Windows 11 ^new^: Microsoft Loopback Adapter

Technical Guide: Microsoft Loopback Adapter on Windows 11 Microsoft Loopback Adapter (now officially known as the Microsoft KM-TEST Loopback Adapter

Security and scope notes

The adapter only affects the local host’s networking stack; it does not expose a new external network path by itself. Any services bound to it are reachable only from the host (or from VMs/containers explicitly connected to it) unless you add routing or bridging. microsoft loopback adapter windows 11

Method 1: Using the Settings App (Modern)

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
3. Click More network adapter options (or "Change adapter options" under Related settings).
4. The classic Control Panel "Network Connections" window will open.
5. Right-click the Microsoft KM-TEST Loopback Adapter and select Properties.
6. Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
7. Select "Use the following IP address:" and enter:

   Rename the Adapter for Clarity

   1. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings (or run ncpa.cpl).
   2. Right-click the new adapter (it may show "Unidentified network" or "No network access").
   3. Select Rename and type something meaningful, e.g., "Loopback-Demo" or "VLAN-Lab".
   4. Press Enter.

   Step 5: Select the Correct Driver

   This is the crucial step that confuses most users. You will see two panes: Technical Guide: Microsoft Loopback Adapter on Windows 11

   Select Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced) and click Next. Choose Network Adapters: Open Settings ( Win + I )

   The adapter is "legacy hardware," meaning it is not installed by default and must be added manually through the hardware wizard.