Alex Ruben
How to Resolve the “Connection to the Remote Computer Could Not Be Established” VPN Error
Encountering the “Connection to the Remote Computer Could Not Be Established” VPN error can be frustrating, especially when you rely on a stable connection for work or personal use. This guide will provide you with clear, step-by-step methods to effectively troubleshoot and resolve this issue. By following the instructions outlined here, you will learn how to reset your network settings, uninstall and reinstall VPN drivers, and adjust firewall settings to restore your VPN connectivity.
Before you begin, ensure you have administrative access to your computer and that your operating system is updated to the latest version. Additionally, close any unnecessary applications that may interfere with the troubleshooting process. This guide primarily focuses on Windows operating systems, particularly Windows 10 and 11.
Step 1: Uninstall and Reinstall VPN Drivers
The first method to resolve the VPN connection error involves uninstalling the VPN drivers from your system. Follow these steps:
- Open the Device Manager by searching for it in the Start menu.
- In the Device Manager window, expand the Network adapters section.
- Identify the VPN drivers listed here. You may have multiple drivers; select each one and choose Uninstall device from the context menu. Confirm the uninstallation.
- After uninstalling all VPN drivers, navigate to the top menu and click on the Action tab. Select Scan for hardware changes to reinstall the drivers automatically.
- Once the scanning is complete, close the Device Manager and restart your computer.
Step 2: Reset Firewall Settings
If the issue persists after reinstalling the drivers, the next step is to reset your firewall settings. This can prevent any misconfigurations that might be blocking the VPN connection:
- Press the Windows key + R simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
firewall.cpland hit Enter to open the Windows Firewall settings. - In the left pane, click on Restore defaults.
- Click Yes when prompted to confirm the restoration of firewall settings to default.
- Close the firewall settings window and restart your computer again.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
While the above methods should effectively resolve the VPN error, here are some additional tips and common issues to consider:
- Ensure that your VPN client is updated to the latest version, as updates often contain important bug fixes.
- Check your internet connection separately to ensure it is stable and functioning properly.
- If you are using a third-party antivirus or firewall, consider temporarily disabling it to see if it is causing the connection issue.
- Verify that your VPN subscription is active and that you are connecting to a server that is online.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to effectively troubleshoot and resolve the “Connection to the Remote Computer Could Not Be Established” VPN error. Remember to regularly check your VPN settings and keep your software updated to avoid similar issues in the future. If you continue to experience problems, consider reaching out to your VPN provider’s support for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the VPN connection is still not working after following these steps?
If you have tried all the steps mentioned and the issue persists, consider contacting your VPN provider for additional troubleshooting or checking for any service outages.
Can I use multiple VPNs on the same device?
Using multiple VPNs can lead to conflicts. It is advisable to use only one VPN client at a time to ensure proper functionality.
How can I check if my VPN is working correctly?
You can check your VPN connection by visiting a site like WhatIsMyIP.com to verify that your IP address matches the VPN server you are connected to.