NordVPN not connecting? Unable to use NordVPN services on your Windows device? Don’t worry! You can easily fix this issue through simple troubleshooting and by following a few workarounds.
Here are the 10 useful ways that will allow you to resolve the “NordVPN not connecting” issue on Windows 10.
Let’s get started.
Also read: How to Watch Netflix with NordVPN In or Outside the US
NordVPN Not Connecting: Read the Ways Fix it Now
1: Check Account Status
If you’re unable to connect to your NordVPN account, the first step is to check your subscription status. Simply visit NordVPN’s official website, log in to your account to know whether you have an active subscription or not.
In case, your subscription has expired or no longer active, you can renew it to resume the services. Successfully verify all your payment details to renew your existing plan and make your account active.
2: Use Windows Diagnostic Tool
Windows Diagnostic tool is an in-built Windows utility that allows you to scan and fix memory-related issues on your device. If your system is not equipped with enough RAM storage, then NordVPN can stop working on your device. To run the Windows Diagnostics tool, here’s what you need to do:
Fire up the Start menu search bar, type “Memory Diagnostics Tool” in the tet bar, and hit Enter.
You may be prompted to enter your admin account login credentials. Enter the user ID and password to proceed.
Wait for a few minutes until a complete scan is performed on your device. Reboot your system to check whether NordVPN started functioning normally or not.
3: Switch to an Alternate Server
If you’re trying to connect NordVPN to a specific server, try switching your choice and pick a different server address. NordVPN features more than 5400+ remote servers across the globe. You can connect to any of these available servers to resume using the VPN services on your Windows device.
4: Customize Network Settings
Let’s try one of the oldest hacks to fix any service. So, what we’re going to do here is simply disable and then enable the NordVPN network adapter.
Open Control Panel> Network and Internet> Network and Sharing Center> Change Adapter settings.
In the adapter window, you will see various options. Right-click on the NordVPN adapter, and tap the “Disable” button. Wait for a few seconds and then re-enable the service to reset the network settings.
5: Uninstall/Reinstall NordVPN
If you’re facing serious technical troubles while connecting to the NordVPN servers then you can try uninstalling and re-installing the NordVPN app on your device.
Open Windows settings, select Apps.
In the Apps and Features section, locate the “NordVPN software”. Single click on it and then hit the “Uninstall” button.
After uninstalling the NordVPN app, head back to NordVPN’s official webpage, log in to your account and reinstall the app to start afresh.
6: Turn OFF Windows Defender Firewall
Windows Defender Firewall is a crucial component of Windows OS that allows you to safeguard your device against potential threats and avoids the malicious apps and intruders from gaining unauthorized access.
If you’re consistently facing the “NordVPN not connecting” issue on your device, there is a slight possibility that the Windows Defender Firewall is blocking some of the other elements from invading into your machine. To check if that’s the case, you can try disabling Windows Defender Firewall on a temporary basis. Follow these quick steps:
Press Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box. Type “Firewall.cpl” in the text box and hit Enter. You can alternatively find the Windows Defender Firewall in the Contol Panel settings as well.
Tap on the “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” option for both public and private networks.
After disabling the Windows Defender Firewall, try using the NordVPN service to check whether it started working.
7: Flush DNS Cache
Another useful workaround to fix the “NordVPN not opening” issue is by resetting or flushing the DNS cache. By doing so, you can easily fix and reset the network settings on your device.
Launch the Start menu search bar, type “Command Prompt” and hit Enter.
In the Command Prompt window, type and execute the following commands one by one and hit Enter.
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
After running all these commands successfully, close the Command Prompt window, and try connecting to NordVPN services.
8: Switch the IP Protocol
Almost every VPN service offers you two different IP protocols that you can choose as per your preference, UDP, and TCP.
UDP protocol is faster comparatively, but TCP proves out to be more reliable when it comes to setting up a stable connection. So, now we will try to switch the IP protocol of NordVPN from UDP to TCP.
Launch the NordVPN app on your device, open Settings. Head on to “Advanced Settings” and switch to TCP protocol.
9: Customize DNS Server Configuration
Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run box.
Type “ncpa.cpl” in the text box and hit Enter. Right-click on the NordVPN adapter, select “Properties”.
This will open the Internet Protocol settings on our device.
Once the Internet Protocol window pops-up, enter the following address in the Preferred and Alternative DNS server boxes:
Preferred DNS server: 103.86.96.100
Alternative DNS server: 103.86.99.100
Tap on OK to save recent changes.
10: Download Systweak VPN for Windows
NordVPN not connecting? Well, maybe it’s time to switch to a different VPN service. Download Systweak VPN for Windows, a lightning-fast and secure VPN service that keeps your online privacy intact. Systweak VPN makes sure that your IP address stays hidden while you’re browsing the web, and also allows you to access your favorite websites and media content while bypassing geo-restrictions.
This wraps up our quick guide enlisting 10 useful ways to fix NordVPN connectivity issues. You can use any of these above-mentioned methods to make NordVPN functional again.
Good luck!
