VPN is an excellent software to strengthen online security. Using a VPN, you can mask your IP address, conceal your online identity, and prevent yourself from prying eyes such as hackers, ISP (Internet Service Providers), government bodies, etc. Amongst several VPN related issues, one issue which several users are reportedly facing is VPN Stuck on the “connecting” problem.
What Is VPN Stuck On Connecting Issue And Why Is It Caused?
Putting it in simple terms, here is what happens when you deal with the “VPN stuck on connecting” issue – you select a VPN connection and click on connect. However, the connection is not established, and the “connecting” status goes on the loop.
Reasons for VPN Stuck on Loop
- VPN not running as administrator
- Security application interferes with the functioning of VPN
- Problem with Ethernet connection, etc.
Also Read: Other Best VPN For Windows 10
Before, we look at the fixes to resolve the “VPN stuck on connecting” issue. We suggest you use a trusted VPN. For this, we recommend using the Systweak VPN. It is a high-speed rock-solid VPN service that conceals your online identity and location while letting you surf the web anonymously. Here are some of its features
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Ways To Fix VPN Stuck On Connecting
1. Restart Your Router, Modem Or PC
Unplug all these peripherals, i.e. Router or Modem, and restart the PC. Wait for at least 10 seconds before you reconnect them and restart the PC.
Now, plug everything back in and restart Router/ Modem and PC. Something as simple as this can resolve your issue.
2. Run The VPN Application As An Admin
One of the reasons why your VPN is stuck on connecting issues could be that Windows is imposing limitations. To avoid such restrictions, you can try running the desktop client with admin permissions. For this –
- Right-click on Systweak VPN desktop shortcut and then click on Properties
- Click on the Compatibility tab
- You will now see a box that says Run this program as an administrator
- Apply the changes
These steps will help reconnect to your desired servers, and you should be able to bypass any blockages.
3. Make Changes To Windows 10 VPN Server Settings
Note: This method may work for you when you are using Windows 10 integrated VPN.
- Open Windows settings by pressing Windows key + I
- Click on Network & Internet
- Click on VPN from the left-hand pane
- Select Systweak VPN and click on Connect
Also Read: How To Setup VPN On Windows 10
4. Disable And Then Re-enable Network Adapter
If your VPN is taking forever to connect, then you can try resetting your network adapter. This essentially means first disabling and then enabling the active network adapter once again. The steps for the same are mentioned below –
- Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I
- Click on Network & Internet
- Click on VPN
- Under Relating Settings, click on Change adapter options
- Right-click on the adapter that is active and then click on Disable
- Right-click again and then choose Enable
5. Try Changing The Protocol
Majority VPN providers use OpenVPN protocol on Windows, Android, and IKEV2 on macOS. So, if the VPN you are using is stuck on connecting, try changing protocol. This can be quickly done via VPN settings.
Tip: As we recommend using Systeak VPN and if you are giving it a try. You can change its settings by following the steps explained below:
- Launch Systweak VPN
- Click on three horizontal lines (hamburger icon) at the top left corner
- Click on Advanced Settings
- Under Premium VPN Settings, choose from the protocol
- Click on Apply
6. Turn Off Windows Firewall
If your VPN is taking forever to connect, the chances are that third-party antivirus software or Windows Defender Firewall is creating hindrances. So, you can either create an exception in Windows firewall or turn off Windows Defender Firewall. The steps for turning off are simple and mentioned below –
- Type Windows Firewall in the search bar next to the Windows icon
- On the left-hand pane, click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off
- Under Private network settings, click on Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)
However, if you are using third-party antivirus, we suggest disabling it temporarily. This will help fix VPN stuck on connecting issues on Windows 10.
Conclusion
We hope that by using the methods shown in the blog, you will be able to deal with and get over VPN stuck on connecting issues. If the blog has helped, make sure you upvote the blog and share it with your friends and family. For more such content, keep reading Systweak blogs, follow us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Abhishek Sharma
Earlier I thought Such issues are often resolved in refreshing or restarting the VPN. But thanks for these new pointers.Sarang Bhargava
Hi Abhishek Totally second you. Instead of restarting the VPN every time, you can even try other fixes as well.Mridula
Re-enabling the network Adaptor works.Sarang Bhargava
Hi Mridula Glad that the fix worked for you.Mansi Vijay
Hey, This is probably one of the most annoying issue when it comes to operating with VPN. Would give try to Systweak VPN. Hopefully, it doesn’t give me the same headache that other VPN solutions like ExpressVPN was giving me.Sarang Bhargava
Hi Mansi Rest assured, Systweak VPN is a great VPN to work with and won’t give you any headaches whatsoever.