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FIX: Windows needs the TAP-Win32 adapter name

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

TheWindows needs theTAP-Win32 adapter nameerror appears in OpenVPN files (ovpn format). It’s generated byWindowswhen attempting to connect to the secure tunnel.

Here’s the completeerror message:

. # Windows needs the TAP-Win32 adapter name

. # from the Network Connections panel

. # if you have more than one

If you’re not familiar with howVPNsand OpenVPN work, this error message could prevent you from successfully using a virtual private network solution.

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How can I fix theWindows needs the TAP-Win32 adapter nameerror?

Rename the OpenVPN TAP adapters

Skip this step if you have only one TAP-Win32 adapter for OpenVPN installed.

However, if there are two or more interfaces, you need to tell Windows which one to use when creating a secure tunnel.

Keep in mind that you need admin rights for the following steps:

It indicates that you have two or more TAP-Win32 adapters installed for OpenVPN, so you need to specify the adapter that should be used.

This solution should helpfix OpenVPN connection issueson your PC.

Reinstall the OpenVPN network adapter

If you have only one TAP-Win32 adapter for OpenVPN installed, it’s a good idea to reinstall it.

Here’s what you need to do:

Use a commercial VPN with OpenVPN support

Instead of using the OpenVPN client, consider using a commercial VPN likePrivate Internet Accessbecause it fixes any OpenVPN configuration issues on its own.

Plus, you can effortlessly switch VPN servers and reinstall the OpenVPN adapter from the Help menu if you encounter any issues.

PIA comes with some extra cool features, such as private DNS servers, static and dynamic IP addresses, split tunneling mode, kill switch, and native port forwarding.

More about PIA:

Private Internet Access

Conclusion

To recap, you can fix theWindows needs the TAP-Win32 adapter nameerror by renaming or reinstalling the OpenVPN network adapters.

But we suggest using a commercial VPN service like Private Internet Access since it simplifies the way you connect to a secure tunnel using OpenVPN.

Did you manage to fix the error using the solutions above? Let us know in the comment section below.

FIX: Windows needs the TAP-Win32 adapter name#

How can I fix theWindows needs the TAP-Win32 adapter nameerror?#

Rename the OpenVPN TAP adapters#

Reinstall the OpenVPN network adapter#

Use a commercial VPN with OpenVPN support#

Private Internet Access#

Conclusion#