Troubleshooting NordVPN connectivity on Windows

First, try disabling your antivirus or firewall software because they may be interfering with your VPN connection. If the NordVPN app works after that, you will need to add exceptions for NordVPN files.

Common Windows application issues

This article covers NordVPN problems most frequently encountered by Windows users. Among other things, you can try these solutions if NordVPN is not working on your Windows 10 device or you have no internet access with NordVPN on Windows 10.

Error 1001 during installation

Please first update your Windows system using the Windows Update tool, then try installing the application again. Also, make sure that your .NET Runtime is updated to version 4.8.

You can also try disabling your antivirus/firewall/security software, and then reinstalling the NordVPN app.

Crash/Freeze

Press the “Windows” key and the “R” key together to open the “Run” window.
Type in “services.msc” (without the quotation marks) and press “Enter” to open the “Services” window.
In the services list, find and right-click on “Task scheduler.” Click “Start” if it’s not running.

App Kill Switch does not work

Make sure to add the direct executable file (.exe) in the NordVPN app. Go to “Settings,” select “Kill Switch” in the left sidebar menu, and click on “Add apps” under “App Kill Switch.” For example, you can add Skype to the Kill Switch list by adding this file:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe

No internet access once connected to a VPN server

First, try changing the server you are connecting to. If that does not help, try changing the connection protocol: a) switch to OpenVPN (TCP); b) switch to NordLynx.

The issue may also be caused by your antivirus, firewall, or other security software. Try disabling it and check if the issue remains.

Additionally, please try performing a network flush:

Open the NordVPN application.
There, head to the “Advanced” section.
Click “Run diagnostics tool.”
In the opened window, select “Network flush.”
Restart your PC and try connecting to the servers again.

A certain feature of the application is not working properly

Once more, open the “Settings” menu.
Head to the “Advanced” section.
Click “Run diagnostics tool.”
In the opened window, select “Reset app.”
Re-launch the application.

As a last resort, you can try other methods to connect. Some of our users reported that the NordVPN application started working for them again when they used an alternative connection method (a tutorial for OpenVPN GUI can be found here).

NordVPN is not working after an update

First, try disabling your antivirus or firewall software because they may be interfering with your VPN connection. If the NordVPN app works after that, you will need to add exceptions for NordVPN files.

If your NordVPN problems persist, try uninstalling the NordVPN app and rebooting your Windows device. Once your device has restarted, download the latest version of NordVPN and install it again.

Setting up a router with NordVPN
Installing and using NordVPN on Debian, Ubuntu, Raspberry Pi, Elementary OS, and Linux Mint
How to configure your Asus router running original firmware (AsusWRT)
Connecting from a country with internet restrictions