Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter Missing in Device Manager of Windows 10/11 FIX

The Microsoft Hosted Network virtual adapter may be lost from your computer when your PC updates to Windows 10/11 or some unknown error occurs with your PC. Then you won't be able to share the Internet on your device with others, and this can be quite inconvenient for you.

Maybe you can't find the Microsoft Network Virtual Adapter in Device Manager or it says “Unable to start hosted network. The pool or resource is not in the correct state to perform the requested operation” in Command Prompt. So how should you deal with this kind of problem? There are several solutions with detailed steps.

Solution 1. Disable and re-enable Wi-Fi

If your Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter is missing from Device Manager, try this first, as it may enable wireless connections.

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Network Connections.

2. Locate Wi-Fi and then right click on it. Select Disable.

3. After a while, right click on it again and Enable it.

After you enable it, the virtual adapter will appear and show up as a local area connection. And you can start running the Microsoft Hosted Netowrk Virtual Adapter again.

Solution 2. Enable Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter Driver

One reason for the lack of Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter Driver is that it is disabled, so you cannot find it in Device Manager. Try enabling it to fix this problem.

1. Go to Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start Menu.

2. Select View in the top menu and select Show hidden devices.

3. Extend Network Adapters. Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter will appear in the list.

4. If you can see it in the list, right-click it and select Enable Device.

Then the Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter can be used.

Solution 3. Run the network troubleshooter

Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter is missing from Device Manager

Windows 10/11 comes with a number of built-in troubleshooters that allow you to solve common problems like this one. Since this missing adapter problem is related to the network adapter you are using, you must run the Network Adapter troubleshooter.

1. For that, you can press Windows Keys + I to open Windows Settings and go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooter.

2. Here you can find Network Adapters. Select this troubleshooter and click the Run the troubleshooter button.

Then, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the steps. You may also have to restart your computer.

Solution 4. Restart the WLAN AutoConfig service

The WLAN AutoConfig service allows you to connect or establish a connection between your computer and wireless networks, adapters, and more. This particular service is somehow associated with the Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter. In other words, if this service is not running or is slow, you may see the problem as mentioned. Therefore, you should verify if the WLAN AutoConfig service is running.

1. To get started, search for services in the Taskbar search box and click on each result to open the Services

2. Then double click on the WLAN AutoConfig setting. If it is already running, click the Stop and Start buttons respectively.

3. However, if it doesn't run, expand the Startup Type list > select Automatic and click the Start button.

4. Finally, click the OK button, close all windows and restart your computer.

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Solution 5. Change Wireless Adapter Drivers’ Properties

There are two properties you can change to solve this problem. One is Power Management and the other is to enable HT Mode. You can change the old one first.

1. Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters.

2. Then find your wireless adapter, right click on it and select Properties.

3. Select the Power Management tab and select Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. And click OK.

Assuming that you have checked, but the problem persists, you can change the second property. And this is the solution if allowing the computer to turn off this device to save power is grayed out.

4. Select the Advanced tab in the wireless adapter's Properties. Then select HT Mode in Properties and HT Mode or VHT Mode in Values. Then click OK.

Solution 6. Update your wireless adapter driver

Sometimes this problem occurs because you have not updated the wireless adapter driver when a new version is available. In this case, your driver needs to be updated.

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Device Manager.

2. Expand Network Adapters and select the wireless adapter driver you want to update. Then right click on it and select Update Driver.