1. Add exceptions for NordVPN.exe, nordvpn-service.exe, and openvpn-service.exe in your firewall.
If you are using the Windows firewall, add the following 6 rules.
- 3 outbound rules: one for "nordvpn.exe", one for "nordvpn-service.exe", and one for "openvpn-nordvpn.exe"
- 3 inbound rules: one for "nordvpn.exe", one for "nordvpn-service.exe", and one for "openvpn-nordvpn.exe"
Here is a guide on how to manage Windows firewall rules: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/manage-rules-windows-firewall-advanced-security/
If you use different firewall software, the rules should be found in the application settings.
2. Add exceptions for NordVPN.exe, nordvpn-service.exe, and openvpn-nordvpn.exe in your antivirus application.
You can usually find this option in the settings of the application.
3. Check if you have all the latest Windows updates installed on your machine, as some missing security updates might cause connection issues.
Click this link to see how you can check Windows for updates.
4. Change the configured DNS:
- Go to Control Panel > Network and sharing center > Change adapter settings
- One of the local area connections will have an under-name TAP-NordVPN Windows Adapter v9. Right-click on it and select Properties.
- In the list that appears, click on Internet Protocol Version 4 and then Properties.
- Select Use the following DNS addresses and add our DNS addresses: 103.86.96.100 and 103.86.99.100.
5. Flush your network stack:
Enter these commands in your administrator command prompt one by one (here is a tutorial on how to launch the command prompt as an administrator):
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh interface ipv4 reset
netsh interface ipv6 reset
netsh winsock reset catalog
netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log
netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log
Restart your computer and check if the issue persists.