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OpenVPN Not Connecting on Windows 10: How to Fix it
Tweak your settings to secure an unbreakable VPN connection
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN client and VPN protocol with immense popularity, thanks to high security and excellent connection speed.
You can separately download and install the OpenVPN client on all popular devices for free if you want to create a secure tunnel to the web.
Or, you can turn to a commercial VPN provider that adopts OpenVPN.
However, OpenVPN may stop working on Windows 10 computers, due to various issues. If you’re encountering this scenario, here’s what you need to do.
Speaking of scenarios, there are several errors that may appear when you have problems with OpenVPN, many users report issues when attempting to start up the app:
Meanwhile, others manage to launch it only to encounter severe disruptions afterward:
Below you will find easy-to-follow instructions that should help fix any of the above-mentioned errors and be able to browse the web through a secure OpenVPN tunnel.
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How do I enable OpenVPN in Firewall on Windows 10?
In case you have OpenVPN connected but not working in Windows 10, you can enable it by changing a few settings in your firewall security.
Hence, these are the short steps on how to enable OpenVPN in your Firewall:
At the same time, this step-by-step guide should resolveOpenVPN not working on Windows 11, so you can use the method on the newest OS version without problems.
How can I fix OpenVPN not working on Windows 10?
1. Add an exception to the firewall
It’s possible that yourfirewall didn’t whitelist OpenVPNwhen you installed the client. In that case, you have to manually add an exception for it in the system firewall.
If another application is responsible for your computer’s firewall, make sure to adjust the above settings accordingly.
To quickly test this theory, you can temporarily disable the firewall and check if OpenVPN works properly on Windows 10 now.
But don’t forget to turn it back on since you risk exposing your home network to vulnerabilities.
2. Use a reliable VPN client with OpenVPN support
If you’re trying and failing to get the OpenVPN to work on Windows 10, consider getting a commercial VPN app that supports the OpenVPN protocol.
And we can’t think of a better option thanPrivate Internet Access. This software supports multiple protocols, including OpenVPN.
This VPN is compatible with all major operating systems and also has a manual configuration option for OpenVPN for those of you who want to add it directly to a supported router.
More about Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access
3. Whitelist OpenVPN in your antivirus
If your anti-malware application throws errors when you try to use OpenVPN on Windows 10, it could mean that it’s blocking the client or protocol.
However, it’s a false positive. In that case, make sure to add OpenVPN to the whitelist toprevent your antivirus from blocking your VPN.
As in the previous solution, you can quickly test it by temporarily deactivating the real-time detection engine of your anti-malware tool.
But we suggest turning it back on as soon as you finish the test and not leave your computer exposed to malware attacks.
If you’re interested in ananti-malware tool with built-in VPN functionality, check out our best picks.
4. Reset the TAP adapter
The OpenVPN client requires a TAP driver to work properly. If its functionality is broken, it could be the reason why OpenVPN is not working on your Windows 10 PC.
However, you can easily fix this by uninstalling the TAP driver from Device Manager – it should get automatically reinstalled.
As a general rule, it’s essential tokeep Windows drivers updated to the latest version.
5. Check if the DHCP service is running
Many OpenVPN users report seeing theInitialization Sequence Completed with errorsmessage on Windows 10.
It signals a problem with theDHCPclient, which you can restart using the instructions above.
6. Flush DNS and reset Winsock
Restartyour PC to apply the new changes.
The DNS cache and Winsock configuration are responsible for your computer connectivity.
If they’re not initialized properly, it could be the reason why OpenVPN isn’t working on Windows 10.
To recap, if your OpenVPN configuration fails to work on Windows 10, you can fix this issue by adding an exception to the firewall and whitelisting OpenVPN in your antivirus.
You can also reset the TAP adapter, check if the DHCP service is running, as well as flush your DNS and reset Winsock.
But we suggest opting for a trustworthy VPN likePrivate Internet AccessIt has built-in support for the OpenVPN protocol, which means that you shouldn’t see any errors anymore.
Learn everything about OpenVPN to master this VPN protocol and client. Also, visit ourVPN Troubleshooting Hubwhenever you need a VPN quick fix.
Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. With a firm grasp of software reviewing and content editing, she is always trying new things to improve her skill set.
Once in a blue moon, she steps aside from the desk to play with her bunny and to water her probably dead plants.
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Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. She’s a software reviewer and content editor.
