You can hide your location (IP address) and browsing history from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and local government by using a VPN. It's also useful for accessing websites that are often unavailable in your area. But what if a VPN fails to establish a connection on your computer? Here are ways to fix a VPN not working in Windows 11.
If you're in the middle of a search, it can be frustrating if your VPN suddenly stops working. Instead of reverting to a normal connection for regular browsing, you can use the tricks below and fix your VPN not working on Windows 11. We understand that most VPN apps have different software interfaces and settings. However, we've compiled solutions that should work on Windows.
1. Check your internet connection
Your favorite VPN app isn't an ISP. A VPN relies on your computer's internet connection and redirects your browsing traffic to another server. If you're experiencing Ethernet connection problems Or Wi-Fi on your computer, the VPN connection will not work either.
You can read our dedicated post about: Troubleshoot Wi-Fi connection issues on Windows 11. Once you get back to an active internet connection, you can visit fast.com and confirm a two-digit speed (in MBPS) for a smooth web browsing experience on your VPN connection.
2. Disable and enable VPN connection
We're not talking about disconnecting a VPN from an app. You can disable the VPN connection from Windows 11 settings and then enable it again.
Step 1: Open Windows 11 Settings app (use Windows + I keys).
Step 2: go to the Network and Internet List.
Step 3: Scroll to Advanced network settings.
Step 4: of List of network adapters , disable VPN connection And enable it again after a minute or two.
3. Reinstall the network adapters.
When you update your VPN app on your computer, it automatically installs the network adapter drivers required for smooth operation. Corrupt network adapters can cause your VPN connection to malfunction. Here's how to reinstall them.
Step 1: Right click on Windows key and open Device Manager menu.
Step 2: Expand List of network adapters.
Step 3: Look for Windows Converter Your VPN and right click on it.
Step 4: Locate Uninstall the device From the context menu, confirm the decision.
Restart your computer Personal Windows, the system will install pending updates during the reboot process.
4. Some websites may detect VPN and block access.
With hundreds of VPN services available on the market, website managers are becoming smarter at identifying a VPN connection on your computer.
Websites like Fite TV that use Stripe payment service On the checkout page, Stripe uses an algorithm to detect a VPN connection to prevent payments from a particular site. Similarly, DAZN (often known as the Netflix of sports streaming) will not allow users to browse the library over a VPN connection. These are just a few examples.
Why is VPN access blocked? These apps and services are available in hundreds of countries around the world. One of the main reasons is that the pricing of the services varies from region to region. When a user attempts to connect to a server in a developing country to avoid paying a high price in their home country, the service will detect the VPN connection and block the payment for that account. For example, a DAZN subscription costs $9.99 per month in the United States and less than $1 in India.
5. Disable IPV6
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the latest version of the Internet Protocol and provides a unique IP address for your computer to communicate with and route traffic over the internet. Sometimes, this can affect your computer's VPN connection. Here's how to disable it.
Step 1: Click on Windows key and search for Network communications.
Step 2: Look for VPN converter Your from the list and right click on it.
Step 3: Locate Properties.
Step 4: disable Version 6 of Internet Protocol And press Ok button.
6. Disable Windows Firewall
The default Windows Defender Firewall may detect a VPN as an unsecured connection and block it entirely. Here's how to disable Windows Firewall on your computer.
Step 1: Click on Windows key and search for Windows Defender Firewall.
Step 2: Click on Enter And open it.
Step 3: Locate “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
Step 4: Enable Turn off Windows Defender Firewall option And press OK.
7. Update the VPN app
VPN apps regularly release new updates to improve app performance and include new servers. Most users skip the update because it temporarily disrupts the VPN connection on their computer. You should avoid this routine and keep your VPN app updated to the latest version.
8. Connect to another site's server
If you have problems connecting to a particular location's server, the VPN app will try using another location's server or make multiple attempts to establish a connection. You can manually select another server and resolve the issue. Most VPN apps offer multiple location services in major regions such as the US, UK, Australia, and Canada.
Create and run a VPN on Windows 11
We strongly avoid and recommend skipping free and flat VPN apps that are too good to be true. Some free VPN apps may harvest your browsing information by making it part of their privacy policy, which many don't read, and selling it to anyone interested. Stick to reputable VPN providers that follow industry-standard practices of not logging any user data. Which method helped you fix the VPN not working issue on Windows 11? Share your results in the comments below.
