What is tunnel?

tunnel.sys is a system file associated with the Microsoft Windows Operating System. It is a software component of Microsoft Tunnel Interface by Microsoft. This file is a device driver that is part of the system kernel and is essential for the proper functioning of the Windows OS.

The associated software, Microsoft Tunnel Miniport Adapter, is a software protocol that simulates a network link layer. It's used to implement VPN (Virtual Private Network) connections, allowing secure connections over a public network like the internet. It's also used for tunneling protocols in an IPv6 environment, enabling the smooth transition from IPv4 to IPv6.

tunnel.sys is needed because it's a critical part of the Windows operating system. It helps in establishing secure network connections, which is crucial for both personal and business use. Without it, certain network functionalities may not work correctly.

Under normal circumstances, there is no need to remove tunnel.sys. Like any other system file, it can sometimes be exploited by malicious software to harm your computer. If your security software detects tunnel.sys as a threat, it could be a sign of a virus or malware disguised as the system file. In such cases, you should remove or quarantine the threat to protect your system. Always ensure to keep your antivirus software up-to-date to detect and deal with such threats.

Run a free scan to check for tunnel drivers in need of updating

Since 2005, file.net has researched facts about Windows processes and files, analyzed user experiences, and examined files using its own analysis tools. Around 10,000 users rely on it every day.

Tunnel.sys file information

The process known as Microsoft Tunnel Interface Driver belongs to software Microsoft Tunnel Miniport Adapter Driver or Microsoft IPv6 Tunnel Miniport Adapter Driver by Microsoft (www.microsoft.com).

Description: The original tunnel.sys is an important part of Windows and rarely causes problems. Tunnel.sys is located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers folder. The file size on Windows 10/11/7 is 108,544 bytes.
The driver can be started or stopped from Services in the Control Panel or by other programs. It is a Windows system file. The program is not visible. The file is a trustworthy file from Microsoft. The service has no detailed description. tunnel.sys appears to be a compressed file. Therefore the technical security rating is 0% dangerous.

Recommended: Identify tunnel.sys related errors

Important: Some malware disguises itself as tunnel.sys, particularly when not located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers folder. Therefore, you should check the tunnel.sys process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer's security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.

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Best practices for resolving tunnel issues

A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with tunnel. This means running a scan for malware, cleaning your hard drive using 1cleanmgr and 2sfc /scannow, 3uninstalling programs that you no longer need, checking for Autostart programs (using 4msconfig) and enabling Windows' 5Automatic Update. Always remember to perform periodic backups, or at least to set restore points.

Should you experience an actual problem, try to recall the last thing you did, or the last thing you installed before the problem appeared for the first time. Use the 6resmon command to identify the processes that are causing your problem. Even for serious problems, rather than reinstalling Windows, you are better off repairing of your installation or executing the 7DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command. This allows you to repair the operating system without losing data.

To get your computer running as fast as it did on day one, you can 8reset your PC. Your personal files will remain intact, but any programs you installed will need to be reinstalled.

To help you analyze the tunnel.sys process on your computer, the following programs have proven to be helpful: ASecurity Task Manager displays all running Windows tasks, including embedded hidden processes, such as keyboard and browser monitoring or Autostart entries. A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware or a Trojan. A good Bantivirus software detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, malware and trackers from your hard drive.

Other processes

sssvc.exe msiscmtsk.exe fileiosurrogate.exe tunnel.sys contentprotectorupdate.exe errormonitor.exe upgrade_launcher.exe seviler.exe camappsti.exe protectedmodulehost.exe airfoilinjector_3_7.dll [all]

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