps if it reappears after uninstallation due to VPN software startup services. To uninstall the Tap Windows Adapter V9 driver:

Go to Program Files > Tap-Windows, and double-click uninstall.exe. Follow the prompts to remove the driver.

If the driver reappears, you must remove the VPN software:

  1. Open a Run window (Windows key + R), type “appwiz.cpl“, and hit Enter to open Programs and Features.
  2. Locate and uninstall the VPN client. If you have tried multiple VPNs, remove all until no software requires the TAP Windows Adapter V9.
Kevin ArrowsUpdated on September 1, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Comments

9
    NM
    N. Scott McPherson Oct 20, 2018

    Heh, if you are having this problem I had an external hard drive bay and when I turned it off the Network’s immediately came back. That was the only thing different I had changed between when they stopped working and when it was working. I think it was the frequency of the external HD bay that was interfering with the wifi signal.

    Reply
    YH
    yh58x2 May 10, 2020

    Could an absence or problem with the”TAP Windows Adapter V9″ cause a VPN client to say “Due to the restrictions on your network, you have been automatically connected with Shadowsock protocol”. (If you’re not in a restricted country.) Thanks.

    Reply
      SW
      Shane Warren Author May 11, 2020

      Most likely a restriction from the country but. You can try to get this adapter back and check if that fixes things.

      Reply
        YH
        yh58x2 May 11, 2020

        Thanks. I’m with Comcast/USA. Never heard of restrictions here. My Surfshark install wasn’t seamless on Win7 so I have a feeling that’s the problem. It first installed NET Framework, then an attempt to install a Win7 security update which failed, then Surfshark, and lastly the TAP Windows Adapter V9. If I know for sure the issue is with Comcast then I’ll give up on VPN. Screenshot: https://postimg.cc/Yhhhjk3K.

        Reply
          SW
          Shane Warren Author May 17, 2020

          Issue could be with the install aswell. Is there any other computer at your home running on Windows 8 or 10? maybe try this VPN over there. Alternatively, you would have to give up on the VPN.

    CH
    Chris Aug 7, 2021

    I have a System 10 Lenovo ideapad 320 and it has AnchorFree TAP-Windows Adapter V9 and AnchorFree TAP-Windows Adapterer V9#2. It has been running slowly recently, even though I have cleaned it up. Do I need to remove the V9#2?

    Reply
      MZ
      Muhammad Zubyan Author Aug 8, 2021

      Yes you have to remove both TAP Adaptors.

      Reply
    CB
    Cyrille Beenhackker Oct 5, 2021

    Hi Kevin, I have a strange TAP issue on my HP Elitebook. When I open CyberGhost it creates a TAP adapter to connect and then Disables my wifi adapter. So no internet then. it is a visious circle I can not get out of. Disabling the TAP adapter enables my wifi but starting Cyberghost creates a new TAP adapter #2 and disables my wifi adapter again..etc. Any suggestions what I can do?

    Reply
      MZ
      Muhammad Zubyan Author Oct 5, 2021

      I suggest you completely remove Cyberghost and all the TAP adaptors from your computer then do a clean fresh Install of Cyberghost. Also, try these steps:-Turn off your WiFi and connect to the Ethernet, then follow these steps:-1. Search for Command Prompt and click “Run as administrator”.
      2. Once the Command Prompt window opens type the following command:-netcfg -d3. Wait for the command to run then restart your computer.Check to see if the issue is resolved.

      Reply