Kaspersky VPN Not Working on Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Is your Kaspersky VPN failing to connect or function properly on your Windows 11 system? This issue can arise due to various reasons, ranging from simple configuration errors to more complex compatibility problems. This guide provides a comprehensive set of troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem and restore your VPN connection.

1. Initial Checks and Quick Fixes

Before diving into more technical solutions, start with these basic checks:

  • Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable and active internet connection. Try browsing the web without the VPN to verify.
  • Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches.
  • Restart Kaspersky VPN: Close the Kaspersky VPN application completely and then reopen it.
  • Check Kaspersky VPN Subscription: Verify that your Kaspersky VPN subscription is active and hasn’t expired. Check your Kaspersky account online.

2. Update Kaspersky VPN and Windows 11

Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues. Make sure both Kaspersky VPN and your Windows 11 operating system are up to date.

Update Kaspersky VPN

  1. Open the Kaspersky VPN application.
  2. Look for an “Update” option within the application settings (usually found under “Settings” or “About”).
  3. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Update Windows 11

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Windows Update on the left pane.
  3. Click the Check for updates button. Windows will automatically download and install any available updates.
  4. Restart your computer after the updates are installed.

3. Check and Modify VPN Connection Settings

Incorrect VPN settings can prevent a successful connection.

Change VPN Protocol

Kaspersky VPN supports different VPN protocols. Try switching to a different protocol:

  1. Open the Kaspersky VPN application.
  2. Go to Settings (usually accessible from the main menu).
  3. Look for the Protocol or Connection Protocol option.
  4. Experiment with different protocols like OpenVPN (UDP), OpenVPN (TCP), WireGuard, or IKEv2. Choose one, attempt to connect, and see if the issue resolves. If not, try another protocol.

Disable Conflicting Software

Some software, especially firewalls and antivirus programs, can interfere with VPN connections. Temporarily disable any other VPN software, firewalls (including Windows Defender Firewall, but be cautious doing so), or security software to see if they are causing the problem.

4. Troubleshoot Network Adapter Issues

Problems with your network adapter can prevent VPN connections.

Reset Network Adapter

  1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters section.
  3. Right-click on your network adapter (usually named after your network card or Wi-Fi adapter).
  4. Select Disable device. Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select Enable device.

Reset TCP/IP

Resetting the TCP/IP stack can resolve network-related issues:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator. (Search for “cmd”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
  2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
    • netsh winsock reset
    • netsh int ip reset
  3. Restart your computer.

5. Reinstall Kaspersky VPN

If none of the above steps work, try reinstalling Kaspersky VPN:

  1. Uninstall Kaspersky VPN: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find Kaspersky VPN, select it, and click Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  2. Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer after uninstalling the VPN.
  3. Download and Install: Download the latest version of Kaspersky VPN from the official Kaspersky website.
  4. Install: Install the application, following the provided steps, and activate it using your subscription details.

6. Check for Driver Issues

Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can cause VPN issues.

  1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters section.
  3. Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will search for and install the latest driver. If this doesn’t work, you might need to download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Realtek) and install it manually.

7. Contact Kaspersky Support

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and Kaspersky VPN still isn’t working on Windows 11, contact Kaspersky Support for assistance. They may have specific solutions or be aware of known issues.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most issues preventing Kaspersky VPN from working correctly on your Windows 11 system. Remember to restart your computer after making significant changes to ensure the changes take effect.