If you use a device with Windows 10, you’ve probably heard of the Microsoft WiFi Direct Virtual Adapter. This adapter makes a virtual wireless network and lets devices connect without a physical access point. But if you don’t use this feature or are having trouble connecting, you may want to remove it or turn it off. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to remove or disable the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter, allowing you to improve your device’s performance and network connectivity. So, let’s get started!
What Does the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter Do?
The Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter is a virtual network adapter that uses WiFi Direct technology to allow devices to connect directly to each other without the need for a wireless access point. It creates a virtual wireless network on your Windows 10 device, which other devices can connect to.
The Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter has several benefits, including:
- Easy connection:
You can easily connect devices to your Windows 10 device without the need for a wireless access point.
- High speed:
Wi-Fi Direct offers faster data transfer speeds than Bluetooth, making it ideal for transferring large files.
- Longer range:
Wi-Fi Direct has a longer range than Bluetooth, making it suitable for larger areas.
- Compatibility:
Wi-Fi Direct is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.
Disabling Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter
Disabling the Microsoft WiFi Direct Virtual Adapter may seem daunting at first, but it can improve your device’s performance and network connectivity. With the right guidance, you can easily disable this feature on your Windows 10 device.
How to Remove the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter via the Device Manager
If you’re not using the Microsoft WiFi Direct Virtual Adapter on your Windows 10 device, you may want to remove it to improve your device’s performance. Here’s how you can remove the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter via the Device Manager:
- Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the list.
- Expand the Network adapters category and look for the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter.
- Right-click the adapter afterward and select Uninstall device. Check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device” and click Uninstall.
- Click Yes to confirm that you want to uninstall the adapter.
- Once the adapter is uninstalled, restart your device to complete the process.
Disable “Project to This PC”
If you’re experiencing connectivity issues with your external Wi-Fi adapter on your Windows 10 device, disabling the “Project to This PC” feature may help.
- Firstly, press the Windows key + I and select Settings.
- Click on System and then click on the Projecting to this PC option.
- In the Projecting to this PC window, change the “Some Windows and Android devices can project to this PC when you say it’s OK” option to “Available everywhere” or “Off”.
- Once you have disabled the “Project to This PC” feature, restart your device to complete the process.
How to Remove the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter Using the Command Prompt
If you prefer using the Command Prompt to manage your Windows 10 device, you can also remove the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter using this method. Here’s how:
- Firstly, press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu.
- Type “netsh wlan delete profile name=* i=*” and press Enter. This command will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks on your device, including the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter.
- Once the command is executed successfully, restart your device to complete the process.
How to Remove the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter Using the Registry Editor
Another method to remove the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter on your Windows 10 device is by using the Registry Editor. While this method requires more technical expertise, it can be a useful alternative.
How to do it?
- Firstly, press the Windows key + R, type “regedit” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter.
- Use the navigation pane on the left to go to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Network{4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}”.
- Look for a subkey that contains the value “Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter” in the “DriverDesc” key.
- Right-click the subkey afterward and select Delete. Confirm the action if prompted.
- Once the subkey is deleted, restart your device to complete the process.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter is a virtual network adapter that creates a virtual wireless network on your Windows 10 device. Disabling or removing it can improve your device’s performance and network connectivity. You can remove it via the Device Manager, Command Prompt, or Registry Editor.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter is a virtual network adapter that uses Wi-Fi Direct technology to allow devices to connect directly to each other without the need for a wireless access point.
The benefits of the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter include easy connection, high speed, longer range, and compatibility with a wide range of devices.
You can disable it by removing it via the Device Manager, disabling “Project to This PC” feature, using the Command Prompt, or Registry Editor.