Ghost network adaptersAnswered

Some machines have ghost network adapters. You can see them
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1
- devmgmt.msc
- View > Show Hidden Devices

Will they cause licensing issues? Do they need to be deleted?

General guidance around ghost network adapter deletion

Safe to Remove:

  • Old/grayed out adapters from previously used USB network devices
  • Network adapters from removed docking stations
  • Virtual adapters from uninstalled VPN/VM software

Caution with:

  • Built-in WiFi adapter entries
  • Bluetooth adapters
  • Surface Dock related adapters

Consequences:
POSITIVE:

  • Cleans up driver conflicts
  • May improve network performance
  • Resolves some connection issues

POTENTIAL ISSUES:

  • Saved network profiles might need re-setup
  • VPN configurations might need reconfiguration
  • Some applications might need network settings reset

Best Practice:

  • Document current network settings
  • Screenshot current adapter list
  • Remove only clearly unused/old entries
  • Restart after removal
     
Answer

Will they cause licensing issues? Do they need to be deleted?

Privacy / “Security” VPNs (the type “regular people” hear about on YouTube / TikTok / Podcasts) are scams. They should all be uninstalled immediately for the safety of the people using them. 

Actual VPNs (i.e. virtual private networks to “dial-in” to an office, for example) are fine.

But beyond removing malware / scams, TurboActivate & TurboFloat can filter out fake adapters and real adapters. Always use the latest version of TurboActivate.

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