Windows 10 and 11 users who installed the April 2024 security updates released by Microsoft may have faced VPN connection issues. According to a statement by Microsoft, the April 2024 updates were identified to cause VPN disconnection in various Windows versions. Although Microsoft didn’t have a reason or immediate fix for the bug, they promised to resolve it with their next security update, which is now available. If you stuck with the previous updates, you can now install the new May updates to restore your VPN connection. Below is an overview of the recent Microsoft update VPN bug and other causes and fixes for VPN connection issues:
Microsoft Security Updates and the VPN Bug
Microsoft, the company behind Windows OS, releases security updates regularly to fix bugs and help users combat emerging threats. In April 2024, Microsoft released security updates KB5036893 for Windows 11 and KB503692 for Windows 10. Shortly after users installed these updates, their VPN connections were disconnected for some reason. Microsoft released a statement in its release health dashboard confirming the update broke down the functionality of VPN services on various Windows 10 and 11 clients.
Affected versions included 23H2 and 21H2 (Windows 10) and 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2 (Windows 11). The big also affected various Windows Server clients, including 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, and 2022. Back in April, Microsoft didn’t provide a reason why the updates interfered with VPN connections but promised to fix it with their next update. In a post released on May 14th, the tech giant has confirmed their new updates have resolved the issue. These new updates KB5037771 (Windows 11) and KB5037768 (Windows 10) effectively solve the VPN connection issue that has affected users for nearly a month.
VPN Uses and Why You Need It
A VPN service encrypts your internet traffic, providing secure connections that hide your online identity. You can use it to explore geo-restricted content, connect to remote work servers, privatize your online activity log, or navigate ISP bandwidth throttling. For instance, if you fancy playing real money games provided by casinos online, you can use a VPN service to mask your IP address. The VPN allows you to enjoy slots, table games, live dealer shows, and other casino games anonymously. It also gives you access to bonuses offered by operators licensed outside your country while protecting your activity log from prying eyes.
With a VPN service, you can prevent your internet service provider from slowing down your internet when exploring bandwidth-intensive resources like live dealer shows. The service provides you with random IP addresses of computers located outside your country. You can use it to get discounts when shopping online, access blocked content or prevent people from tracking your online activity back to you. Other benefits of VPN services include reducing staffing costs and facilitating network scalability. Many people and companies use VPNs to secure their online connections and elude various attacks.
Causes and Fixes For VPN Connection Failures
The recently resolved Microsoft update bug is an example of how software updates can disrupt VPN connection. Although Microsoft resolved the issue, affected Windows users couldn’t use their VPNs for a month. Some were forced to uninstall the April updates and roll back their Windows to previous versions, which left them unprotected from the latest security threats. However, software security updates are one of many reasons why your VPN connections may fail. You may experience VPN connection failures due to slow or intermittent internet and network connection. Here are the top causes of VPN connection failures:
- Your internet connection is slow or breaking
- The server you’re using is experiencing downtimes or technical issues
- Your firewall or antivirus software is blocking the VPN
- The VPN settings are not properly configured
- You have entered incorrect login credentials or expired passwords
- The VPN ports required to run the VPN are blocked
- You are using outdated VPN Software
- The country or network you’re trying to access has location-based VPN restrictions
To restore your VPN connection, you’ll need to first identify the underlying issue. The Microsoft bug was fixed by uninstalling the April security updates or installing the May 14 updates. If slow internet is the issue, you can disconnect and reconnect to your Wi-Fi, restart the router, check the ethernet cable for damages or contact your ISP. Other solutions include checking your VPN credentials for errors, restarting the VPN software, clearing old software data from your computer and resetting the VPN settings. You can also check your firewall and antivirus restrictions, reinstall the VPN app using the latest update, change the VPN server, or connect using a different protocol. If these don’t work, use the VPN help feature for further assistance.
Key Takeaways About VPN Connection Issues
VPNs boost online privacy and safety by providing secure connections. You can use them to navigate location restrictions and other barriers used to prevent people from accessing web content. The service also helps to hide your IP address and activity log, allowing you to browse privately. However, VPN connections may fail due to software issues, expired subscriptions and credentials, internet connection problems and other factors. When this happens, you can fix the identified cause of failure, use a browser extension, or try a different VPN service.
