nothing loads on my pc until vpn is on

jerz mlody 20 Reputation points
2026-09-13T13:27:55.4766667+00:00

i havent turned on my pc for a week and now i turn it on my network says connected secure but nothing loads until i turn a vpn on

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-13T13:28:11.2433333+00:00

    This pattern commonly points to a Windows networking stack problem or interference from VPN software or its network filter/adapter. Since the PC shows Connected, secured but traffic only works after the VPN is enabled, try these steps in order:

    1. If a third-party VPN app is installed, completely uninstall it first, then restart the PC.
      • VPN software can keep filter drivers or adapters that interfere with normal internet access even when the VPN is off.
      • If internet works normally after uninstalling it, reinstall the latest version only if needed.
    2. Use Network reset as the next step.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
      • Select Reset now > Yes.
      • Wait for the PC to restart.
    3. After the reset, test the connection before reinstalling the VPN.

    Important:

    • Network reset removes network adapters and resets their settings to default. VPN client software or virtual switches might need to be reinstalled or set up again.
    • After the reset, Windows may set known networks to the Public profile.

    If the issue started after a Windows update and the VPN itself also has trouble connecting, reinstalling or updating the VPN client is also a supported step.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Thomas4-N 21,570 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-14T09:55:49.14+00:00

    Hello jerz mlody,

    Before considering a repair install of Windows, I'd first try to determine why enabling the VPN immediately restores connectivity.

    When a VPN fixes internet access, it often means traffic is being routed differently or different DNS servers are being used, rather than Windows itself being damaged.

    Could you clarify:

    • Which VPN are you using?
    • When the VPN is off, do all websites fail to load or only some services such as Steam?
    • Does the issue also occur if you connect through a mobile hotspot instead of your normal network?
    • Do you have anything configured under Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy?

    Also, please open Command Prompt and run the following with the VPN OFF:

    nslookup microsoft.com

    Then repeat the same command with the VPN ON and post both results.

    Those results should help determine whether this is a DNS, routing, proxy, VPN, or ISP-related issue before attempting more invasive repairs.

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  3. ApexNáV 170 Reputation points
    2026-09-13T13:53:45.1233333+00:00

    Open the link below, scroll down and find the section "You're connected to Wi-Fi, but no Internet connection is detected (also known as limited connectivity)" and follow the steps mentioned there:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/fix-wi-fi-connection-issues-in-windows

    If issue remains then Repairing Windows by reinstalling the same version may help. It repairs system files and components while preserving your apps, files, and settings, but I still recommend backing up important data just in case. You can perform the repair using the Microsoft guide below:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/fix-issues-by-reinstalling-the-current-version-of-windows

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