Many people use a VPN to ensure that they are not traceable on the internet, or because their profession requires them to connect to a VPN to be on a secure network. Network difficulties can cause an error, and you won’t be able to connect. Either the website won’t load or you won’t be able to connect to a VPN-enabled network.
If you’re having trouble connecting to a VPN, this post will show you how to fix Windows 11/10 VPN not working problem. This article contains answers for the following issues: VPN client does not work or connects, connects but no access, connects but webpage does not load, failed to initiate the connection, and so on. A simple DNS flush or as involved as updating a registry item could be the solution. Let’s take a closer look at the specifics.
Before we get started, here are some basic troubleshooting suggestions to attempt if your VPN isn’t working on Windows 11/10. To begin, make sure your Windows 11/10 is updated. Some upgrades address known VPN difficulties, resulting in immediate assistance. Second, reinstall the network drivers to the newest version or try some older drivers to see if it fixes the problem. Finally, the problem could be as simple as cached DNS. Despite the fact that you changed it, the computer still uses an old address. As a result, you might want to flush the DNS cache. You can also see if your router needs an update. The information will be accessible via the router’s Web Interface.
VPN not working in Windows 11/10
Now, let’s look at some more complex VPN troubleshooting techniques. These instructions will necessitate the assistance of someone who is well-versed in Windows 10. You’ll also require an Administrator account.
Method 1] Reinstall VPN Software
It’s always a good idea to reinstall a VPN software if you’re not using Windows 10’s built-in VPN capability. Many times, the problem is caused by the software’s settings, which can be resolved with a simple reinstallation. Check to see whether your VPN software subscription has run out.
Method 2] Reinstall WAN MiniPorts
Drivers for various types of network connections are known as WAN Miniports. VPN connections, i.e., connections to a PPTP VPN server, are made via WAN Miniport (IP), WAN Miniport (IPv6), and WAN Miniport (PPTP). Using Windows, you can quickly replace the drivers.
1. Open the Device Manager program.
2. Look for Network Adapters.
3. WAN Miniport (IP), WAN Miniport (IPv6), and WAN Miniport (IPv4) should all be uninstalled (PPTP).
4. Click Action then Scan for hardware changes.
5. The adapters you just removed should reappear.
Reconnect if necessary. Hopefully, you are now ready to travel.
3] Troubleshoot TAP-Windows Adapter
These are software-based virtual network kernel devices that provide virtual TAP device functionality on the Windows operating system. This is frequently required for VPN software to function properly. We strongly advise you to read through our TAP-Windows Adapters post.
4] Insert an Exception for UDP by editing The Registry
UDP, or User Datagram Protocol, is a data transmission protocol similar to TCP. UDP, on the other hand, is largely utilized to construct low-latency and loss-tolerant connections between internet applications. It’s used by a lot of VPN applications and even Windows. It fails if there is a security issue, such as when both the server and the Windows PC need to establish security associations.
To get to Registry Editor, follow these procedures. It’s possible that you’ll need to produce or update fresh data.
1. Backup your registry.
2. Type “regedit” into the search field and select Registry Editor from the list of results.
3. Go to this page:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\PolicyAgent
4. Right-click, and create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Enter AssumeUDPEncapsulationContextOnSendRule and then choose ENTER.
6. Right-click AssumeUDPEncapsulationContextOnSendRule, and then choose Modify.
7. Type 2. in the Value Data box. When both the server and the Windows-based VPN client machine are behind NAT devices, a value of 2 instructs Windows to establish security associations.
8. Restart your computer and try again.
Method 5] Configure Firewall
Windows Firewall protects your computer from insecure or unauthorized connections. Assuming that the VPN program represents a threat, Windows Firewall may prevent or lock certain requests.
1. Enter Firewall into the search field, then pick “Allow an app through Windows Firewall.”
2. Choose Change settings button.
3. Look for your VPN program in the long list. Check to see that both the Public and Private networks are turned on.
4. If your program isn’t mentioned, use Allow another app to find it.
5. Confirm the modifications and connect to your VPN once more.
Method 6] Disable IPv6
IPv6 can sometimes make it difficult to connect to a network. While IPv4 is still the default, you can double-check by removing IPv6 and running everything on IPv4. A software-based network adaptor is created by every VPN. To use this VPN, simply update the adapter settings to IPv4.
1. Navigate to Network and Internet, and then Network and Sharing Center.
2. From the left pane, choose Change adapter settings.
3. To open Properties, right-click on the VPN network adapter.
4. Uncheck the box next to IPv6 and double-check your modifications.
5. If necessary, restart your computer and try again.
Have a VPN Error Code for your issue?
If your VPN problem is caused by an error code, we have a dedicated post with various solutions.
In this video, we are gonna show you how to fix VPN not working in Windows 11:
That’s about it.