How to Disable VPN on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 16, 2025

If you’re using a VPN on Windows 11 and want to turn it off temporarily or permanently, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re troubleshooting network issues, switching VPN providers, or just want to restore your regular internet connection, learning how to disable VPN on Windows 11 is simple — once you know where to look.

In this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know — from turning off built-in VPN connections to disabling third-party VPN apps and browser-based VPN extensions. Let’s dive in!

Why You Might Want to Disable a VPN on Windows 11

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) offers online privacy and security by encrypting your data and masking your IP address. However, there are times when disabling it becomes necessary.

Here are a few common reasons:

  • Troubleshooting internet issues: VPNs can sometimes slow down your connection or block access to certain websites.

  • Accessing local services: Some local apps or websites might not work properly when you’re connected to a foreign server.

  • Testing network performance: Disabling the VPN lets you check your default internet speed.

  • Using apps that block VPNs: Certain streaming services or banking websites may not allow VPN access.

So, whatever your reason — let’s learn the safe and proper way to disable VPN on Windows 11.

How to Check if a VPN Is Active on Your Windows 11 PC

Before disabling anything, it’s smart to verify if a VPN is actually running.

Step 1: Check Network Settings

  1. Click the Network icon on your taskbar.

  2. Look for a VPN connection name — something like “NordVPN,” “ExpressVPN,” or “VPN Connection.”

  3. If you see one, it means the VPN is active.

Step 2: Use Windows Settings

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Network & Internet > VPN.

  3. Check if a VPN profile shows as “Connected.”

If it’s connected, you can proceed to disconnect or remove it using one of the methods below.

Method 1: Disable VPN from Windows Settings

This is the easiest and most direct way to turn off your VPN.

Steps to Disable VPN via Settings

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Navigate to Network & Internet > VPN.

  3. Find the VPN connection you want to disable.

  4. Click Disconnect.

That’s it — your VPN is now disabled. You can reconnect anytime by selecting Connect again.

Method 2: Remove a VPN Profile Completely

If you don’t plan to use that VPN again, you can remove its profile from your system.

Here’s How:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.

  2. Select the VPN connection you want to remove.

  3. Click Remove.

  4. Confirm the action when prompted.

💡 Tip: Removing a VPN profile only deletes its settings — it doesn’t uninstall a VPN app if you installed one from a provider like NordVPN or ProtonVPN.

Method 3: Disable a VPN App (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN)

Most people use third-party VPN apps instead of Windows’ built-in VPN feature. Here’s how to turn them off properly.

Steps:

  1. Open your VPN application (from the taskbar or Start menu).

  2. Click the Disconnect or Turn Off VPN button.

  3. Wait until the status changes to “Not Connected.”

  4. Close the app or exit it from the system tray.

To stop it from auto-starting when you boot your PC, follow the next method.

Method 4: Prevent VPN from Launching Automatically

Some VPNs launch automatically when Windows starts. Here’s how to stop that.

Option 1: Using Task Manager

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Go to the Startup apps tab.

  3. Find your VPN app (e.g., “NordVPN,” “Surfshark,” etc.).

  4. Right-click it and choose Disable.

Option 2: Using VPN App Settings

  1. Open your VPN application.

  2. Go to Settings > General or Startup.

  3. Disable the Launch at startup or Auto-connect option.

This ensures your VPN won’t activate automatically when you turn on your PC.

Method 5: Disable VPN Adapter via Network Connections

If your VPN installs a virtual network adapter (which most do), you can disable it manually.

Here’s How:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

  2. Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter.

  3. In the Network Connections window, find your VPN adapter (it might be named “TAP-Windows Adapter” or similar).

  4. Right-click it and select Disable.

You can always enable it later if you need to use the VPN again.

Method 6: Turn Off VPN via Command Prompt (Advanced Users)

If you prefer using command-line tools, you can disconnect from a VPN using CMD.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S and search for Command Prompt.

  2. Right-click it and choose Run as administrator.

  3. Type the following command and press Enter:

    rasdial /disconnect

  4. If your VPN connection has a specific name, use:

    rasdial "VPN Connection Name" /disconnect

This command disconnects your VPN instantly.

Method 7: Disable VPN in Windows Firewall

Sometimes, a VPN may remain partially active through Windows Firewall routes. You can restrict VPN usage there too.

