VPN blocks Internet on windows? Here 7 solutions to apply 2025

Several people spend money on a reliable virtual private network (VPN) connection to secure their online activity. If you are serious about your privacy, then you would understand the importance of this service. Using a VPN not only secures your online privacy but also bypasses regional restrictions to unblock Geo-restricted websites and more. We can say using a VPN is a good way to easily compress private information.

But sometimes things may not work as you would like, you might have trouble connecting to the internet after using the VPN of your choice. Such as users report not access the internet when connected to VPN on Windows 10, Or Laptop WiFi disconnects frequently.

Recently installed the ExpressVPN Free Trail and used it a few times (worked fine). But after disconnect from VPN, open Google Chrome and try to go on a website it gives error unable to connect to the internet.

If you are also struggling with similar problems, here is how to restore your Windows internet connection after VPN has been disconnected.

VPN connected but no internet access

• First of all check and make sure you have a working internet connection and the problem causing only after VPN is connected.
• Temporarily Disable antivirus software, if installed.
• Also, check and make sure the Data and Time settings are correct on your PC.
• Press Windows + R, type ipconfig /flushdns and ok, now check if the internet working as expected.

Connect to Different Server

Select a different VPN server location and connect to it. Check if you are able to access the internet. If the answer is yes, then there may be a temporary issue with the server location you originally selected.

Change your VPN protocol

VPNs use different protocols to connect to servers including UDP (User Datagram Protocol), TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), and L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol). By default, most of them are use UDP which may sometimes blocked depending on the network you are connected to. Go into your VPN software’s settings and change to the most suitable protocol.

Change network configuration

• Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl and click OK
• This will open the Network connections window,
• Find your usual connection, either LAN or Wireless network connection.
• Right-click the connection and select Properties
• Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4)
• Select radio button to Obtain an IP address automatically and also select to Obtain DNS server address automatically.
• Click ok and close the windows,
• Now check if the problem has been resolved.

Note: For some users, using Google DNS helps to fix the problem.

Simply select the radio button, use the following DNS server address, then change

• Preferred DNS server 8.8.8.8
• Alternate DNS server 8.8.4.4

Checkmark on validate settings upon exit and click ok, now check if this helps.

Prevent Use default gateway on remote network

• open Network connections window using ncpa.cpl,
• Right-click VPN Connection and click Properties.
• Switch to the Networking tab.
• Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
• Click the Advanced tab and uncheck Use the default gateway on the remote network.
• Click OK to check the issue.

Check proxy server settings

A proxy server is an intermediate server that acts as a gateway between the local network of your computer and another server on a large scale network such as the Internet. You should set your browser to automatically detect proxies or to not use proxies at all to avoid problems connecting to the internet.

• Open control panel,
• Search for and select Internet options,
• Move to the connections tab then click on LAN settings,
• Here uncheck Use proxy server for your LAN.
• Make sure the Automatically detect settings option is check marked

Install the latest Windows updates

Microsoft regularly rolls out updates that can fix bugs and errors, including the ones related to VPN issues. With the latest patch software installed on your computer, you can resolve the VPN connection problems you might have.

• Press Windows + I to open the Settings app,
• Click Update and Security, then Windows Update
• Now select Check for Updates.
• This should allow you to check if there are pending updates you have to install.
• Allow your Windows system to install available updates.

Install the latest version of your VPN

Again, check and make sure you have the Latest VPN Software Version installed on your system. If at all possible, allow automatic updates to your VPN software. Otherwise, reinstalling VPN client software is probably a good fix.

• Simply open the control panel, then programs and features,
• here look for your installed VPN client, right-click and select uninstall.
• Restart Windows to completely uninstall from your PC.
• Again, download and install the latest version of VPN from the service provider’s official site
• Check if this helps.