How to Fix VPN Breaking Internet Access for Everything Else
Connect to your VPN and suddenly you can't access any websites or local network resources. Here's how to use VPN without losing your internet connection.
Why Does VPN Kill Your Internet Connection?
You connect to your work VPN or personal VPN service, and suddenly everything stops working. You can't browse websites, access local network printers, or even reach your router's settings page. Disconnect the VPN and everything works again.
This happens because of how Windows routes your internet traffic when a VPN is active. By default, many VPNs force all traffic through the VPN tunnel, which can break access to both the internet and local resources. This is called "full tunneling" and while it's more secure, it's often unnecessary and disruptive.
Quick Fix: Disable Full Tunneling
The fastest solution is to enable "split tunneling," which lets you access the internet normally while staying connected to VPN resources:
- Open Control Panel and search for "Network Connections" or press Windows key + R, type
ncpa.cpl, and press Enter - Right-click your VPN connection and select "Properties"
- Click the "Networking" tab
- Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click "Properties"
- Click the "Advanced" button
- Uncheck "Use default gateway on remote network"
- Click OK on all windows to save
- Disconnect and reconnect your VPN
This setting allows your computer to access work resources through the VPN while routing regular internet traffic through your normal connection.
Detailed Step-by-Step Solutions
Solution 1: Configure Split Tunneling in VPN Client
If you're using a commercial VPN service (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc.), they often have built-in split tunneling options:
- Open your VPN application
- Go to Settings or Preferences
- Look for "Split Tunneling," "Network Settings," or "Advanced"
- Enable split tunneling
- Choose which apps or websites should use the VPN
- Reconnect to the VPN
For work VPNs, check with your IT department before enabling split tunneling, as it may be required for security reasons.
Solution 2: Change DNS Settings
Sometimes VPN-assigned DNS servers don't work properly, breaking internet access:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN
- Click on your VPN connection
- Click "Advanced options"
- Scroll to "DNS server assignment" and click "Edit"
- Change to "Manual"
- Turn on IPv4
- Enter Google DNS servers:
Preferred: 8.8.8.8
Alternate: 8.8.4.4 - Click Save and reconnect to VPN
Solution 3: Adjust VPN Adapter Network Priority
Windows might be prioritizing the VPN connection incorrectly:
- Press Windows key + R, type
ncpa.cpl, and press Enter - Press Alt key to show the menu bar
- Click "Advanced" > "Advanced Settings"
- In the "Connections" section, your regular network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) should be above the VPN connection
- Use the up/down arrow buttons to rearrange if needed
- Click OK
- Reconnect to your VPN
Solution 4: Run Network Reset After VPN Issues
VPN connections can sometimes corrupt network settings:
- Disconnect from the VPN
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Run these commands:
netsh winsock resetnetsh int ip resetipconfig /releaseipconfig /renewipconfig /flushdns - Restart your computer
- Reconnect to the internet, then to VPN
Solution 5: Update VPN Client and Network Drivers
Outdated software can cause routing conflicts:
- Check for updates to your VPN client software - most have an "Check for Updates" option in settings
- Update your network adapter drivers:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand "Network adapters"
- Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter
- Select "Update driver" > "Search automatically for drivers"
- Restart your computer after updates
If That Didn't Work
Try these additional troubleshooting steps:
- Temporarily Disable Antivirus: Some security software conflicts with VPN connections - try disabling it temporarily
- Check Firewall Settings: Windows Firewall might be blocking VPN traffic - add your VPN client to allowed apps
- Reinstall VPN Client: Uninstall your VPN software completely, restart, then reinstall the latest version
- Try a Different VPN Protocol: In your VPN settings, switch between OpenVPN, IKEv2, or WireGuard to see if one works better
- Contact Your VPN Provider: If using a commercial VPN service, their support team can provide protocol-specific settings
When to Call a Professional
Most VPN connectivity issues can be resolved with the steps above, but sometimes you need expert help:
- You're required to use a work VPN and can't modify settings without IT approval
- The VPN is critical for work and you can't risk making it worse
- Multiple network problems occur simultaneously
- You need to set up complex routing rules or site-to-site VPN
- Your company has specific security requirements you must maintain
A professional can configure advanced routing, ensure security compliance, and set up VPN connections that work seamlessly with your other network needs.
VPN and Network Setup Experts
Whether you need help configuring a work VPN, setting up secure remote access, or troubleshooting complex network routing issues, our team has the expertise to get it done right.
Professional IT support for homes and businesses in Clearwater.
Related Topics
Need Professional Help?
If you're still having trouble, our expert technicians can help.
Learn about our pc repair serviceMore Windows Problems Fixes
See all Windows Problems fixes →Should I Worry About Windows Event Errors?
Found errors and warnings in Event Viewer and worried something is wrong? Here's the truth about Windows event logs and what you actually need to fix.
How Long Should a Windows PC Last?
Wondering if your PC is getting too old? Here's the realistic lifespan of Windows computers and when it's time to upgrade versus repair.
Why Does My Cursor Freeze Momentarily?
Mouse cursor stuttering or freezing for a second or two randomly? Here's what causes it and how to fix the annoying micro-freezes.
Is It Normal for Disk to Be Slow After Boot?
Computer sluggish for the first few minutes after starting up? Learn why this happens, when it's normal, and how to speed up your post-boot experience.
Is 80°C CPU Temperature Dangerous?
Worried about your CPU hitting 80°C? Here's the truth about CPU temperatures, what's safe, and when you actually need to be concerned.
Why Does My Fan Spin Up Randomly?
Computer fan suddenly revving up for no apparent reason? Here's why it happens, when it's normal, and when you should be concerned.
Are Windows Updates Really Necessary?
Wondering if you can skip those annoying Windows updates? Here's what you need to know about why updates matter and what happens if you ignore them.
Why Is Windows Search Using So Much Disk?
Windows Search Indexer maxing out your disk usage at 100%? Here's why it happens and how to fix it without losing search functionality.