How to Disable VPN on Windows 11

Virtual Private Networks or VPNs are very useful for securing your internet connection and maintaining privacy. However, you may need to disable an active VPN connection on your Windows 11 PC at times. 
Perhaps you want to browse without routing through the VPN or are facing connectivity issues that require disconnecting the VPN.
Fortunately, Windows 11 makes it easy to disable and disconnect a VPN connection with just a couple of clicks. In this guide, we'll outline the steps to disable any active VPN on Windows 11 through the Network settings.

Reasons to Disable a VPN on Windows 11

There are a few common reasons you may want to disable or disconnect from a VPN on your Windows 11 computer:● Temporarily accessing location-restricted content such as regional streaming services.● Troubleshooting internet connectivity issues related to the VPN.● Switching to a different WiFi network not configured to use the VPN.● Comparing internet speeds with the VPN enabled versus disabled.● Pausing VPN to save battery life on a laptop or mobile device.● Using network resources like printers and media servers that require direct connections.● Sharing your true public IP address for a specific activity or website login.● Working around connectivity problems with the current VPN server.In most cases, disabling the VPN is quick and simple to do.

Disable Active VPN in Network Settings

The fastest way to disable a connected VPN on Windows 11 is through the Network settings menu. Follow these instructions:

Select the Network Icon in the System Tray

Click on the network icon in your Windows system tray in the lower right. This is the same place you go to view available WiFi networks.

Click VPN Connection

In the network menu that pops up, click on the name of the VPN connection that is currently active, usually listed at the top.

Choose Disconnect

This will open the VPN connection status window. Click on the "Disconnect" button to disable the VPN.
That's all there is to it! The VPN connection will terminate within a few seconds and return you to your normal network connection.
The VPN app may still show as connected in the notification area, but it is no longer routing your traffic through the VPN or modifying your IP address and location. You can now access all network resources normally. However, if you are a user of window 7 then you can also follow VPN for Windows 7 laptop these steps to disable.

Disable VPN Auto-Connect in Settings

In addition to manually disconnecting the VPN when needed, you can also disable auto-connecting to that VPN upon login or reboot:1. Go to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.2. Click on the VPN connection.3. Toggle off "Automatically connect to this VPN connection."This prevents Windows from activating that VPN profile automatically at each startup. You will have to manually connect it when desired. 

Troubleshooting Tips for VPN Issues

If you are disabling the VPN to resolve connectivity problems or other issues, here are some troubleshooting tips:● Reboot your device to clear out any stuck VPN processes and refresh network interfaces.● Update your mx player VPN app software in case it is a known issue with a patch.● Try a different VPN protocol if available. Switch between protocols like OpenVPN UDP or TCP.● Renew the VPN configuration or reinstall the VPN app to generate fresh credentials.● Contact your VPN provider's customer support for assistance troubleshooting any VPN app problems.● Make sure your system clock and timezone match the VPN server to prevent authentication issues.

How do I disconnect NordVPN on Windows 11?

Open the system tray network menu, click the active NordVPN connection, and select Disconnect. Also, toggle off "Auto-Connect" in NordVPN settings if you don't want it to activate at login.

Does disconnecting the VPN turn off the VPN service?

No, disconnecting or disabling the VPN connection in your network settings does not fully exit or turn off the VPN app. It will just terminate that active network connection. The VPN app may still show as running.

Why does my VPN keep connecting on its own?

If a VPN connection activates automatically, make sure "Auto-Connect" is disabled for that VPN profile in Network settings and within the VPN app itself. Rebooting your device can also clear out any stuck processes causing it to reconnect on its own.

How do I disconnect the VPN using the Command Prompt?

Open an elevated Command Prompt and enter the command:rasdial VPN-NAME /disReplace VPN-NAME with the actual name of the VPN connection you want to disable. This will disconnect that VPN system-wide.

Can I get a new IP address without disconnecting the VPN?

Usually not, your IP address is assigned by the VPN server when connected. To get your true public IP, you need to disconnect the VPN. However, you can sometimes change IPs by switching VPN servers depending on the provider.

Conclusion

Disabling a VPN connection on Windows 11 only takes a few seconds using the network settings menu. This allows you to easily toggle your VPN on and off as needed. 
If you are experiencing any connectivity or performance issues with a VPN, disconnecting it is one of the first troubleshooting steps to perform. Just remember to enable your VPN again afterward for the best security when browsing the web or using public WiFi.