VPN Disconnects Your Internet? Here's How to Fix It!
Is your VPN software blocking and disconnecting your internet or Wi-Fi connection immediately after it connects? Are you experiencing a situation where your VPN is connected, but you have no internet access on your Windows 11 or 10 system? This issue can be quite frustrating, especially when you rely on a VPN for online privacy and security. If you are encountering this problem, this guide will provide you with effective solutions to resolve it and restore your seamless internet experience while using a VPN.
Internet Gets Disconnected When VPN Connects¶
It’s indeed perplexing when a tool designed to enhance your online security and privacy ends up disrupting your internet connectivity. You install a VPN to safeguard your data and browse anonymously, yet it ironically disconnects you from the internet, leaving you exposed on your regular, less secure network. Modern VPN services are engineered for speed and reliability, not to impede your internet experience. Therefore, a disconnecting VPN indicates an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Let’s explore several troubleshooting steps to get your VPN working correctly.
1] Install the Latest Version of TAP Adapter¶
VPNs often utilize a TAP adapter, commonly associated with OpenVPN. This adapter is crucial for establishing a VPN connection. An outdated or corrupted TAP adapter driver can lead to connectivity issues, including internet disconnections. To ensure you have the most up-to-date and functional adapter, it’s recommended to reinstall the TAP adapter driver.
You can typically find the latest version of the TAP adapter driver on the website of your VPN provider or the OpenVPN community website. Download the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install or reinstall the TAP adapter. This process usually involves removing the existing adapter and then installing the new one. After installation, restart your computer to allow the changes to take effect and then test your VPN connection to see if the disconnection issue is resolved.
TAP adapters are virtual network interfaces, similar in function to physical Ethernet adapters but entirely software-based. They operate independently of physical hardware and are designed with low-level kernel support for Ethernet tunneling. This tunneling capability is essential for VPNs to create secure connections and route your internet traffic through their servers.
2] Fix Network Related Problems¶
Sometimes, the issue might not be directly with the VPN software itself, but rather with underlying network problems on your Windows system. Network issues can manifest in various ways, including internet disconnections when a VPN attempts to establish a connection. To rule out network problems, Windows offers built-in Network Troubleshooters that can automatically diagnose and resolve common network issues.
To access these troubleshooters, you can navigate to the Windows Settings app, then go to “Network & Internet” and find the “Network troubleshooter” option. Alternatively, you can search for “troubleshooting” in the Windows search bar and select “Troubleshooting settings”. From there, you should find options related to network and internet connections. Run the relevant troubleshooters, such as the “Internet Connections” or “Network Adapter” troubleshooter, and allow Windows to automatically detect and fix any problems.
These troubleshooters can identify and resolve a wide range of network issues, such as problems with network adapters, IP address conflicts, DNS resolution failures, and issues with network protocols. After running the troubleshooters and applying any suggested fixes, restart your computer and try connecting to your VPN again to see if the disconnection problem persists.
3] Let the Client Computer Use the Default Gateway¶
A potential conflict can arise if the VPN connection is configured to act as the default gateway on the remote network. In network terminology, a default gateway is the node that serves as the access point to another network. When a VPN is set as the default gateway, it can override your computer’s regular default gateway settings (TCP/IP settings), potentially leading to internet connectivity issues.
To resolve this, you need to configure your client computer to use the default gateway setting of your local network for standard internet traffic and establish a static route on the remote network specifically for VPN-based traffic. This ensures that normal internet browsing and activities use your regular network connection, while only traffic intended for the VPN goes through the VPN tunnel.
Configuring static routes typically involves using command-line tools or modifying network adapter settings. The specific steps may vary depending on your operating system and network setup. Consult your VPN provider’s documentation or online resources for detailed instructions on setting up static routes for your VPN connection. By properly configuring gateway settings, you can prevent conflicts and ensure that your internet connection remains stable when using a VPN.
4] Change DNS Configuration¶
DNS (Domain Name System) servers translate domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers use to communicate. If your DNS settings are misconfigured or if you are using slow or unreliable DNS servers, it can lead to internet connectivity problems, including VPN connection issues. Flushing your DNS cache and changing your DNS server settings can sometimes resolve these problems.
Flushing the DNS Cache: Your computer stores a local cache of DNS records to speed up website loading times. However, this cache can sometimes become outdated or corrupted, causing issues. To flush the DNS cache in Windows, open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command ipconfig /flushdns. This command clears the DNS cache, forcing your computer to retrieve fresh DNS records.
Changing DNS Server Settings: You can also manually change your DNS server settings to use faster and more reliable public DNS servers. Popular options include:
- OpenDNS: Known for its speed and security features.
- Google Public DNS: Google’s offering, also known for speed and reliability.
- Cloudflare DNS: Emphasizes privacy and speed with the addresses
1.1.1.1and1.0.0.1.
To change your DNS settings in Windows, go to Network and Sharing Center, click on your active network connection, then Properties, and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). In the properties window, choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter your preferred DNS server addresses (e.g., for Google Public DNS, enter 8.8.8.8 as the preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 as the alternate DNS server). After changing the DNS settings, restart your computer and test your VPN connection to see if it resolves the disconnection issue. Using faster and more reliable DNS servers can improve your overall internet experience and potentially resolve VPN-related connectivity problems.
5] Check VPN Software Settings¶
VPN software often comes with various settings that can affect its behavior and internet connectivity. It’s important to review your VPN software settings to ensure they are not causing the disconnection issue.
Kill Switch Feature: Some VPNs include a Kill Switch feature, which is designed to automatically block internet access if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This feature is intended to protect your privacy by preventing unencrypted data from being transmitted if the VPN fails. However, if the Kill Switch is overly sensitive or misconfigured, it might be disconnecting your internet even when the VPN connection is briefly interrupted or experiencing minor fluctuations. Check your VPN software settings to see if a Kill Switch is enabled and try disabling it temporarily to see if it resolves the disconnection problem. If disabling the Kill Switch fixes the issue, you might need to adjust its sensitivity settings or consider using a different VPN server.
VPN Protocols: VPNs support different protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, and WireGuard. Some protocols might be blocked or perform poorly in certain networks or countries due to network restrictions or firewalls. If you are experiencing disconnection issues, try switching to a different VPN protocol in your VPN software settings. Experiment with different protocols to see if one protocol provides a more stable and reliable connection than others. For example, if you are using OpenVPN, try switching to IKEv2 or WireGuard to see if it improves connectivity.
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, a last resort is to reinstall your VPN software. Sometimes, corrupted installation files or software glitches can cause unexpected behavior. Uninstall your VPN software completely, download the latest version from the official website, and reinstall it. After reinstalling, try using the VPN with its default settings to see if the disconnection problem is resolved. If reinstalling fixes the issue, it indicates that the problem was likely related to the VPN software installation itself.
If you continue to experience internet disconnections with a particular VPN service, it’s also helpful to consult the VPN provider’s support resources or community forums. Other users may have encountered similar issues and found specific solutions or workarounds. Sharing your experience and seeking assistance from the VPN community can often lead to valuable insights and resolutions.
Let us know in the comments below if these solutions helped you fix your VPN disconnection problem. If you identified a specific VPN service that caused this issue and found a solution, please share the details to benefit other users facing similar challenges. Your contributions can help create a valuable resource for troubleshooting VPN connectivity issues.
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