How to Fix VPN Not Working After Windows Update

Windows updates are essential for security and performance, but they can sometimes break your VPN connection. If you've just installed a Windows update and now your VPN won't connect or keeps dropping, you're not alone. In this guide, we'll walk you through practical steps to get your VPN working again. And if you're looking for a reliable VPN that works seamlessly with Windows, our premium VPN apps (MD Proxy VPN, Nur Tunnel VPN, Ultra Tunnel VPN, Marvs Go VPN) are available for just $1 for 30 days — no hidden fees.

Why Windows Updates Break VPNs

Windows updates can interfere with VPNs in several ways. They might update network drivers, change firewall settings, or modify system files that VPN software relies on. Common issues include:

• Outdated or incompatible TAP drivers (used by many VPN protocols).
• DNS settings being reset or overridden.
• Windows Firewall blocking VPN traffic.
• Network adapter settings being altered.

Understanding the cause helps you apply the right fix. Let's dive into solutions.

Restart Your VPN Service and Windows

Sometimes the simplest fix is to restart. A full restart clears temporary glitches and reinitializes network components.

• Restart your computer.
• After reboot, launch your VPN app (like MD Proxy VPN or Ultra Tunnel VPN) as administrator.
• If the VPN still fails, restart the Windows VPN service: Press Win + R, type services.msc, find the VPN service (e.g., 'Wintun' or 'OpenVPN'), right-click and restart.

This often resolves minor conflicts.

Update or Reinstall TAP Drivers

TAP drivers are crucial for OpenVPN and many VPN clients. Windows updates can break them.

• Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
• Expand 'Network adapters'.
• Look for 'TAP-Windows Adapter' or similar. If it has a yellow warning, right-click and select 'Update driver'.
• If that doesn't work, uninstall the driver and reinstall it from your VPN provider's website or by reinstalling the VPN app.

For our VPN apps, reinstalling the app typically reinstalls the required drivers.

Reset Windows Network Stack

Resetting the network stack can fix underlying issues caused by updates.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Run these commands one by one:
• netsh winsock reset
• netsh int ip reset
• ipconfig /release
• ipconfig /renew
• ipconfig /flushdns

Then restart your PC. This clears IP and DNS settings that might be interfering.

Check DNS Settings and Use Custom DNS

Windows updates can change your DNS to a default that conflicts with VPN.

• Go to Network & Internet > Change adapter options.
• Right-click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) > Properties.
• Select 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' > Properties.
• Set DNS to 'Use the following DNS server addresses' and enter a public DNS like 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

Alternatively, in your VPN app, enable its built-in DNS protection if available. Our apps offer this feature.

Temporarily Disable Windows Firewall or Antivirus

Sometimes security software blocks VPN after an update.

• Go to Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
• Turn off the firewall temporarily and test your VPN.
• If it works, add an exception for your VPN app.
• Also, check your third-party antivirus for VPN blocking.

Don't forget to re-enable the firewall after testing.

If you're using our VPN apps and still face issues, our support team is ready to help. And remember, for just $1 you get 30 days of premium VPN on all four apps — a great deal to keep your connection secure.

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