Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter: What Does It Do?

Everything you need to know about this virtual network adapter

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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You might have wondered what theMicrosoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapterdoes on your PC. It would be best if you rest assured that this network adapter is Microsoft and completely safe.

But if the adapter is messing with your activities and you wonder if it is worth keeping, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about it.

What does Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter do?

As the name goes, the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter helps make your PC a wireless hotspot. With this, other computers can connect to your PC to access the internet.

It does this by virtualizing your wireless network adapter. With this, your singlephysical wireless adapterwill be converted to two virtual ones.

This allows you to connect one of the virtual adapters to your wireless network. The other one then serves as a hotspot for other PCs to connect.

How do I disable or remove Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter?

1. Use Device Manager

If you want to disable the virtual adapter for some reason, the first option is to do it via the Device Manager. This makes it unavailable for connection.

Should you decide to enable the adapter again, you only need to repeat the steps above and selectEnable deviceinStep 4instead.

2. Disable the adapter via the Registry Editor

Another effective option to disable the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter is to go via the Registry Editor. To confirm if the operation was successful, launch Command Prompt as an admin, and run the command below:netsh wlan show hostednetwork

If the operation is successful, theModewill be set toNot configuredunder Hosted network settings.

3. Use Command Prompt

An easier way of disabling the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter is to run a few commands on Command Prompt. These commands will automatically stop the adapter from sharing your network.

4. Disable Project to this PC

If this virtual adapter is causing issues with your external Wi-Fi adapter, you can fix it simply by disabling the Project to this PC feature. This will allow you to use the adapter without many issues.

The Microsoft Wi-Fi Virtual Direct Adapter is a useful feature that allows other computers to use your PC’s internet. However, if it causing problems on your PC, the solutions in this guide will help you disable it for good.

If yourWi-Fi adapter is not workingfor some reason, check our detailed article to fix it quickly.

Feel free to share your experience using this virtual adapter with us in the comments below.

Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter: What Does It Do?#

What does Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter do?#

How do I disable or remove Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter?#

1. Use Device Manager#

2. Disable the adapter via the Registry Editor#

3. Use Command Prompt#

4. Disable Project to this PC#