Windows 10: Why is the host PC using a virtual external network interface?

Hi everyone,

Hope everybody is doing well and keeping safe.

I'm running a CentOS vm in Hyper-V that I needed to expose to my home network so I created an external switch and connected to it. All is working well on this front, no complaints.

What's confusing me is..my host Win 10 Pro (version 20H2) PC seems to be using that external switch instead of the default and physical LAN (where the ethernet cable is plugged in). I mean the thing is showing as connected but when I checked its properties, only "Microsoft LLDP Protocol Driver" and "Hyper-V Extensible Virtual Switch" are selected, the rest are unchecked.

Why is this? I ask because in the future I plan to populate more VMs and intend to expose them to my home network as well..so I kind of need to understand how this is working.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, my networking is quite weak.

Thank you.

:)

 

microsoft hosted network virtual adapter

Hi Sayan,

I too, had uninstalled the Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter, since I was unable to create a hotspot from the computer. After restarting, I was hoping for the adapter to be visible/present in the device manager, as it happens when we
uninstall a USB Controller.

However, after restarting, the adapter is not seen in the Network adapters list, and also not found under the
Other list, as you suggested above. This was checked after enabling view for hidden devices. Also, there is
no yellow alert symbol near any adapter.

I have also restored the computer to an earlier restore point, but the adapter is still not seen !

Since, the Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter itself is not found in the list, there is no way to update the driver software for it.

Hotspot creation has worked for me many times since I've upgraded to Windows 10, and I need it to keep working as before.

Request you to help !

Thank you.

Also, Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter is not associated with a hardware, is it ?

 

how to install microsoft hosted network virtual adapter

Hello Jiaqi,

From the description provided, I understand that windows is unable to configure the Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter device in Windows.

We would like to know the device status of the Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter in the

Device Manager settings.

Unknown and uninstalled devices will be listed under
Other. The device will have a yellow alert symbol on it. The properties for the device will show that
no driver was found.

As an initial recommendation, I suggest you to follow these steps to run the Windows in built troubleshooter:

a) Write Troubleshooting in the search box and hit enter.

b) Click on Troubleshooting
tab.

c) Click on view all option on the upper left corner.

d) Select the Network Adapter option from the list.

e) Click Next to run the Hardware and Device
Troubleshooter.

If you don't find the requisite drivers installed, follow the below steps to install the drivers.

• Press “Windows Logo” + “R” keys on the keyboard and type “devmgmt.msc” in the “Run” Command box and press “Enter”.
• In the “Device Manager” window, search for the 'Network Adapter'
  drivers, right click on it and then select "Update Driver Software'.
• Then select the option 'Browse my computer for driver software '>>
  'Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computers'.
• Now uncheck the option 'Show compatible hardware'.
• Under the Manufacturer select Microsoft and search for 'Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter'
  under Model.
• Now follow the on screen instructions.

Write to us with the updated status on the issue related to Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter configuration. If the issue still persists, we would be happy to help you.

Thank You.

 

Hosted network virtual adapter

Hi Pinank,

Welcome to Microsoft Community and we appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

I will definitely assist you.

Lets’ try simple steps and check if this helps in resolving the issue.

Step 1.

I would suggest you to restart the computer and check if it automatically installed the Hosted network virtual adapter.

If the above step did not help to fix the issue.

Step 2.

I would recommend you to go to Device manager and click on Scan for Hardware changes.
It will automatically detect the changes and fix it. Restart the computer once scan is done.

Hope this helps. Post us with the status we will be glad to help you.