How to install a Microsoft Loopback Adapter in Windows 7

Some applications like SQL Server are dependent on network functionality. These usually require a network card to be present. If you don't have a network card installed on your PC, then you will need Microsoft Loopback adapter in order to setup and run these applications that depend on network functionality. The Microsoft Loopback adapter is a testing tool for a virtual network environment where network access is not available.

To install Microsoft Loopback adapter, follow steps below:

1. Go to START menu -> All Programs -> Accessaries -> Command Prompt. Run the Command Prompt as administrator (right-click the command prompt).


2. From the command prompt, run “hdwwiz.exe“. This should launch the “Add Hardware Wizard“. Click Next.


3. Select “Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced)” and click Next.


4. Now from the list select Network Adapters and click Next.


5. Under Manufacturers, select Microsoft and select “Microsoft Loopback Adapter” under Network Adapter and click Next. This should start the installation. Click Finish when the installation is completed.


To confirm the loopback adapter installed, right-click Computer, select properties. Click Device Manager and expand Network Adapters and you can see the Loopback adapter installed there.

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