Ethernet drops when VPN enabled

Symptoms

• Internet disconnects immediately after enabling VPN
• Ethernet reconnects when VPN is disabled
• Issue occurs with specific VPN servers
• Network appears connected but has no access

Why This Happens

VPNs alter routing tables and network interfaces. Misconfiguration can cause Ethernet connections to drop or block traffic. Common causes include: - VPN kill switch behavior - Incorrect DNS handling - Incompatible VPN protocols - Driver conflicts

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Step 1: Disable VPN Kill Switch

• Turn off kill switch temporarily.
• Test connection stability.

Step 2: Change VPN Protocol

• Switch between OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2.
• Test each option.

Step 3: Update VPN Client

• Install the latest VPN software version.

Step 4: Reset Network Settings

• Reset network adapters if needed.

When This Topic Is Limited

Persistent issues may indicate VPN provider incompatibility.

Summary

Ethernet dropouts when using VPNs are usually caused by routing conflicts. Adjusting VPN settings restores connectivity.