Have you recently installed a VPN app or manually set it up, but it isn't appearing in your network connections? Several factors could be causing this, with different reasons and fixes for both Windows and macOS.
✕ Remove Ads 1 You Haven't Configured the VPN Correctly
When you install popular VPN apps, like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark, and enable the VPN, the app automatically adjusts your network settings, letting you connect with one click. If the VPN doesn't appear in your network connections, or you're manually setting up a corporate VPN that isn't showing, the VPN may not have been configured correctly.
To rule out this possibility, manually go through the VPN setup process again on Windows or macOS, and ensure you've entered the correct server address, account name, password, VPN type, and other details. Carefully double-check each entry for errors. If an improper configuration has caused the issue, manually reconfiguring the VPN should fix it.
✕ Remove Ads 2 Issues With Your VPN Provider
When troubleshooting VPN issues, check your VPN provider isn't experiencing downtime due to maintenance or technical problems. Check its status page or support channels for updates. If everything appears normal, visit your VPN provider's official forum (or DownDetector) to see if other users are encountering the same issue.
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If they are, the problem likely lies with the provider's backend. In that case, you'll need to wait for your provider to resolve it. Once fixed, your VPN should reappear in your network connections. However, if there's no mention of an outage and no reports from other users, the problem is likely only on your end. In that case, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.
3 A Problem With the VPN App or Your Subscription
An issue with the VPN app or your subscription status could also cause a problem. To ensure the VPN app isn't the culprit, install any available updates, as outdated versions may contain bugs. Then, review your security and privacy settings to verify that the VPN app has the necessary permissions to access and control network settings on Windows or macOS.
Next, log in to your VPN provider's website to confirm your subscription hasn't expired. If your VPN plan limits the number of connected devices, check that you haven't exceeded this limit by disconnecting from other devices. VPN providers could also suspend accounts due to payment issues, so ensure everything is in order before proceeding.
✕ Remove Ads 4 The Firewall Has Blocked the VPN Connection
Firewalls regulate incoming and outgoing network traffic and may sometimes block a VPN connection, preventing it from functioning correctly. To rule out this issue, you can whitelist the VPN in your firewall settings on Windows, ensuring it won't be blocked or restricted. Make sure both public and private connections are allowed.
On macOS, navigate to System Settings > Network > Firewall and toggle the toggle next to Firewall. Next, click Options, add the VPN app by clicking the plus icon, and select Allow all incoming connections. Save your changes and restart your device. If you're using third-party antivirus software, whitelist the VPN within that app.
✕ Remove Ads 5 VPN/Internet Is Using an Uncommon Protocol
VPNs rely on specific protocols to encrypt and transmit data. If your VPN or internet connection uses an uncommon protocol not supported by your network or device, this could cause issues. OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard are secure protocols, while L2TP/IPsec, SSTP, and PPTP are less secure and should be avoided.
To rule out this possibility, choose one of the secure protocols in your VPN app and update this change in the manual VPN configuration, as mentioned earlier. Although less likely, using outdated internet protocols could also lead to problems. If your setup uses anything older than WPA2, update your router settings to WPA2 or WPA3 to secure your connection.
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Also, check that your router isn't blocking the VPN protocol you're using, which can be verified in the Firewall or VPN Passthrough sections. If it is, configure the router to allow the protocol.
6 Administrator Privilege Is Needed
For your VPN to properly integrate with your operating system, it needs permission to access system files, modify network settings, install necessary drivers, and interact with the firewall or security policies. These changes require administrative privileges. Without these rights, the VPN may not be configured correctly, causing the visibility issue you're experiencing.
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Switch to an administrator account if you're logged in with a standard account. When installing the VPN, run the setup file as an administrator -- right-click the file and select Run as administrator, as this is often required. On macOS, you need to enter your admin password when prompted.
If the VPN requests permission to adjust a firewall or network settings, make sure to approve these actions.
7 Conflicts With Other VPN Connections or Clients
If you have multiple VPN apps or configurations installed, your primary VPN connection might not appear in the network settings. These apps or configurations could conflict when trying to control network settings, routing, or DNS management. Each VPN also installs its own drivers, which may cause a clash.
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To resolve this, uninstall unused VPN apps or manually remove their configurations from your network settings. If you want to keep them for later use, turn off their auto-connect settings, allowing only your primary VPN to connect at startup. Also, check Task Manager or Activity Monitor for running VPN apps and turn off any others that might be active.
8 Possible Corruption in System Files and Drivers
Corrupted system files can also prevent your VPN from appearing in network connections. To fix this on Windows, run an SFC scan to repair the files. If that doesn't work, use DISM to repair the Windows image. On macOS, repair disk permissions: open Disk Utility, select your disk, click First Aid, and follow the on-screen instructions. Then, restart your device.
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Outdated network drivers can also cause issues with VPNs. On Windows, download the latest drivers from your provider's website, then go to Device Manager, find Network Adapters, and manually install the drivers. On macOS, you should easily remove driver conflicts and ensure all system components, including network drivers, are up-to-date.
9 Reset Network Settings and Check Necessary Services
Lastly, misconfigured network settings or discrepancies in the VPN connection can also cause the issue you're experiencing. To fix this problem, try resetting the network settings on Windows and macOS. This will erase all saved network connections. Then, you can set up the VPN connection from scratch.
On Windows, check that essential VPN services, like VPN AutoConnection Manager and IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules, are enabled. Open the Services app, right-click on each service, and select Start or Restart. While there's no direct option on macOS, restarting the device ensures all necessary services run properly.
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Hopefully, the troubleshooting steps above will help you resolve the issue. If none of these solutions work, your final option should be to contact your VPN provider's customer support and report the problem. Alternatively, try temporarily switching to a different VPN provider to see if that fixes the problem.