Fixing the “There are no TAP-Windows adapters on this system” Error on Windows

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When using VPN services like OpenVPN or NordVPN on Windows, you might encounter the error message “There are no TAP-Windows adapters on this system.” This error can be frustrating, but with the right steps, it’s solvable. In this tutorial, we’ll explore the root causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.

Understanding the Error

What is a TAP-Windows Adapter?

TAP-Windows adapter is a virtual network kernel device. It’s essential for VPN services to function correctly on Windows. Think of it as a bridge that helps your computer communicate with the VPN server.

Common Causes

  1. Corrupted TAP Driver: Sometimes, the TAP driver installed on your system might get corrupted, leading to this error.
  2. Multiple TAP Adapters: If there are multiple TAP adapters installed, it might confuse the VPN software.
  3. VPN Software Configuration: Incorrect settings in your VPN software can also trigger this error.

Solutions

1. Reinstalling TAP Drivers

A common solution is to reinstall the TAP drivers. Here’s how:

  1. Uninstall Existing TAP Drivers:
  • Open Control Panel.
  • Navigate to Programs and Features.
  • Find TAP-Windows in the list. Right-click and select Uninstall.
  • Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.
  1. Reinstall TAP Drivers:
  • For OpenVPN:
    • Download the latest version of OpenVPN from the official website.
    • During installation, ensure the TAP-Windows component is selected.
  • For NordVPN:
    • NordVPN will automatically install TAP drivers. If prompted, allow the installation.
  1. Restart Your Computer: After reinstalling, restart your computer to ensure changes take effect.

2. Checking for Multiple TAP Adapters

Having multiple TAP adapters can cause conflicts. Here’s how to check and resolve:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter. This opens the Network Connections window.
  3. Look for multiple TAP adapters. If you see more than one, right-click and Disable all but one.

3. Configuring OpenVPN/NordVPN

Sometimes, the issue might be with the VPN software configuration:

  • For OpenVPN:
  1. Navigate to the OpenVPN installation directory (usually C:\Program Files\OpenVPN).
  2. Right-click on OpenVPN GUI and select Run as administrator.
  3. Try connecting again.
  • For NordVPN:
  1. Open NordVPN.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. Ensure that the TAP adapter is set to the correct version (usually the latest).
  4. Try reconnecting.

4. Using devcon.exe to Manage TAP Adapters

devcon.exe is a command-line utility that can help manage and reinstall TAP adapters.

  1. Download devcon.exe:
    • It’s part of the Windows Driver Kit. You can download it from the official Microsoft website. Ensure you get the version that matches your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
  2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  3. Navigate to the Directory Containing devcon.exe:
    • Use the cd command to navigate. For example: cd C:\path\to\devcon\directory.
  4. List All Network Adapters:
    • Enter devcon listclass net.
  5. Find the TAP Adapter:
    • Look for a device with a name similar to TAP-Windows Adapter V9.
  6. Reinstall the TAP Adapter:
    • Use the command devcon install "path\to\OemVista.inf" "Root\NET\0000", replacing path\to\OemVista.inf with the path to the TAP adapter’s .inf file (usually found in the OpenVPN installation directory) and "Root\NET\0000" with the hardware ID of the TAP adapter.

Conclusion

The “There are no TAP-Windows adapters on this system” error can be a hurdle, but with the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve it and enjoy a seamless VPN experience. If you continue to face issues, consider reaching out to the VPN service’s support team for further assistance.

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