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Talk to a HumanThis article answers various questions about why there is no VPN network adapter visible when using the Lightway – UDP protocol on the ExpressVPN app for Windows.
If you recently updated to the latest version of the ExpressVPN app for Windows and are using the Lightway – UDP VPN protocol, you might notice there is no separate VPN network adapter visible.
This is because the latest app version introduces a new high-performance packet filter (PKF) driver engineered by the creator of WireSock, a well-known high-speed WireGuard implementation for Windows.
This new driver no longer creates a visible virtual network adapter like TUN or TAP when using Lightway – UDP. Instead, it processes VPN traffic directly within the Windows networking stack using a low-level NDIS-based driver.
Why remove the virtual adapter?
Traditionally, virtual adapters like TUN or TAP route your encrypted traffic through a separate interface. However, this method can expose routing tables to potential attacks like TunnelCrack or TunnelVision.
Bypassing the virtual adapter with the new PKF driver means we can process your VPN traffic more quickly, resulting in better speeds and lower latency. The new driver does not rely on Windows routing tables, protecting against certain advanced attack vectors while minimizing the risk of traffic leaks.
What about apps that require binding to a VPN adapter?
Some apps, like torrent clients, rely on “binding” to a specific VPN interface to ensure they only work when the VPN is active. Since Lightway – UDP no longer exposes a network adapter, this method is no longer available when using this protocol. However, this does not have an impact to security—your traffic is still fully encrypted. In fact, the new implementation provides stronger protection by design, as traffic cannot “leak” due to adapter misconfigurations or routing failures.
We understand that users who rely on network interface binding may need to adjust their setup, and we are here to help. For advanced configurations or additional guidance, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.
Coming soon: Adapter binding for PKF
We hear you. Our product team is actively working on implementing a special TUN device for the PKF driver, enabling you to bind applications directly to the VPN interface while still benefiting from PKF’s performance and security improvements.
This feature is planned for a future release once current PKF driver optimizations are complete.
What if I need a traditional adapter?
If you need a visible adapter for tools like Wireshark, or to bind specific apps to a VPN interface, switch to Lightway – TCP or OpenVPN (TCP/UDP).
To switch protocol:
- In the ExpressVPN app for Windows, click
> Options. - Click Protocol and select your protocol of choice.
What about the new Lightway Turbo feature?
Lightway Turbo benefits from the new PKF driver’s high performance. If you wish to enable Lightway Turbo, you must be using the Lightway – UDP VPN protocol, which leverages the PKF driver. While you cannot bind apps to a specific adapter in this mode, you will still enjoy enhanced leak protection and faster speeds.
Is my VPN traffic still encrypted if there is no VPN adapter showing?
Yes. Even without a visible network adapter, all your traffic is fully encrypted and securely tunneled through ExpressVPN’s servers using the new PKF driver. The encryption level and privacy protection remain uncompromised.
Why does ipleak.net show my ISP’s information when connected via Lightway – UDP?
ipleak.net may still detect your ISP’s DNS resolvers or IP metadata due to how certain tests interpret the Windows stack. However, your real IP address is not exposed, and all your traffic is securely routed through ExpressVPN. For peace of mind, you can also check for DNS leaks using multiple tools or switching temporarily to Lightway – TCP to compare results.
How can I bind my apps (e.g., torrent clients) to the VPN?
Since Lightway – UDP no longer exposes a network adapter, apps cannot bind to it directly. However, you can:
- Switch to Lightway – TCP or OpenVPN (TCP/UDP).
OR - Use the built-in VPN kill switch or firewall rules within the Windows app (e.g., using firewall rules in qBittorrent) to ensure no traffic leaks when the VPN is not connected.
Is Lightway – TCP slower than Lightway – UDP with Lightway Turbo enabled?
Generally, Lightway – UDP with Turbo enabled offers the best performance due to the PKF driver. Lightway – TCP may have slightly higher latency or lower speeds depending on your network, but it’s still a fast and reliable option—especially for users who need traditional adapter functionality.
Will ExpressVPN bring back adapter binding for Lightway – UDP in future updates?
We are planning to bring back adapter binding for Lightway – UDP users in the coming weeks. If binding support is critical for your setup, we recommend temporarily using Lightway – TCP or OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) while we continue to collect user feedback and improve our service.
Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.