Why Does My Vpn Keep Disconnecting

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Why Does My Vpn Keep Disconnecting. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allow remote workers to securely connect to their company network from home or while travelling. When a VPN connection drops frequently, it interrupts access to shared drives, internal applications, and other business resources. This guide walks you through the most common causes of VPN disconnects and how to resolve them.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Restart your computer and your router.
2. Disconnect from the VPN, wait 30 seconds, then reconnect.
3. Check that your internet connection is stable by opening a website in your browser.
4. Ensure your VPN client is updated to the latest version.

Detailed Instructions

Check Your Internet Connection

A weak or unstable internet connection is the most common reason for VPN drops. Before troubleshooting the VPN itself, confirm your local connection is working correctly.

1. Open your web browser and visit a website you do not usually access.
2. If the page loads slowly or not at all, restart your modem and router.
3. If possible, connect your computer directly to the router using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.
4. If you are using Wi-Fi, move closer to the router or connect to a different Wi-Fi network to test stability.

Update Your VPN Client

Outdated VPN software can contain bugs that cause frequent disconnections.

1. Open your VPN application.
2. Look for a Help, Settings, or Account menu.
3. Select Check for Updates or About to view the current version.
4. Download and install any available updates from your organisation's IT portal or the VPN vendor's website.
5. Restart the VPN client after updating.

Adjust VPN Protocol Settings

Some networks block or throttle specific VPN protocols, which can cause the connection to drop.

1. Open your VPN client settings.
2. Navigate to Connection or Protocol settings.
3. If you are using UDP, try switching to TCP, or vice versa.
4. Common protocols include OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPsec.
5. Save the changes and reconnect to the VPN.

Check Firewall and Security Software

Firewalls and antivirus programs can sometimes interfere with VPN traffic.

1. Open your security software (for example, Windows Security or a third-party antivirus).
2. Go to Firewall & network protection or Settings.
3. Look for an option to allow the VPN application through the firewall.
4. Temporarily disable the firewall to test if the VPN remains connected (re-enable it immediately after testing).
5. If the VPN stays connected with the firewall off, add an exception for the VPN client in your security software.

Troubleshooting

VPN Disconnects When Computer Sleeps

Power-saving settings can cut the network connection when your computer goes to sleep, causing the VPN to drop.

1. On Windows, open Settings and go to System > Power & sleep.
2. On macOS, open System Settings and go to Battery or Energy Saver.
3. Adjust settings to prevent the computer from sleeping while connected to the VPN.
4. On Windows, you can also check Device Manager, right-click your network adapter, select Properties, and clear the checkbox for Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power under the Power Management tab.

VPN Disconnects on Specific Networks

Some public or home Wi-Fi networks have restrictions that interfere with VPN traffic.

• Try connecting from a different network, such as a mobile hotspot, to see if the issue persists.
• If the VPN works on another network, your router or internet service provider may be blocking VPN traffic.
• Restart your router and check for firmware updates.

Reinstall the VPN Client

If the VPN client files are corrupted, a clean reinstall may resolve persistent disconnects.

1. Uninstall the VPN application from your computer.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Download the latest version from your organisation's approved source.
4. Install the application and log in with your credentials.
5. Reconnect to the VPN and monitor for stability.

If you have completed these steps and your VPN continues to disconnect, Open a Ticket so our support team can investigate further.

If you host with us, you don't need to do this yourself — just Open a Ticket and our Brisbane team will get it sorted.

Still Having Issues?