Irrespective of the type and nature of the VPN, they all offer varying degrees of IP protection and restriction bypassing. Nowadays, a VPN is considered an important part of your online toolkit.<\/p>\n
This is why it becomes frustrating when an attempted VPN connection results in an error that says, \u201cThe remote connection was not made.\u201d We have collated some reliable fixes for this error into this handy guide.<\/p>\n
What Does the \u201cThe Remote Connection Was Not Made\u201d Error Mean?<\/h2>\n
This error message has been showing up on Windows 10 PCs lately, according to users. It usually occurs when the VPN encounters an error while launching on a computer. Sometimes, it happens because of a problem with the VPN\u2019s server. If the option to switch to another server is available, that can work. Otherwise, the annoyed user is left trying to figure out a solution.<\/p>\n
The \u201cThe remote connection was not made\u201d error message is almost always related to a VPN issue. There are several variants of this problem, including:<\/p>\n
- \n
- The remote connection was not made because the name of the remote access server did not resolve.<\/li>\n
- The remote connection was not made because the VPN tunnels failed Windows 10.<\/li>\n
- A connection to the remote access was not made because the modem was not found.<\/li>\n
- The remote connection was denied.<\/li>\n
- The remote connection has timed out.<\/li>\n
- The remote connection was interrupted and is reconnecting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These and other errors can appear when using a VPN on Windows, especially for Windows 10 users. The tips and tricks below should help in restoring a stable VPN connection.<\/p>\n
\n\ud83d\udccc Also read:<\/strong> Ultimate Guide: How to Fix Wi-Fi Not Working with a VPN?<\/a><\/p>\n
\nHow to Resolve the \u201cThe Remote Connection Was Not Made\u201d Error on Windows 10<\/h2>\n
The guide below contains several potential methods to fix the \u201cThe remote connection was not made because the name of the remote access server did not resolve\u201d error. Our solutions will also help you get rid of other issues involving virtual private networks. Just work your way down, one by one, and you should find a fix that works for you.<\/p>\n
Fix 1. Try another VPN<\/h3>\n
VPNs, by their nature, are very useful programs. They can be the difference between being spied on and complete anonymity when carrying out certain tasks online. No wonder that facing an issue like \u201cThe remote connection was not made\u201d could be very frustrating.<\/p>\n
One nice thing about the VPN industry is that there is no monopoly. There are literally dozens of virtual private networks for you to choose from. And if you\u2019re a lover of the protection they offer, you might not mind shelling out a few quid on more than one VPN. This way, you can switch between them at leisure.<\/p>\n
If you have another VPN waiting in the wings, simply disconnect from the current one and use that instead. Some VPNs<\/a> offer a free trial, and you can take advantage of that to see if it works for you before you buy a subscription.<\/p>\n
If the new VPN works for you, simply keep using it. However, if you\u2019re stuck with your current VPN or if another one doesn\u2019t resolve the issue, you can try out the other fixes in this guide.<\/p>\n
Fix 2. Reset Winsock and flush the DNS<\/h3>\n
You might be getting the \u201cThe remote connection was not made\u201d error message due to faulty network settings. It is also possible that your DNS has become corrupted. Luckily, you can use the Command Prompt to flush the DNS<\/a> and reset Winsock. Flushing the DNS is the same thing as resetting\u2014it restores DNS settings to default values.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how to carry out these connected operations:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Hold down the
Windows key and press R<\/code> to open the Run<\/em> application.<\/li>\n- Type\u00a0
cmd<\/code>\u00a0in the Run<\/em> box and pressCtrl + Shift + Enter<\/code> to launch the Command Prompt<\/em> with admin rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n![\"Run]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Type or paste the following in the Command Prompt<\/em> window. Don\u2019t forget to press the
Enter<\/code> key after each line:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nipconfig \/flushdns<\/pre>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Enter]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nipconfig \/registerdns<\/pre>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Enter]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nipconfig \/release<\/pre>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Enter]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nipconfig \/renew<\/pre>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Enter]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nnetsh winsock reset<\/pre>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Enter]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nIs the problem resolved? It should be if it\u2019s due to network issues. If the VPN bug still appears, move on to the next solution.<\/p>\n
Fix 3. Temporarily turn off your antivirus<\/h3>\n
The benefits of AV tools are known to everyone by now. However, some antivirus software can be too overzealous and cause problems with the system. They may try to block a file mistakenly flagged as malware<\/a> or attempt to prevent an innocuous network setting from being enabled. All these things can lead to the \u201cThe remote connection was not made\u201d error when using a VPN.<\/p>\n
Depending on the AV tool you need, you may need to disable some features, such as real-time protection and cloud-based protection, and see what happens. If that helped you stop the error from happening again, it\u2019s likely you\u2019d have to turn off the antivirus completely.<\/p>\n
