Windows VPN App Causing Crashing and Freezing

Windows VPN App Causing Crashing and Freezing

What Causes a Windows VPN to Crash or Freeze Your PC?

Many reasons may cause a PC to freeze or work faulty when connected to a VPN. For one, if a VPN is configured incorrectly or an older version is installed, it can cause the VPN to work poorly. 

Windows VPN Causes Crashing and Freezing – Fixes 

Just in case you do feel your PC working slower or freezing when connected to the VPN, here is what you can do: 

• Reinstall the VPN 
• Update the network drivers 
• Run a malware or virus scan
• Tweak with system settings to allow VPN connections
• Check your internet connection

Solution 1 – Reinstall the VPN 

At times, outdated VPN software can cause your PC to crash. It’s better to reinstall the VPN on your device. 

• Click on the “Search” icon on your PC. 
• Type “control panel” and open the app. 
• Click on “All Control Panel Items.” 
• Select “Programs and Features.”
• Look for the VPN app from the list
• Right-click on it, and then click on “Uninstall/Change.” 
• Now, simply reinstall the VPN app. 

Solution 2 – Update the Network Drivers 

Sometimes, your VPN is causing your PC to crash due to an outdated driver. If you’re using another VPN or a third-party one, installing them brings about additional drivers. This leads to your entire PC system crashing or even hanging specifically if it is not the latest version. Here’s what you can do to update them: 

• On your PC, right-click on the Windows icon.
• Select “Device Manager” from the list.
• Double-click on “Network adapters” to expand the list.
• Once you find them, right-click on a driver. 
• Select “Update driver.” 

Solution 3 – Run a malware or virus scan

Downloading too many files or software on your PC can cause malicious intrusions that spread to other apps, including your Windows VPN. always run a quick malware scan using the “Windows Security” app. Simply type Windows Security in the search bar, open the app, and click on Virus & Threat Protection. Either select “Quick Scan” or check for any updates.  

Solution 4 – Tweak with System Settings to Allow VPN Connections

If your PC has security settings that are extremely high, it might not allow VPN connections to come through, causing your PC to crash. Here is what you can do to prevent it. 

• In the search menu, type “Windows Defender Firewall.” 
• Open the app.
• From the menu, click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.” 
• Now, click on “Change settings” > “Allow another app.”
• Click on the “Browse” option and choose the app > “Network types.”
• Enable both by ticking on its boxes and clicking on “OK.”
• Select “Add.”

Solution 5 – Check your internet connection

The last and simplest solution would be a slow or faulty internet connection. At times, your VPN and PC both crash due to the internet connection not being stable. 

Contact your internet service provider and file a complaint or restart the router. Also, check to see if your Windows PC is connected to the router correctly. Once this is sorted, restart your device and reconnect to the Windows VPN app.