For ages that Direct Access was *the* Microsoft de facto solution for Enterprises to seamlessly connect remote devices into their corporate network.
One of the new features of the Windows 10 Virtual Private Network (VPN) client is the ability to sustain an 'always on' VPN connection to your organization network. The always on feature lets you remotely manage VPN clients, because if the remote computer is turned on and Internet connected, it's available to manage. Nov 15, 2017 Always On VPN is easy to use and easy to implement. Follow this four-part guide as we turn Remote Access into a seamless and persistent connection for your Windows 10 mobile devices.
But times changed (fast!) and we needed different, let's even say 'better', solutions.
Let's enumerate a couple of points where DA was not so suitable.
- It only worked with Windows devices (PC). We had to show some love for Windows 10 Mobile, right? 🙂
- It was only for Domain Joined devices
- Enterprise SKU only
- Required a complex infrastructure
- No Azure AD (DJ++) support!! Windows AutoPilot FTW!!!
- etc.
More info regarding Always ON VPN vs DA.
So... are you looking for a new remote connectivity solution? Look no further!
Here's a fresh deployment guide for Always On VPN.
Remote Access Always On VPN Deployment Guide for Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10
There's also a Microsoft IT Showcase case study, if you want to have a look on how MSIT implemented Always On VPN in Microsoft.
Enhancing remote access in Windows 10 with an automatic VPN profile
Happy VPN'ing!!
![Vpn Vpn](/uploads/1/2/6/3/126301137/600504727.png)
A VPN is used by many either to make sure they are not traceable throughout the internet or sometimes its work that needs them to connect to VPN to be on a secure network. Sometimes, network issues result in an error, and you are not able to connect. Either the website doesn’t load, or you are not able to login to a network using VPN. In this post, we are sharing some tips to fix Windows 10 VPN not working issues.
If you are having problems connecting with VPN, then this guide shows how to fix Windows 10 VPN not working issues. This post offers solutions for – VPN client does not work or is not connecting, connects but no access, connects but webpage not loading, failed to initialize the connection, etc. The solution could be a simple DNS flush or as complex as editing a registry entry. Let us take a look at the details.
Just before we start, here are some basic troubleshooting tips you need to try to fix VPN issues on Windows 10. First, make sure your Windows 10 is updated to the latest version. Some updates fix known issues around VPN which helps instantly. Second, reinstall the network drivers to the latest version or try some old drivers to see if that fixes. Lastly, the issue could be as simple as Cached DNS. Even though you had changed it, the computer uses an old address. So you may want to flush the DNS cache. You can also check if your router needs an update. The information will be available with the Web Interface of the router.
VPN not working in Windows 10
Now, let’s take a look at some of the advanced tips to fix issues around VPN. These tips will need someone who has good knowledge of Windows 10. Along with this, you need an Administrator account.
1] Reinstall VPN Software
If you are using a VPN software, instead of the inbuilt VPN feature of Windows 10, it is always a good idea to reinstall it. Many a time the configuration of the software is the root cause of the problem, and simple reinstallation fixes. Also, do cross check if your VPN software subscription has expired.
2] Reinstall WAN MiniPorts
WAN Miniports are drivers for various type of network connection. WAN Miniport (IP), WAN Miniport(IPv6) and WAN Miniport (PPTP) are used for VPN connections, i.e., connection to a PPTP VPN server. You can easily reinstall the drivers again using Windows.
- Open Device Manager
- Find Network Adapters
- Uninstall WAN Miniport (IP), WAN Miniport(IPv6) and WAN Miniport (PPTP).
- Click Action, then Scan for hardware changes
- The adapters you just uninstalled should come back
Try connecting again. Hopefully, you should be good to go.
3] Troubleshoot TAP-Windows Adapter
These are virtual network kernel devices i.e. software based, and offer virtual TAP device functionality on the Windows OS. Many a time this is required the VPN software to work properly. We would highly recommend you to check out our tutorial on TAP-Windows Adapters.
4] Insert an Exception for UDP by editing The Registry
UDP or User Datagram Protocol is another way of transmitting data, just like TCP. However, UDP is used primarily for establishing low-latency and loss-tolerating connections between applications on the internet. Many VPN software and even Windows uses it. If there is a security issue around it, it fails i.e. UDP needs to establish security associations when both the server and the Windows PC.
Follow these steps to access Registry Editor. You may need to create or update new input.
- Backup your registry.
- In the Cortana search bar, type regedit and open the Registry Editor from the list of the results
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesPolicyAgent
- Right-click, and create new DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Type AssumeUDPEncapsulationContextOnSendRule, and then press ENTER.
- Right-click AssumeUDPEncapsulationContextOnSendRule, and then click Modify.
- In the Value Data box, type 2. A value of 2 configures Windows so that it can establish security associations when both the server and the Windows-based VPN client computer are behind NAT devices.
- Reboot, and try again.
5] Configure Firewall
Windows Firewall makes sure that no unsecured or unauthorized connection get access to your PC. Windows Firewall might disable or lock those request from the VPN software assuming it to be a threat.
- In the Cortana Search bar, type Firewall and select ”Allow an app through Windows Firewall”.
- Click on the Change settings button.
- In the huge list, look for your VPN software. Make sure to make sure that both the Public and Private networks are enabled.
- If your software is not listed, you can find it manually using Allow another app.
- Confirm changes and try connecting through your VPN again.
6] Disable IPv6
Many a time IPv6 may cause a problem connecting to the network. While the default is still set to IPv4, you can cross check by disabling IPv6 and run everything on IPv4. Every VPN creates a software-based network adapter. You just need to change adapter settings for this VPN to IPv4.
- Open Network and Internet and then Network and Sharing Center.
- Select Change adapter settings from the left pane.
- Right-click on VPN network adapter and open Properties.
- Uncheck the box beside IPv6 and confirm changes.
Reboot your PC if you have to, and try again.
See this post if you want to disable IPv6 on your computer.
Have a VPN Error Code for your issue?
If you have an error code for your VPN issue, we have a dedicated post, and possible solution to fix them. Do check out our post on Common VPN error codes troubleshooting & solutions for Windows 10
I hope, at least one of these tips to fix Windows 10 VPN not working must have solved your problem.
TIP: Download this tool to quickly find & fix Windows errors automatically
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