Share via

Permanently Uninstall Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapters

Anonymous
2023-07-26T15:43:19+00:00

I have an Azure VPN connection set up on my computer. I've noticed lately that every time I open a new Explorer window for anything (saving as, opening a new File Explorer window to find a file, browsing for a file to open in a program, etc.) the VPN immediately crashes. However, I've also noticed that when I delete the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter(s) from Device Manager the problem disappears. I can maintain my VPN connection with no problems and open as many Explorer windows as I want with no issues whatsoever. The problem is that these Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapters always come back after a reboot. I have tried multiple methods so far in an attempt to permanently uninstall them and to prevent them from reinstalling on reboot, but to no avail.

Here are the steps I've taken so far:

  • Changed the settings for Projecting to this PC, located at Settings > System > Projecting to this PC, to be set to "Always Off" under Some Windows and Android devices can project to this PC when you say it's OK.
  • Deleted the HostedNetworkSettings value at this location in the registry HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\Wlansvc\Parameters\HostedNetworkSettings.
  • Set Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter #1 and #2 to just disabled in Device Manager instead of uninstalling. This resulted in Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter #3 and #4 being created instead.
  • Set settings > system > about > system protection > hardware > device installation settings > switched to No and saved changes.
  • Disabled uPNP and SSDP discovery in services.msc.

I'm at a loss for what else to try. I've heard that maybe uninstalling the wireless display feature might help, but other than that I have nothing left to go on. I've read other MS community articles that suggest changing the Projecting to this PC setting worked for them, but that has not worked for me.

Does anyone have a reliable way to ensure these Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapters uninstall permanently and do not reinstall after a reboot?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

4 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2023-07-31T14:40:18+00:00

    Hi Amr,

    I'm sorry to bug you here, but I followed your suggestion and created a post in the Q & A forum almost a week ago and have gotten no replies; https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1337482/need-help-permanently-uninstalling-microsoft-wi-fi

    Did I post it in the correct location? Do you know when I might get some assistance? Please let me know if I need to change anything.

    Thank you!

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2023-07-26T16:21:09+00:00

    Hello Nick,

    I'm Amr, an independent advisor.

    I apologize that this forum is for home users. Your query is more technical in nature (VPN Gateway), so could you please post this question on Microsoft Q&A

    Microsoft Site Q&A forum is frequented by IT experts who can help you with your problem.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/quest...

    Have a great day.

    Best Regards,

    Amr

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2023-07-26T16:34:36+00:00

    You are welcome

    Have a great day

    Best Regards,

    Amr

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2023-07-26T16:29:44+00:00

    Sure thing, Amr, thank you for letting me know! I'll post over there asap.

    0 comments