Steps:

  1. Open Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall.

  2. Click Advanced settings on the left panel.

  3. Go to Outbound Rules.

  4. Find any rules related to your VPN and right-click → Disable Rule.

Use this carefully — it’s more technical, but effective if your VPN keeps reconnecting automatically.

Method 8: Turn Off VPN Extensions in Your Browser

If you’re using a browser VPN like Opera VPN, NordVPN extension, or TunnelBear, you’ll need to disable it separately.

For Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome.

  2. Click the Extensions icon (puzzle piece) in the top-right corner.

  3. Find your VPN extension.

  4. Toggle it off or click Remove from Chrome.

For Edge:

  1. Click the three dots (⋯) → Extensions.

  2. Locate your VPN extension.

  3. Toggle it off.

For Firefox:

  1. Go to Menu > Add-ons and themes.

  2. Click Extensions.

  3. Disable or remove your VPN add-on.

How to Know if VPN Is Fully Disabled

Once you’ve turned off your VPN, confirm it’s no longer affecting your connection.

Quick Check:

If your IP shows your real location, your VPN is successfully disabled.

Troubleshooting: VPN Keeps Turning On Automatically

If your VPN reconnects even after disabling it, try these fixes:

  1. Check startup programs (as shown above).

  2. Uninstall the VPN app entirely via Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.

  3. Disable VPN-related services:

    • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

    • Find your VPN service (e.g., “NordVPN Service”).

    • Right-click → Properties → Set Startup type to Disabled.

  4. Restart your PC.

Alternative: Temporarily Pause VPN (If Supported)

Some premium VPNs offer a “Pause” feature — perfect if you just want to disable it temporarily.

Example:

  • NordVPN: Click the disconnect icon → choose “Pause for 5 min / 15 min / 1 hour.”

  • ExpressVPN: Tap “Disconnect” and reconnect when needed.

This method keeps your settings intact and makes reconnecting faster later.

Security Tip: Disable VPN Carefully

When you disable your VPN, your real IP address and location become visible to websites and internet providers.

If you just need to fix a connection issue or access a specific website, consider disabling it temporarily instead of uninstalling it entirely.

For sensitive browsing, always re-enable VPN afterward to protect your privacy.

Common Problems After Disabling VPN

Sometimes, turning off a VPN causes network hiccups. Here’s how to fix them.

Problem Possible Cause Quick Fix
No Internet connection Network adapter confusion Restart PC or reset adapter
Slow browsing DNS cache not refreshed Run ipconfig /flushdns in CMD
Some sites not opening DNS or proxy issues Disable proxy under Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy
Still showing VPN IP Browser cache retained Clear cache and cookies

Conclusion: Disable VPN on Windows 11 Easily and Safely

Disabling a VPN on Windows 11 is straightforward once you know where to look. You can do it via Settings, Task Manager, Network Connections, or your VPN app itself.

Whether you’re troubleshooting, testing speed, or accessing local content, just remember to re-enable your VPN when you’re done to maintain your online privacy.

By following this guide, you now know how to:

  • Check if a VPN is active

  • Disconnect or remove VPN connections

  • Stop VPNs from launching automatically

  • Disable browser VPNs

  • Confirm that your VPN is fully off

With these steps, you’ll always stay in control of your network security and connection preferences.

FAQs: How to Disable VPN on Windows 11

1. How do I completely turn off VPN on Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, select your VPN connection, and click Disconnect. If it’s a third-party app, open it and click Disconnect inside the app.

2. Why does my VPN turn on automatically after restarting my PC?

Your VPN app may be set to auto-launch on startup. Disable it under Task Manager > Startup apps or inside the VPN app’s settings.

3. How do I uninstall a VPN from Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, find your VPN program, click Uninstall, and follow the prompts.

4. How can I tell if my VPN is disabled?

Visit whatismyipaddress.com. If your real location shows, your VPN is turned off.

5. Can I disable VPN temporarily without removing it?

Yes. Most VPN apps (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN) let you pause or disconnect temporarily — perfect for short-term use.

Key Takeaways

  • Disabling VPN on Windows 11 can be done via Settings, Task Manager, or VPN app.

  • Always check whether your VPN reconnects automatically after restart.

  • Use whatismyipaddress.com to confirm your IP.

  • If you uninstall a VPN, remove leftover adapters via Network Connections.

  • Re-enable VPN later to maintain your privacy and data protection.

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