Surfshark TAP Driver Windows – Full Guide
When you install Surfshark on Windows, you may notice a component called the TAP driver. This is an important part of how VPNs work on your computer. Many users wonder what it is, why it is needed, and how to manage it when issues come up.
This guide explains everything about the Surfshark TAP driver on Windows, including its purpose, setup, common issues, and solutions.
What is the TAP Driver?
The TAP driver is a virtual network driver that allows your computer to connect to VPN servers. Think of it as a bridge between your system and the Surfshark app. Without this driver, your system would not be able to build a secure tunnel to send or receive data through Surfshark.
TAP drivers are used by VPN protocols like OpenVPN. When you connect to Surfshark with OpenVPN, the TAP driver creates a virtual interface on your Windows system.
This interface makes your computer believe it is connected to another private network, even though you are on a public internet connection.
Why Surfshark Uses the TAP Driver
Surfshark offers different VPN protocols. WireGuard is fast and modern, but many users still prefer OpenVPN because of its reliability and compatibility.
To use OpenVPN, the TAP driver must be installed. That is why Surfshark automatically installs it when you set up the VPN app on Windows.
The driver helps in:
- Creating a stable VPN tunnel.
- Handling encrypted traffic between your system and Surfshark servers.
- Ensuring applications on your computer can route their data through the VPN connection to allow unrestricted access.
- Without the TAP driver, you would not be able to use Surfshark with OpenVPN on Windows.
Checking if the TAP Driver is Installed
Sometimes, users want to check if the TAP driver is already installed. Here is how you can do it:
- Open the Device Manager on your Windows computer.
- Expand the section called Network adapters.
- Look for an entry that says TAP-Windows Adapter V9 or something similar.
- If you see it, the TAP driver is installed correctly. If not, you may need to reinstall Surfshark or manually install the driver.
Installing the Surfshark TAP Driver
When you install the Surfshark app on Windows, the TAP driver is included by default. In rare cases, installation may fail, or the driver might not work properly. If that happens, you can install it manually.
Here are the steps:
- Uninstall the existing TAP driver if it is corrupted.
- Go to Device Manager.
- Find TAP-Windows Adapter V9.
- Right-click and select Uninstall device.
- Download the latest version of the TAP driver.
- Visit the official OpenVPN community website.
- Download the correct TAP driver package for Windows.
- Install the TAP driver.
- Run the downloaded setup file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- Restart your computer.
After doing this, Surfshark should detect the driver and work normally with OpenVPN.
Common Issues with Surfshark TAP Driver
Like any system component, the TAP driver may sometimes cause problems. Here are common issues and their fixes.
1. VPN Connection Fails
If Surfshark cannot connect using OpenVPN, the TAP driver may be missing or corrupted. The solution is to reinstall the driver. Make sure your Surfshark credentials are also correct.
2. Internet Not Working After VPN Disconnect
Sometimes, users report that their internet stops working after disconnecting from Surfshark. This usually happens if the TAP adapter settings are misconfigured. You can fix this by:
- Going to Network and Sharing Center.
- Right-clicking the TAP adapter and selecting Properties.
- Making sure the IPv4 settings are set to automatic.
3. Multiple TAP Adapters Installed
If you have multiple VPN services installed, you may see several TAP adapters in your system. This can cause conflicts. The best fix is to uninstall unused TAP drivers and keep only the one needed for Surfshark.
4. TAP Driver Not Found
If Windows cannot detect the TAP driver, reinstall it from the OpenVPN website. Ensure you download the version that matches your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
Benefits of Using the TAP Driver with Surfshark
Some users wonder why they should bother with the TAP driver when Surfshark also supports WireGuard. The reason is flexibility. OpenVPN is supported by almost all devices, routers, and platforms.
It is very secure and stable, especially on networks that block modern protocols. TAP drivers allow Surfshark to run smoothly even in restricted environments.
WireGuard is faster, but OpenVPN remains a trusted choice. The TAP driver ensures you can use it on Windows without problems.
When You Do Not Need the TAP Driver
If you use Surfshark only with WireGuard or IKEv2, you do not need the TAP driver. These protocols do not rely on virtual network adapters. However, if you plan to use OpenVPN on Windows, the TAP driver is required.
Final Thoughts
The Surfshark TAP driver on Windows plays an important role in making VPN connections work with OpenVPN. It acts as a bridge that handles encrypted traffic and allows your system to communicate securely with Surfshark servers.
While most users never need to touch it, some may face issues like connection failures, missing drivers, or network conflicts. The good news is that these problems are easy to fix by reinstalling the TAP driver, checking adapter settings, or switching protocols.
If you prefer OpenVPN for its stability and compatibility, keeping the TAP driver in good condition is essential. With the right setup, Surfshark on Windows will give you a smooth and secure browsing experience.
