If there are problems with the VPN, you need to identify the cause of the failure and fix it. How to do it? Let us tell you.
Relevance of the problem
Private virtual networks are built for the security of working in the global network, VPN ability to bypass regional restrictions allows the user to access the necessary services remotely from anywhere in the world. VPNs also mask the IP address of the computer and protect personal data. This is important when the user wants to remain incognito when visiting certain resources.
As a rule, VPNs are easy to set up and work reliably. And if a problem occurs, the system does not always inform the owner what caused it. Therefore, we propose to consider the most frequent situations, as well as ways to solve them.
Common VPN problems and solutions
VPN does not connect
It’s not uncommon for VPN to fail on computers running Windows 10 or Windows 11. In practice, it looks like this: when you try to connect, the process seems to go on, but it doesn’t end. And as a result, there is no connection. You can solve this problem by going to “Start” and opening the “Services” application. You need to scroll to the bottom of the page until you see the Xbox Live network service.
It is this service that can block the connection to the VPN when it is running. It is enough to disable the service to remove the blockage. Right-click and select the “Stop” command. If you’ve done everything correctly, the “Working” token will stop being next to the service. Try reconnecting to the VPN. In reverse order, you can connect to the Xbox Live service if the need arises. But at the same time, you won’t be able to connect to the VPN again.
If the VPN connection fails, check with your ISP to see if they are blocking the VPN connection. In some cases, your ISP’s DNS records are incorrect. To fix this, “reset” the DNS records, and clear the cache when you’re done: left-click to open “Start”, enter “Command Prompt” and go to “Run as administrator”.
Type ipconfig/flushdns and press “Enter”. If you have done everything correctly, a message will appear saying that the Windows IP configuration has cleared the DNS resolver cache. You can now open the browser. Hold down the “Shift”, “CTRL” and “Delete” keys simultaneously and open the “Clear History” dialog box. Select “All,” set the icons next to “Cache” and “Cookies.” Confirm the request. Try connecting to the VPN again.
Firewall blocks VPNs
The firewall is used to provide protection against malicious files and programs. It can also block certain software from running, even if it is not dangerous. If you encounter an inability to connect to a VPN, rule out the possibility that it is the firewall that is blocking the VPN.
Enable the VPN software in the Windows firewall. To do this, go to “Allowed applications” via “Start”. Next, in the left pane, you need to find “Firewall” and “Network Protection”. Allow the use of the VPN application in the “Change settings” tab by clicking the left mouse button. To do this, select the VPN from the list and click “OK”. If the VPN is not displayed in the list, left-click on the “Browse” tab. After the software is found, click “OK”. Try connecting to the VPN to see if the problem is resolved.
Online streaming is not available via VPN
Users who are streaming live through Netflix or Hulu platforms and use a VPN may encounter that the connection timeout has expired and the connection is not completed. First of all, check what version of VPN you’re using. After all, some services only support the latest version of the app. Also, clear your browser’s cache and cookies. Now try.
VPN blocks mail
If you stop receiving and can’t send emails when the VPN app is active, it’s worth checking if the email service is blocking the VPN’s IP address. Conversely, the VPN may be blocking the port used by your email service provider to send and receive mail.
If the problem is blocking your VPN server’s IP address, you need to get a dedicated VPN IP address or switch to a server in your area to access your email. Another way to do this is with split streaming, which will allow you to use your email service and do normal streaming to your network without changing servers. A split tunnel involves splitting the Internet connection into two streams. One uses a VPN IP address, you can work in the other using a normal IP address.
Connection speed is low
If the connection speed with the active application is much lower than the connection speed with the VPN turned off, the reason can be hidden in the territorial distance of the user from the server. Indeed, the closer the VPN is to your server, the faster the speed will be.
In addition, antivirus software and firewalls also affect the speed of the VPN connection. Making sure that this is the problem is easy enough. Turn off the VPN and run the speed test. Then repeat it with the app turned on. You won’t be able to fix the situation drastically, but you can try restarting the app. To do this, uninstall the application, restart your computer, install the client again, and restart your computer again. Try to connect. Sometimes it works.
If the problem with the VPN connection is not listed
There are many more reasons why a VPN doesn’t connect or connects but doesn’t function in the right mode than those mentioned above. It could be the settings of your router, the operation of your Internet service provider, or the settings of the site you want to access.
If you’re not too knowledgeable about where to look for the cause and how to solve the problem, it’s best to contact VPN customer support. The intervention of specialists will allow you to understand the issue much faster and resume the normal operation of the VPN.