Windows 11 update removes ability to use VPN

New Windows 11 update and a new round of problems, this time affecting VPN use. According to reports, users who installed the latest security update for Windows 10, Windows 11, and various versions of Windows Server VPN services have lost their functionality in the operating system.

Microsoft has already discovered this issue and describes it as “Windows devices may experience VPN connection failures“Now the company itself does not specify whether this is an isolated problem or whether it affects 100% of users who have updated their operating system. The company has also not provided any solution or delivery timeline for a patch that will fix this issue. There is no explanation why this happened.

Windows 11, Windows 10 and numerous server versions are affected by this issue.

• Affected versions of Windows: Windows 11 version 23H2; Windows 11 version 22H2; Windows 11 version 21H2; Windows 10 version 22H2; Windows 10 version 21H2.
• Affected versions of Windows Server: Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008.

Therefore, any Windows operating system user who has installed the latest security update “KB5036893” may be affected if you have lost functionality of VPN services.

Windows devices may experience VPN connection failures after installing the April 2024 Security Update (KB5036893) or the April 2024 Non-Security Update.

Although Microsoft does not provide any official solution, it seems that the immediate solution would be to roll back to a previous version of Windows. Or of course something simpler, go to the update history and uninstall the update “KB5036893”.. In exchange, you will lose any patches and security improvements implemented on the system. So this is the user himself who must weigh lose these features in exchange for the ability to continue using the VPN.

Okay, Windows updates break everything, but… What is a VPN?

VPN (Virtual Private Network in Spanish) has always been defined as secure tunnel to your internet connection. When you connect to a VPN, on a Windows PC or smartphone, your device creates encrypted connection to a remote server managed by the VPN provider. All your internet traffic, such as web browsing, email, or video streaming, goes through this secure tunnel.

This has many benefits. The most common is
access to content blocked by the operator. In other countries this matters more. bypass censorship. And when traveling, it allows you to securely connect to Wi-Fi at the airport or even at your hotel. And no, don’t worry, I’m not going to sell you any VPN services at this point.

VPN benefits:

• Increased privacy: When using a VPN, your real IP address is hidden and replaced with the VPN server’s address. This means it’s much harder for advertisers, internet service providers (ISPs), and hackers to track your online activity.
• Security in public networks: When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, such as at a coffee shop or airport, your information may be vulnerable to cyberattacks. A VPN encrypts your traffic, meaning that even if someone tries to spy on you, they will only see the encrypted data.
• Access to blocked content: Some websites or streaming services are blocked in certain countries or regions. With a VPN, you can make it appear as if you are browsing a site from another location and access blocked content.
• Avoid censorship: In some countries, the government censors certain websites or online services. A VPN can help you bypass this censorship by making it appear as if your traffic is coming from somewhere else where there are no restrictions.