One can find Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol in Windows that has WiFi properties. If you want to enable only this protocol and want all the other protocols in the list to be disabled, this is not possible.
It may be disabled by default in the Windows of many users. A lot of users don’t know what is Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol. Should I enable it, and why is it disabled on my PC?
If you are also the one who is also confused about it, then carry on to the article to figure it what is Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol and should you have to enable it or not.
What is Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol?
Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol is a kernel device driver. People use it for the bonding of NIC (Network Interface Card). NIC is a feature in the Windows server to be used for any network traffic and even in virtual machine networking traffic. It is mainly a setup at the hardware level.
A Windows server can team with up to 32 physical network adaptors by default, but in a virtual machine, only two physical network adaptors in teaming can be assigned. NIC teaming will configure only if there are physical network adaptors in two or more numbers of 1 GB or in two or more numbers of 10 GB.
Nic teaming can also be termed as NIC bonding. Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol mainly helps to build the NIC teaming without taking the use of any utilities of a third party. Some third-party teaming solutions do not contain the option to configure teaming options remotely.
You can find Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol in Windows having wi-fi features. You can call it a special set of configurations. Usually, it plays when you combine two connections that are totally different.
Two ethernet cards are usually combined in order to form one physical device by the union of these different cards to increase the bandwidth. One will notice this protocol after upgrading Windows.
You can notice that all the protocols are unchecked, and Microsoft Network Adaptor Multiplexor Protocol is one of these unchecked protocols. The protocol may be installed in your device as a part of physical network adaptor initialization by default.
Use of Microsoft Network Adaptor Multiplexor Protocol
Mainly people use it in two scenarios in teaming:
Scenario 1
The first scenario is adaptor teaming, which means to use two or more adaptors at a time so that you will be able to send and receive more packets in comparison to what a single adaptor could do.
Scenario 2
The second scenario is the adaptor failover or its high availability. It simply means that there is another adaptor that comes in use over the network connection. In case if the primary adaptor fails to do so.
If you have just one adaptor hooked up with your computer, enabling this protocol will make Windows disable it automatically. When it finds out that you are not teaming up the multiple adaptors to do work together on your computer.
Should Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol Be Enabled?
A lot of users are confused if they should enable it or not. The main purpose of the Protocol is only to combine Network Adaptors or to create a bridge connection. You will find the following error (as shown below) if you try to enable this option while the rest options are disabled.
“Your current selection will also disable the following features:
Microsoft Network Adaptor Multiplexor Protocol
Are you sure you want to disable these feature(s)?”
There will be two options, Yes and No, at the bottom right of the screen. In case you click on Yes, the protocol will remain disabled.
The rest of the options will be enabled for your connection. In case you click on No, it will take you back on the list. It will not make any changes there.
If you try to enable only the Microsoft Network Adaptor Multiplexor Protocol while all the other options are disabled, it will again show the above error. It means that you cannot enable Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol you introduce a connection to the bridge. You can say that this protocol is network adaptor independent.
Should I Turn On Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol?
The Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol is generally used for NIC (Network Interface Card) teaming, allowing multiple network connections to be utilized for increased performance and redundancy. Here are a few scenarios when enabling it could be beneficial:
- Increased Bandwidth: For high-data transfer needs, teaming can significantly enhance bandwidth.
- Network Failover: Enables seamless transition to a secondary network if the primary fails.
- Load Balancing: Efficiently distributes network traffic across teamed network adapters.
However, for average home users, there might be little benefit in enabling this protocol. Only use it if you’re comfortable with the technicalities involved or if you have specialized network requirements.
How to Remove Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol?
If you find that you don’t need this protocol or if it’s causing issues, removing it is a simple task:
- Open Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.
- Select Change adapter settings.
- Right-click your active network adapter and click Properties.
- Locate Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol and uncheck the box next to it.
- Click OK to apply changes.
How Do I Reset My Microsoft Network Adapter?
Resetting your Microsoft Network Adapter can resolve a variety of network-related issues. Here’s how to do it:
For Windows 10/11:
- Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
- Click on Status, and then Network reset.
- Confirm the reset by clicking on Reset now.
For Older Windows Versions:
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click on your network adapter and choose Disable.
- After a moment, right-click again and choose Enable.
Difference Between Windows Network Adapter and Network Interface
While the terms Network Adapter and Network Interface are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences:
- Network Adapter: This refers to the hardware, either built into the motherboard or installed separately, that connects a computer to a network.
- Network Interface: This term can encompass both hardware and software components involved in connecting to a network. It serves as a broader category that includes network adapters.
Conclusion
You cannot enable the Microsoft Network Adaptor Multiplexor Protocol until you introduce a connection to the bridge. It will create automatically in case you create a bridge. It doesn’t require any manual activation.
If your computer has just one connected adaptor, the protocol should be disabled. It will enable automatically if you team up multiple network adaptors on your computer. Hopefully, you are now able to understand about Microsoft network adaptor multiplexor protocol.
Understanding the Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol, and the broader aspects of network settings, can greatly aid in managing your connectivity options. While turning on the protocol can be beneficial for specific scenarios, most home users can safely ignore it.
If needed, removing or resetting it is relatively straightforward. Understanding the nuanced difference between a Network Adapter and a Network Interface can also offer more clarity when dealing with network settings.
With this guide, you are now well-equipped to make informed decisions regarding your network configuration.
