How to troubleshoot your Windows VPN
You may be dealing with a VPN that is not working, and it can understandably create frustration. Sometimes the problem has to do with server side issues which means you will have to talk directly with your provider in order for them to take care of things. However, there are some problems that people encounter on their Windows computer that they might want/need help fixing themselves!
If you’re having trouble logging into sites or other features like Netflix streaming aren’t functioning properly while connected through a VPN service – know this isn’t always an issue caused by the company’s servers- sometimes users experience these kinds of troubles when using Microsoft’s own operating system Windows 10 as well. You’ll need access to another device before moving forward but luckily if all else fails, you can use your iPhone/iPad/Android to fix some of these issues!
Can’t get your VPN to connect? We have some troubleshooting tips that will help you out. Our troubleshooting tips are primarily aimed at Windows 10 users, but they work if you run Windows 7 or 8.1 as well! If this doesn’t solve the connection issue for a specific app on an older version of windows (7/8), it is best to contact customer support directly and ask them for assistance with their particular VPN application.
Why is my VPN not working on Windows 10?
If you are constantly having issues with your VPN connection, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a problem that is simple and one which requires expert assistance. The most common problems Windows users experience when using a VPN have been outlined below:
- VPN won’t connect
- OpenVPN connections are failing
- vpn online isn’t changing my IP address
- VPN is leaking
- VPN is making my internet connection extremely slow
Windows VPN won’t connect
This is one of the most common problems with VPNs. When you have a problem, try these methods. You can try connecting to your VPN after trying each method.
Reboot your PC and modem
To fix your VPN connection, you should restart both your computer and router. Shut the power off to the router then wait ten seconds before turning it back on.
Check for VPN software updates
Out of date VPN applications could lead to many problems. Update your application or move on from the outdated one with this guide for easy steps!
If you are using an out-of-date VPN application, it is possible that you need to update it. Check with your provider and see if they have a newer version available before downloading anything elsewhere – but don’t worry too much about what’s new in each release because the process can be super complicated!
Update your router
One of the most frustrating things about trying to access your VPN is when you just can’t connect. But before throwing out that old router, check for firmware updates online and install them if necessary! If everything goes as planned after installing these new software patches, restarting your device should fix any problems with connecting to your VPN network again.
Change the encryption protocol
Whether you’re looking to connect with OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec or PPTP encryption; it can be hard at times when your VPN client stops connecting because of settings related to that particular protocol. To find out whether the issue is due to a TAP driver conflict (if using an Ubuntu system) or some other problem, try testing different protocols in your VPN’s connection menu and see if one works better than the others for you!
- L2TP/IPsec
- IKEv2
- SSTP
If a VPN connection can be established successfully using a different protocol, then you need to use our troubleshooter to find out the problem. Or call your provider.