VPN not engaging

Roosevelt Johnson 0 Reputation points
2026-09-30T22:15:35.03+00:00

when i try to print from my laptop it says no VPN but in setting it show vpn on

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 88,935 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-30T23:17:27+00:00

    Hi, @Roosevelt Johnson

    To help narrow this down:

    1. What is the exact message you see when you try to print? If possible, please share a screenshot.
    2. Which VPN are you using: Windows built-in VPN, a work VPN, or an app such as NordVPN/ExpressVPN?
    3. Is this a home printer on the same Wi-Fi, or a work/network printer that requires the VPN?

    If Windows Settings shows the VPN as connected but printing says there is no VPN, the printer may be checking a different network connection rather than just whether the VPN switch is on.

    Also, please check Settings > Network & internet > VPN and confirm whether it specifically says "Connected" under the VPN connection.

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-30T22:15:48.0066667+00:00

    If Settings > Network & internet > VPN shows the VPN as connected, verify it from Windows directly:

    1. Open Settings > Network & internet > VPN.
    2. Check whether the VPN name shows Connected under it.
    3. Also check the taskbar. A blue shield appears when Windows recognizes an active VPN connection.

    If the VPN shows connected in Settings but an app still says there is no VPN, disconnect and reconnect the VPN:

    1. Select the Network, Volume, Battery icon on the taskbar.
    2. Select VPN.
    3. Choose Manage VPN connections.
    4. Select the VPN connection, then select Connect again.
    5. If prompted, enter the sign-in information.

    If this is an L2TP/IPSec VPN, make sure the laptop already has a normal internet connection before starting the VPN. Without internet first, Windows can delay and the VPN may fail to establish correctly.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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