How to Fix VPN blocks Internet Connection in Windows 10

Do you seem to encounter internet issues on your Windows computer? Is your VPN running? There is a possibility that your VPN blocks your internet connection. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a network that extends a private network across a public network. Therefore, the users can send and receive information as if their systems are directly connected to the private network. Devices, such as laptop, smartphones, desktop, tablets, connected to a VPN, can enjoy its benefits. A VPN offers several benefits; they include:

• Security – VPN prevents your devices from hackers and snoopers from viewing your data.
• Management
• Functionality

However, Windows 10 users have reported that their Internet got disconnected after connecting to a VPN.

Causes for Internet Disconnection When VPN connects.

There are several reasons for this Internet blockage, which could be:

• Network related issues
• DNS cache
• Incorrect VPN software settings
• False DNS configuration
• Faulty proxy server settings
• Wrong DHCP configuration

How a VPN Works

Data is transmitted from the client to a point in your VPN network. The VPN point encrypts your information and sends it through the Internet. Additionally, another point in your VPN decrypts the information and sends it to the correct Internet resource. Furthermore, Internet resource, such as an email server, or web server sends data to a point in your VPN network. The data is encrypted and transmitted through the Internet to another point in your VPN where it is decrypted. Therefore, your data is secure.

VPN uses some technologies:  

• Point-to-point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP): it tunnels data packets. It is insecure.
• IPSec: it is a better choice than PPTP. May be used for encryption.
• Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP): it is used for tunneling for added security.
• Secure Shell (SSH): it can be used for tunneling and encryption in a VPN network.

In this post, we have discussed the best fixes for this problem.

Method #1: Using Advanced System Repair

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ASR has a multi-scan element which intelligently scans and analyzes your machine within a few minutes and provide a well-organized detailed output or results for you. The program gathers crucial data about your PC, such as memory and CPU performance. In addition, it checks for junk files and continues scanning deeper into the system files. You can try it now for FREE by simply clicking the download button below:

After scanning is done, you are shown the critical issues to fix, items to clean, and the amount of disk space to free up.

Click Fix, Clean & Optimize Now to initiate the cleaning process. All the issues found on your PC will be resolved. Therefore, solving VPN blocks Internet connection problem.

Method #2: Check for Underlying Connection

First, you need to determine whether the problem is the VPN connection or the Internet connection. To do so:

Step 1

Disconnect from your VPN.

Step 2

Try to access the Internet.

Step 3

If you can access the Internet, continue to the next method. Otherwise, the problem is your Internet connection. Contact your Internet Service Support.

Method #3: Install the Latest Update

In most cases, before a new version of Windows is released, Microsoft provides an upgrade with a bug fix to aid in resolving network issues. Therefore, make sure you have installed the latest updates to fix VPN blocks Internet connection problem.

Mostly, Windows handles installing of updates automatically. However, you can check for updates manually. To do so:

Step 1

Press Windows key + I at the same time to launch Settings.

Step 2

In the Windows Settings window, select “Update & Security”.

Step 3

Under Update and Security, select “Windows Update” then click the “Check for updates” button.

Step 4

When your machine is done checking for updates, restart it to allow Windows to install updates automatically.

Method #4: Set Your IP Address Manually

When you connect to a network, such as Wi-Fi you are provided with a unique IP address by DHCP. However, if there is an issue with DHCP or with its settings, you will encounter VPN blocks Internet connection problem.

You can add an IP address manually to your machine to resolve this issue. To do so:

Step 1

Press Windows Key + X at the same time on your keyboard.

Step 2

Select “Network Connections” from the list.

Step 3

From the left pane, select “Status”. Then choose “Change adapter options” under “Change your network settings”, to see network adapters and change connection settings.

Step 4

In the Network Connections window, choose the network you are using. In this instance, it is “Wi-Fi”.

Step 5

Right-click on it then choose “Properties” from the menu.

Step 6

In the Properties window, click “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” from the list. Then press the “Properties” button.

Step 7

In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties, check the radio button next to “Use the following DNS server addresses”. Now, set “Preferred DNS server” to 8.8.8.8 and “Alternate DNS server” to 8.8.4.4.

Step 8

Click the “OK” button.

Method #5: Flush Your Windows 10 DNS Cache

DNS cache can corrupt your files; therefore, causing issues such as VPN blocks Internet connection. To clear DNS cache follow the following steps:

Step 1

On the taskbar, press the search icon then type command prompt in the search box. Right-click on the first match then select “Run as administrator”.

You will see a User Account Control window. Click the “Yes” button to continue.

Step 2

In the command prompt window, enter the following then press the Enter key:

ipconfig/flushdns

The above command line clears DNS cache.

Step 3

In the command prompt window, type the following then press the Enter key:

ipconfig/renew

The above command line requests for a new IP address.

Step 4

When you complete entering the commands, type exit then hit the Enter key to close the command prompt.

If you cannot connect to the Internet when VPN connects, continue to the next method.

Method #6: Correct Date and Time Settings

In some cases, incorrect date and time settings might cause VPN to block Internet connection. To check for incorrect time and date configuration:

Step 1

Press Windows key + I at the same time to open Settings.

