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What is Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter?
The adapter allows network debugging on Windows PCs
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter is one of the network adapters in Device Manager. This network driver is designed for a special purpose and generally hidden from view.
In this guide, we will explain everything about the Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter and for purpose which it is used.
What is Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter?
Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter is a virtual Network Interface Card (NIC) that is developed to carry out the remote debugging of Windows using the network connection.
The primary purpose of the virtual network adapter is to collect the data from the Windows kernel to carry out the debugging procedure.
Previously, Windows only supported debugging using the serial, USB, or Firewire but with Windows Server 2012, Microsoft introduced network debugging, which is still prevalent in the current version of Windows 11, which leverages the network adapter in question.
The Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter generally remains hidden. It only pops up when Windows debugging is enabled and Windows is configured to boot into the kernel debug mode.
What are the advantages of Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter?
Kernel debuggingover a network using the Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter is indeed a complex task. However, it offers a slew of advantages over debugging using other types of connectivity. Some of these are:
As inferred, the network adapter is necessary to carry out the kernel debugging process successfully on a Windows PC and is not essential for the normal day-to-day functioning of your system.
Additionally, several users have reported that they begin to experience problems when using the network over theethernet connectionwhen the Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter is enabled. Hence, you may want to disable the adapter when not in use.
How do I disable the Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter?
1. Via Command Prompt
Executing the above command will disable the Windows debugging features such that the Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter will no longer be required.
If you ever want to enable Windows debugging in the future, all you need to do is to run thebcdedit /debug offcommand in the Windows command prompt.
2. From Device Manager
You can easily disable the Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter from the device manager window. To enable the concerned device again, simply choose the Enable Device option from the context menu of the Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter.
That’s pretty much it! Here’s everything you need to know about the Microsoft Kernel Debug Adapter that facilitates kernel mode debugging.
Before you leave, you may want to check out thebest debugging softwarefor Windows.
In case you have any queries or feedback for us, do reach out to us in the comments section.
More about the topics:Network
Taiba Hasan
A postgraduate in Computer Applications, she is an avid technical writer who loves to craft content revolving around Windows, Android, and emerging technologies like SaaS. With How-To and troubleshooting guides, she aims to provide the best solutions for the problem and make technology less complicated for novice users.
Besides writing, she also loves to cook delicacies and spent time in her garden. In her free time, you will find her binge-watching web series or gazing the night sky.
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