I can’t connect to the VPN on Windows

Problem

You can’t connect to a VPN server on NordVPN’s Windows app. 

Common symptoms

• You get error notifications.
• The app is stuck on the “Connecting” status.

Troubleshooting steps

NOTE: Make sure to check your connection after each step.

• If you used the “Quick Connect” button to connect to the VPN, try manually connecting to several countries instead.
• Check if you are using the latest version of the NordVPN app:
  
  
  1. Click the cogwheel icon in the bottom left of the NordVPN app:
  2. If the app is outdated, you will see a banner showing that a new version is available. Click the “Update” button.
     
     
• If you have an antivirus, ensure NordVPN is on the exclusions list.
• Disable “Advanced Browsing Protection” in the Threat Protection Pro™ settings:
  
  
  1. Click the shield icon on the left side of the NordVPN application.
  2. In the “Advanced Browsing Protection” section, click on the downward arrow next to “Pause.”
  3. Select “Turn off.”
     
     
• Disable IPv6.
• Change the VPN protocol to “Auto (Recommended)”:
  
  
  1. Open the NordVPN app and click the gear icon in the lower-left corner to enter the “Settings” menu.
  2. Click “Connection.”
  3. Click  “Auto (Recommended).”
     
     
• Reset your network settings:
  NOTE: This also resets Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and VPN or APN settings you’ve used before.
  
  
  1. Open the NordVPN app and click the gear icon in the lower-left corner to enter the “Settings” menu.
  2. Click “General.”
  3. Scroll down to “Diagnostics” and click  “Run Diagnostics.”
  4. Click “Reset network.”
  5. Wait for the commands to finish running and restart your computer.

Additional tips

1. Restart your device.
2. Connect to obfuscated servers.
3. Check if the issue persists on different devices in the same network.
4. Check if the issue persists on other networks.
5. Make sure that your internet connection is active.