Step 2

In the Settings window, select “Time & Language”.

Step 3

From the left pane, choose “Date & time”. Under Change date and time, click the “Change” button.

Step 4

In the dialog box, update your time and date to the current time and date.

Step 5

If your time zone is incorrect, click the dialog section under Time zone.

Step 6

Here you can scroll down or up until you find your time zone.

Restart your VPN.

Method #7: Install the Latest Version of your VPN

Ensure you are using the latest version of VPN software on your machine. You can try updating your VPN software. Otherwise, delete VPN software then install it again. This is an excellent fix. Here are the steps:

Step 1

Press Windows key + R at the same time on your keyboard.

Step 2

In the Run dialog, type “control panel” then click the “OK” button.

Step 3

In the Control Panel window, select “Programs”.

Step 4

In the Programs window, select “Programs and Features”.

Step 5

In the Programs and Features window, you will see a list of installed apps. Scroll down to your VPN software.

Step 6

Select it then click “Uninstall/Change” to uninstall it.

Step 7

After you finish uninstalling, visit the official site of the VPN. Here you can download the latest version of VPN software.

Restart your computer then check if this method helped.

Method #8: Check Proxy Server Settings

Proxy server acts as an intermediary server for requests from you (client) seeking resources from other servers. You should either set your browser to detect proxies automatically or not use proxies at all. Therefore, avoiding issues, such as VPN block Internet connection. To do so:

Step 1

Click the search icon on your taskbar then type control panel. Click the first match.

Step 2

In the Control Panel window, select “Network and Internet”.

Step 3

In the Network and Internet window, select “Internet Options”.

Step 4

In the Internet Properties window, select the “Connections” tab then click the “LAN settings” button.

Step 5

In the Local Area Network (LAN) Settings, uncheck the checkbox next to “Use a proxy server for your LAN” then check the checkbox next to “Automatically detect settings”.

Step 6

Click the “OK” button. Now, check if you fixed your problem.

Method #9: Prevent Use Default Gateway on Remote Network

Step 1

Press Windows key + R at the same time.

Step 2

In the Run dialog, type “ncpa.cpl” then click the “OK” button.

Step 3

In the Network Connections window, select your VPN connection. Now, right-click it then choose “Properties” from the menu.

Step 4

In the VPN Properties window, select the “Networking” tab.

Step 5

Select “Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IPv4)” then click the “Properties” button.

Step 6

In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties, click the “Advanced” button.

Step 7

In the Advanced TCP/IP Settings, untick the checkbox next to “Use default gateway on remote network”.

Step 8

Now, click the “OK” button.

Method #10: Change your VPN

You can try and use a different VPN, such as Cyberghost. It is a premium VPN, and it could assist in solving VPN internet blockage issue. Cyberghost offers efficient features:

• Application for Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, etc.
• Friendly support via live chat or email which is 24/7.
• Unlimited access to more than 4500 servers in more than 60 countries
• Easy to set up
• Simultaneous connections for up to 7 systems using one subscription
• High speed of streaming for Netflix programs
• Does not keep logs
• Unlimited data is useful for streaming.
• Secure access to global information
• Great user interface which is user-friendly
• Contains safety elements which block malicious sites, ads, etc.

Method #11: Change your VPN Protocol

A VPN protocol is a set of rules that assist in the connection between the VPN client and VPN server. VPN use different protocols, such as:

• User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
• Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)

By default, your VPN uses the UDP protocol that may be blocked. Therefore, you need to change your VPN protocol to solve VPN blocks Internet connection issue. To do so:

Step 1

Go to the VPN settings.

Step 2

Choose a suitable protocol.

Step 3

Restart your machine then check to see if the issue is fixed.

Method #12: Change Servers

VPN offers a wide variety of servers to pick from. Therefore, you can always change the server in case your current server encounters technical difficulties. It is an excellent idea to try connecting to another server.

Method #13: Check Kill Switch

Several VPN software comes with the kill switch feature. Basically, the kill switch blocks your Internet connection once you get disconnected from a VPN server. This is beneficial if you do not want your real IP address to be disclosed when browsing the Internet.

Some Window 10 users have stated that disabling the kill switch feature fixed their VPN blocks Internet connection problem. Therefore, it is a good idea to check the kill switch.

Method #14: Change Port

VPN ports handle the flow of traffic to and from a VPN server. In some cases, some ports are blocked, thus causing the Internet to disconnect when the VPN connects. Therefore, you need to choose a suitable port.

Method #15: Run the Network Troubleshooter

You need to run a scan and fix network and internet connection related issues. Luckily, Windows 10 has a built-in network troubleshooter. Hence, Windows will resolve the VPN blocks Internet connection issue automatically.

Step 1

Go to the search box; type settings then select the first match.

Step 2

In the Windows Settings, choose “Update & Security”.

Step 3

From the left pane, choose “Troubleshoot”. Then select “Internet Connections” under “Get up and running”. Now, click the “Run the troubleshooter” button.

Step 4

Windows will find and resolve all internet connection related issues. This should solve your Internet disconnection when VPN connects.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the above solutions helped. Which method worked best for you? Share with us here in the comments.