VPN blocks all internet access on my PC

Question

I'm experiencing an issue where enabling my VPN completely blocks all internet access on my PC, preventing me from browsing or using online services. Disabling the VPN restores internet connectivity, but I need to use the VPN without losing access to the internet altogether.

wenih · Answer

Ensure that "Split Tunneling" is enabled if available, so only specific traffic goes through the VPN.&nbsp;

miloiim · Answer

Enable split tunneling if available, so only specific traffic goes through the VPN, and local network access remains active.

rajeshgan · Answer

If the internet works normally when the VPN is disconnected but stops completely as soon as the VPN connects, I would first check whether this is a VPN routing/DNS issue rather than a general Windows network problem.

A few things I would check:

Check the VPN Kill Switch / Network Lock setting. Temporarily disable it for testing. If the VPN tunnel is not establishing correctly, a kill switch can intentionally block all non-VPN traffic to prevent an IP leak.
Try another VPN protocol and server. If your VPN client supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 or another protocol, switch protocol and test again. Also try a different VPN server/location.
Check whether it is DNS or complete connectivity loss. While connected to the VPN, open Command Prompt and test:

ping 1.1.1.1

and then:

nslookup microsoft.com

If the IP address responds but the hostname lookup fails, the issue is likely DNS-related.

Check the VPN network adapter. Open Device Manager > Network adapters and check whether the VPN/TAP/Wintun adapter has any warning or error. Updating or reinstalling the VPN client can recreate a damaged virtual adapter.
Check for conflicting VPN/security software. If another VPN client, third-party firewall, antivirus network filter or old VPN adapter is installed, temporarily disable it and test again.
If this started recently, try resetting the Windows network stack from an elevated Command Prompt:

netsh winsock reset

netsh int ip reset

Then restart Windows and test the VPN again.

I would avoid changing multiple settings at once. Start with the Kill Switch and VPN protocol/server tests first.

If you can share the VPN provider/client name, VPN protocol, and whether ping 1.1.1.1 works while the VPN is connected, it should be possible to narrow this down further.

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VPN blocks all internet access on my PC

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