in newer versions of Windows) is a virtual networking tool that mimics a physical network card. It allows you to run network-dependent applications on a computer that has no active network connection, routing traffic from one local application to another without ever sending it to an external network. How to Install on Windows 11 You can install this adapter using the Add Hardware Wizard hdwwiz.exe Launch the Wizard hdwwiz.exe , and press Enter. Manual Selection , then select
Press Win + R , type ncpa.cpl , and hit to open Network Connections.
If this option is missing from the Action menu, it means you have not selected the top-level host computer name in the Device Manager window. Click the top line of the list and try again. microsoft loopback adapter windows 11
Right-click the new adapter (usually named Ethernet 2 or Ethernet 3 ) and select . Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) . Select Use the following IP address . Enter a private IP address (e.g., 192.168.100.1 ). Enter a standard Subnet mask (e.g., 255.255.255.0 ). Leave the Default Gateway blank. Click OK to save changes. How to Rename the Adapter for Clarity
Remember that in Windows 11, it is officially named "Microsoft KM-TEST Loopback Adapter". in newer versions of Windows) is a virtual
While the Microsoft Loopback Adapter remains a useful tool, Windows 11 offers several alternatives for similar purposes:
: Running applications that require a network interface to launch properly even when offline. Server Emulation Manual Selection , then select Press Win + R , type ncpa
Click , click Next again to confirm, and then click Finish . How to Configure the Loopback Adapter
If the adapter does not appear in the "Add Legacy Hardware" list, ensure you are running Device Manager with administrative privileges. Occasionally, third-party antivirus software may block the creation of virtual network interfaces; disabling the firewall temporarily during installation can resolve this.