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Outlook Disconnects When Connected to VPN [8 Tested Fixes]
Fix Outlook connection errors with high-end VPN with great compatibility
8 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Microsoft Outlook is one of the most popular email clients worldwide.
Some of its users also turn to VPN services to secure their connections, bypass government censorship, and access blocked websites.
Unfortunately, manyOutlook users have server connection issuesright after establishing the VPN connection.
As a result, it’s impossible to use Microsoft’s email client to check the inbox, compose new messages, forward emails – anything that requires an Internet connection.
We’re showing you exactly what to do if Outlook won’t connect over a VPN.
Check out our step-by-step guide below to troubleshoot this problem, whether you have PC experience or not.
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Does Outlook work with a VPN?
Yes, it’s possible to configure Outlook email to connect with a VPN on your device. What you need to know is that Outlook has an option for this.
In the email account, you have the option that allows you to connect to your VPN, and that is the Exchange server connection.
To have a better knowledge about this issue, these are the potential errors you can run into:
So, the final takeaway is that you should be able to use Outlook even connected to another IP address on a VPN.
Why does my Outlook disconnect when I connect to VPN?
This Outlook problem may have multiple factors for not connecting to the Internet when the VPN is on. It can be due to your connection or other causes like the ones presented here:
? The Microsoft Outlook is not updated to the latest version
? The wireless network adapter blocks Outlook connection with a VPN
? Your DNS address is not suited for the VPN connection
? The antivirus or firewall can block Outlook connection
How can I make Outlook connect over VPN?
1. Update and restart Microsoft Outlook
Make sure you’re running the latest version of Microsoft Outlook. It could help resolve various compatibility issues with the software, including VPNs.
You should be able to enable updates from your Office account after opening the main menu in Microsoft Outlook.
2. Check your Internet connection
If your Internet connection isn’t stable enough, it could be the reason why Outlook won’t connect over a VPN.
Perhaps there’s a problem with your router or yourlaptop’s Wi-Fi is too slow. To quickly test this, you can restart your router or switch to wired mode.
It’s also a good idea torun an Internet speed testin two parts: while staying connected to the VPN and without an active VPN connection.
3. Use a reliable VPN
One of the greatest options you can count on is ExpressVPN. It is a VPN service that helps you secure your internet connection and private data, in this context, on Outlook email.
It can support multiple protocols that create secure tunnels without affecting your connection speed, DNS protection for each server, or streaming optimized servers for unrestricted web content.
Here’s how you can get ExpressVPN:
When you’re browsing the internet, ExpressVPN protects your data so you can’t be tracked you are entirely anonymous.
ExpressVPN
4. Add an exception to the Windows Firewall
If you follow these steps, you willfix firewall issues with VPN traffic. If Outlook connects over your VPN now, it means there was never a problem on the email client’s side, but with your firewall.
And, if you’re using a third-party firewall, make sure to adapt the instructions we provided for Windows Defender above.
A premium VPN service likeExpressVPNshouldn’t get blocked by your firewall because it automatically creates an exception for itself when you install it.
5. Disable the wireless network adapter
If you’re connected to the Internet in both Wi-Fi and Ethernet mode, it could result in a conflict that causes the VPN connection error on Microsoft Outlook.
To easily fix this problem, simply deactivate your Wi-Fi connection and stick to wired mode.
It also indicates that you haveWi-Fi connectivity issues, which you should troubleshoot as soon as possible to continue using wireless mode.
6. Change your DNS settings
If your default DNS servers take too long to load pages, this could also cause VPN connection issues over Microsoft Outlook.
But you can solve this problem by changing the DNS servers. The servers we listed above are free, public, and belong to Google Public DNS. You can also try Cloudflare or OpenDNS.
However, if you have a reliable VPN service likeExpressVPNinstalled, you don’t have to worry about this issue.
7. Reset the network settings
Restart your computer to finish the modifications.
You can easily reset network connectivity settings on your Windows computer by flushing DNS servers and resetting Winsock.
A lot of VPN connection problems can be fixed this way.
8. Allow VPN traffic on your router
If yourrouter doesn’t allow VPN traffic, you wouldn’t be able to connect to a remote VPN server or accept VPN connections. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to use Microsoft Outlook or any other tool.
In this case, you must access your router’s admin panel, look for aNAT Passthroughoption, and enable it for your VPN protocol. Out-of-the-box router firmware typically supports PPTP and L2TP.
If you intend to use a VPN protocol that’s not supported by your router’s firmware (like OpenVPN), here’s what you can do:
➡️ Set up port forwarding at the router level* (not safe). But it only works with VPN server mode.
➡️ Check if your router allows you to install third-party firmware. If so, you can set up DD-WRT,Tomato, or OpenWRT (requires advanced skills). They support VPN client mode.
➡️ If your router doesn’t support third-party firmware, you can purchase a router with VPN client capability and then set up bridge mode to avoidDouble NAT.
➡️ Instead of configuring router settings and risk messing up its functionality, you can just Express software to switch your protocol for OpenVPN or other within a few clicks.
How does a VPN affect email?
Actually, a VPN can make an important difference while using email like Outlook or other providers. That means you have online identity safety and security for personal data sent on emails.
However, if your VPN interferes with mail connection and blocks it, you should try our solutions presented above.
To conclude, you can fix VPN connectivity issues with Office by updating and restarting MS Outlook, checking your Internet connection, and adding an exception to the Windows Firewall.
You can also disable the Wi-Fi network adapter, change your DNS servers, reset network settings, and allow VPN traffic on your router or set up port forwarding.
But one of the best ways to stay secure while using Microsoft Outlook is by turning to a reliable VPN service likeExpressVPN.
Thus, you can join ourOutlook Troubleshooting Hubfor more similar quick-fix guides. Visit ourVPN sectionto learn everything about VPN services.
How do I fix Outlook connectivity problems?Tofix Outlook connection errors, you can disable the AppData directory redirection, create a new Outlook profile, repair Office programs, and try other possible solutions.
How do I fix error 0x8004011d in Outlook?Torepair Outlook error 0x8004011d, flush your DNS servers, verify add-in issues, repair the Outlook installation package, and so on.
What is the most anonymous email?ProtonMail is one of thebest anonymous email clients.
More about the topics:Outlook Guides,VPN
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.
