If you are using a VPN in Windows then you have definitely heard about the TAP-Windows adapters. Most of the VPN software install a particular network driver called TAP-Windows driver. This driver, install automatically while installing the VPN software. This TAP adapter appears in Device Manager after the installation of the VPN Client. Mostly this adapter is used by the VPN suites for connecting to the internet privately. If you encountered an error “There are no TAP-Windows adapters installed on this system” while connecting to VPN then this article will guide you to fix this issue. TAP-Windows driver comes in two types:
- NDIS 6 (TAP-windows6, version 9.21.x) for Windows 10/8/7/Vista.
- NDIS 5 driver (TAP-windows, version 9.9.x) for Windows XP.
There are no TAP-Windows adapters installed on this system
Once you encountered this error then follow the recommended solutions one by one in order.
Restart TAP-Windows adapter:
The first and basic troubleshooting method to fix this error is to restart the TAP-Windows adapter.
Open Run command by pressing Windows + R and type ncpa.cpl and hit enter. This command will open the adapter options.
Now look for the TAP adapter and right-click on it and choose Disable.
Next right click on the TAP adapter and rename it. Now restart the system once and Enable the TAP adapter again.
Reinstall TAP-Windows Drivers.
After Restarting the TAP-Windows adapter, if you are facing the error, then reinstalling the TAP-Windows Drivers will fix the issue. If the TAP-Windows adapter is part of your VPN software then you have to uninstall your VPN software from Programs and Features. Next restart the system once and Install the VPN software again. This will bring back the TAP drivers. Some VPN software won’t allow you to install or uninstall without the TAP-Windows adapter in that case you need to completely remove the TAP drivers and then install it back manually.
Open run command and type devmgmt.msc and hit enter. This command will open the Device Manager.
Expand the Network adapters and right-click on the TAP-Windows Adapter and choose Uninstall.
Once the Uninstallation is done then restart the system once and download the TAP windows driver from this link. Install the driver and now try to install your VPN software. Mostly this will fix the issue.
