Install and configure a network loopback adapter on your host computer

Install and configure a network loopback adapter

The loopback adapter is a dummy network card that is used as a testing tool for virtual network environments where network access is not available or when you want to isolate your testing network from your main network. You use the loopback adapter on your computer (which is the host machine) to enable your virtual machine (guest operating system) to communicate as if they are in a network without having to use an external network, such as your work network or home network.

Install a network loopback adapter on your computer and configure it as follows:

IP address	`10.1.1.9` to match the examples in this guide, or an IP address in one of the private address spaces (`10.x.x.x` , `172.16.x.x`, or `192.168.x.x`). Do not choose an address that is in the same address range as your work or home network settings.
Subnet mask	`255.255.255.0`

Example of adding a network loopback adapter on a computer running the Windows 7 operating system

Start the Add Hardware wizard:
1. From the Start menu, select Run....
  
  The Run dialog box is displayed.
2. For Open, enter hdwwiz.exe, then click OK.
  
  The Add Hardware wizard is displayed:
Use the Add Hardware wizard to add a Microsoft Loopback Adapter:
1. On the introduction page, click Next.
2. Select Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced), then click Next.
3. Select Network adapters, then click Next.
4. Under Manufacturer, select Microsoft.
5. Under Network Adapter, select Microsoft Loopback Adapter.
6. Click Next.
  
  The wizard displays the hardware you selected to install.
7. Click Next.
8. When the wizard completes the installation, click Finish.

Example of configuring a network loopback adapter on a computer running the Windows 7 operating system

Open the Network and Sharing Center.
Click Change adapter settings.
Right-click the local area connection for the Microsoft Loopback Adapter, and then select Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

The Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) dialog box is displayed.
In the General tab, select Use the following IP address: and enter the IP address and subnet mask:
1. For IP address, enter 10.1.1.9
2. For Subnet mask, enter 255.255.255.0
3. Click OK to close the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) dialog box.
Click Close to close the properties dialog box for the loopback adapter.
Close the Network Connections window.

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