VPNs appear to be blocking internet access entirely?

VPN
1

Using Windows 11,

So I’ve been using NordVPN for a while, but suddenly today, I cannot connect to anything online while connected to a VPN. The two VPNs I’ve attempted to use are NordVPN and MalwareBytes(though obviously not at the same time). While connected to either one, everything online, from web browsers to messenger apps simply stops working.

Despite this, I can still use the command prompt to ping 1111 and 8888(with . inserted) and get a response with no loss.

I’ve tried flushing my DNS with the command prompt, and rebooting. I’ve also tried changing my DNS settings but they remained the same no matter what changes I try to apply.

2

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3

A bit old, but here’s this. https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/techook/windows-10-windows-11-april-2024-security-update-vpn-not-working-fix-9307671/

4

I have not encountered this before, but this might help

Fix Internet Gets Disconnected When VPN Connects [Solution]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3TJuOvJOf0&ab_channel=MDTechVideos

5

Not sure if NordVPN or Malwarebytes have one because I use Mullvad, but a lot of VPNs have a kill switch that blocks all internet traffic in case the VPN can’t build a connection or is disabled.

Also, try hopping around a few different VPN servers, even international and see if that is opening the connection again. It is possible, but unlikely, that your ISP is blocking the VPN server you are connection to because it has been used in ddos or other botnet attacks.

6

If you installed the 24H2 update, that is your issue

7

try using Device Manager to uninstall everything listed under Network Adapters and then reboot. Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers.

If can’t hurtv anything and may resolve the issue.

8

Could it be your ISP might be blocking known VPN IP addresses?

9

Your issues is not NordVPN, it is one of Malwarebyte setting. I have have used both at the same time and the “Web Protection” under {Real-Time Proction} will block web pages from loading. You can turn this off. If you have the Browser extension also, the “Ads/Trackers” will do the same preventing web pages loading correctly. (EasyList) is a cookie that is used to navigate from website that will hinder webpages from loading from signing in or more if blocked.

10

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11

I found one of the two updates referenced by the article, the Windows 10 one, but I didn’t see the Windows 11 update, nor did I see it in the few updates Windows would let me uninstall. Also, I’m unsure how an update from 4 months ago would cause my VPNs to stop working overnight.

12

Tried it. Didn’t work. Basically the automated version of what /u/FlakyLion5449 suggested.

13

For what it’s worth, the issue persists, no matter what VPN service I try to use, or whatever server I select.

14

I don’t believe so. I have a different device connected to the internet with the same wifi network without any issues with VPNs

15

I didn’t believe this was the case, but I tried it anyway and the result was the same.

I’m not just being blocked from loading web pages while the VPN is active, all programs that rely on internet connections are interrupted.

That and I was having the same issue when using Malwarebytes’ own VPN.

16

That sort of defeats the purpose of attempting to use a VPN.

17

Hm. Could still have a lot of reasons. Did you or something else change your windows firewall settings to be more restrictive ? Maybe windows firewall was disabled and now has been reactivated ?

Usually, VPN software will install exceptions for themselves inside the windows firewall settings. And since what a VPN does is exactly the kind of thing the firewall is set to prevent, that could kill your connection when a VPN is active.

Check your windows firewall settings, IF they are still active (public and private), delete them, uninstall all VPN software and try to install the software again, clean. Maybe that fixes the firewall settings.

Sorry, but I am just spitballing here.

18

are you using MB anti malware? if so, then allow connections from the VPN’s folder, or turn off web protection, had this problem with MB before

19

Try turning off all three to see if you can connect to the web. VPN, Malwarebytes and Antivirus. If you still cannot connect, then it could be your ISP. Reboot your Modem/Router. Give this a try.

No success call your ISP to check your lines for static.

20
  1. Slowed connection speed: Many VPNs can slow down your internet connection speed, sometimes significantly, due to the encryption and routing process. This can be frustrating, especially for heavy internet users.