Npcap is the preferred network backend for new Avanti configurations. On Windows 8/8.1 and Windows Server 2012/2012 R2, install the standalone Npcap 1.79 package. Do not use the Npcap 1.89 installer's bundled 1.79-driver option on these legacy hosts: that installation path can fail while creating the Npcap service (error 0x800F0203). Run the standalone Npcap 1.79 installer instead. On Windows 10/11 and Windows Server 2016/2019/2022/2025, use Npcap 1.89. The official Npcap download page lists currently available releases. Review the current Npcap license before installing it; Migration Specialties does not redistribute Npcap with Avanti, and the free edition permits only the uses described on that page.
During Npcap installation, check:
•Install Npcap in WinPcap API-compatible Mode
The Npcap option for raw 802.11 traffic and monitor mode is not required by Avanti. Avanti uses Ethernet-format packets. Do not place an adapter in monitor mode for Avanti; monitor mode can disconnect it from its wireless network.
After installing or updating Npcap, reboot Windows before starting Avanti. use_npcap_driver in VLC [+] defaults to true, so every NIC in the process uses a compatible Npcap installation when it is available and otherwise falls back to MsiPcap. Set use_npcap_driver to false when Npcap is installed for another application but is not licensed for Avanti use, or when MsiPcap is required for a specific compatibility test. To prevent the Configuration Utility from loading Npcap while it first reads an older file that omits this now-default-true setting, add use_npcap_driver=false to the top-level control component with a text editor before opening the file. Changing the setting in VLC [+] refreshes every NIC Interface list for the selected backend; save, close, and reopen the Configuration Utility before further use when licensing requires that Npcap remain unloaded. The former per-NIC driver property is ignored and removed when the Configuration Utility saves an older file.
Normally select the physical Ethernet adapter directly. Npcap does not ordinarily require a TAP adapter or Windows Network Bridge. See PCAP Drivers for the separate MsiPcap bridging guidance and wireless limitations.
