| Driver File | Function | | :--- | :--- | | android_winusb.inf | Enables ADB (Android Debug Bridge) | | cdc_acm.inf | Enables USB serial port communication | | tetherxp.inf | Enables RNDIS (USB tethering) | | wpdmtp.inf | Enables MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) |
Click . Scroll down and select Network adapters , then click Next . In the Manufacturer list, select Microsoft .
: The file typically references system drivers such as usb8023m.sys and rndismpm.sys . Usage on Windows 10
Install Windows XP in VirtualBox or VMware on your Windows 10 PC. Pass the USB phone through to the VM, then install tetherxp.inf inside XP. Share the VM’s network connection to the host. microsoft driver tetherxp.inf windows 10
To help narrow down your specific issue, please let me know: What of Android phone are you using? What error message or status do you see in Device Manager? Have you tried changing the USB cable or port ? Share public link
Check your phone for "Modem mode" or "CDC Ethernet" – those may use a different, newer driver.
If your Windows 10 machine refuses to connect to the internet via your phone, you do not necessarily need to download a sketchy third-party .inf file from the internet. Windows 10 already includes the modern equivalent of the tetherxp.inf instructions built directly into its driver store. | Driver File | Function | | :--- | :--- | | android_winusb
tetherxp.inf is a functional relic from the Windows XP era, designed to bridge the gap between modern Android devices and an older operating system for USB tethering. While it is technically possible to force this file to work on Windows 10, the process is fraught with challenges, including driver signature errors, system instability, and significant security risks from downloading files from unverified sources.
Although "xp" is in the name, this file often defines generic RNDIS configurations that are still relevant. When a phone (particularly older Android or MediaTek-based devices) is set to USB tethering mode, it asks Windows to act as an RNDIS host. If Windows 10 doesn't automatically recognize the device, you may need to point it to this .inf file. Why You Need tetherxp.inf on Windows 10
Click .
Locate the device with the yellow warning icon. It may appear under "Other Devices" as "RNDIS," "USB Serial Device," or "Unknown Device." Step 3: Update Driver Right-click the device and select . Select Browse my computer for drivers .
Downloading .inf files from unverified sources poses a security risk. Because .inf files instruct the operating system how to run hardware at a kernel level, malicious actors can alter them to install malware or create system vulnerabilities. Always utilize the built-in Microsoft RNDIS drivers native to Windows 10 before attempting to source external configuration files.