diff --git a/salt/modules/win_ip.py b/salt/modules/win_ip.py
index 1f19895cffd9..4729099b5c1f 100644
--- a/salt/modules/win_ip.py
+++ b/salt/modules/win_ip.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ def __virtual__():
     '''
     if salt.utils.is_windows():
         return __virtualname__
-    return False
+    return (False, "Module win_ip: module only works on Windows systems")
 
 
 def _interface_configs():