Obviously, this is not acceptable to the majority of internet users. Protection software needs to be active all the time to stop online threats. If your current AV tools continue to conflict with another important program, such as your VPN, you may have to switch to an antivirus that doesn\u2019t interfere with other genuine programs.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\nThere are lots of security software on the market. However, if you\u2019re after maximum security and minimum conflict, you should consider Auslogics Anti-Malware<\/a> . You can even use it as secondary protection software alongside your main AV tool.<\/div>\r\n\r\n Download for Free<\/a>\r\n Learn More<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\nFix 4. Temporarily disable Windows Firewall<\/h3>\n
A firewall is basically a shield that stops unwanted connections to and from the Internet. A firewall filters all connection requests and only allows the benign ones to go through. A normal user is likely not aware that their computer is protected by Windows Firewall.<\/p>\n
It is possible that the firewall<\/a> is incorrectly blocking certain connections between your PC and the VPN servers, and this is causing the \u201cThe remote connection was not made\u201d issue to happen frequently. This can be rectified by turning off the firewall during the duration of the VPN use. However, we suggest that you shouldn\u2019t turn off Windows Firewall\u2014or any other firewall\u2014for too long.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how to temporarily turn off Windows Firewall:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Hold down the
Windows key and press S<\/code>.<\/li>\n- Type\u00a0
firewall<\/code>\u00a0and select Windows Defender Firewall<\/em> in the results.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- On the side pane in the Windows Defender Firewall<\/em> window, click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off<\/em>\u00a0link.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Turn]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- On the Customize settings for each type of network<\/em> screen, select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)<\/em> option under private network settings and public network settings, respectively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Customize]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Click OK<\/em> to apply the changes you just made.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Now try to connect to the VPN and check whether the \u201cThe remote connection was not made\u201d error still shows up. If everything is solved, it probably means you need to configure your firewall correctly.<\/p>\n
Another option is to create exceptions for inbound and outbound connections to and from the VPN\u2019s servers.<\/p>\n
Fix 5. Use Another DNS<\/h3>\n
Is the \u201cThe remote connection was not made\u201d error related to your current DNS settings, and flushing it didn\u2019t help? If so, try switching to another DNS.<\/p>\n
Before you go ahead with this method, make sure you know your current DNS in case you need to use it again in the future. We suggest you write it down or take a screenshot.<\/p>\n
Also, you need the address of the DNS server(s)<\/a> you want to try. In this example, we\u2019ll replace the current DNS settings with Google DNS. 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 are the addresses of the primary and secondary servers for Google DNS, respectively. You can use any DNS you desire so long you have obtained the server addresses.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how to change your DNS in Windows 10:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Right-click your network icon on the taskbar. The icon is in the shape of a globe.<\/li>\n
- Select Open Network & Internet <\/em>settings.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Open]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Under Advanced network settings<\/em>\u00a0in Network & Internet<\/em>, click Change adapter options.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Under]()
Change adapter options<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- The Network Connection<\/em> screen in Control Panel<\/em> will be displayed. Right-click your current network and select Properties<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Right-click]()
Properties<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- In the Network<\/em> tab of the network properties dialog, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP\/IPv4)<\/em> and click the Properties<\/em> button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP\/IPv4) Properties<\/em> dialog, select Use the following DNS server addresses<\/em>\u00a0to make the text fields under it editable.<\/li>\n
- Enter the given Google DNS server addresses into the Preferred DNS server<\/em> and Alternate DNS server<\/em> fields and click OK<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
With this new DNS in use, there shouldn\u2019t be any more problems connecting to your VPN. In case the issue remains unresolved, try the fix below.<\/p>\n
Fix 6. Restart Remote Access Connection Manager<\/h3>\n
The Remote Access Connection Manager, or RasMan, is a Windows service that manages VPN connections from your computer to the Internet or other remote networks. If this service is disabled or not working properly, any service that depends on it, such as a VPN, will either fail to start or run into issues.<\/p>\n
Thus, if you keep getting VPN connectivity errors like the \u201cThe remote connection was not made\u201d problem, it could be because of this process. Restarting the process can stop the error.<\/p>\n
To restart RasMan in Windows 10:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Press the
Windows key<\/code>, type\u00a0services<\/code>, and clickEnter<\/code> to open the Services<\/em> application.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n![\"Type]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Scroll down the list of services and locate Remote Access Connection Manager<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Locate]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Double-click the service (or right-click it and select Properties<\/em>).<\/li>\n
- Click the Stop<\/em> button under Service status<\/em> to disable the service, and click OK<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Click]()
Stop<\/em> button under Service status<\/em> to disable the service, and click OK<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- After a minute, repeat Step 4.<\/li>\n
- Click the Start<\/em> button under Service status<\/em> to restart the service, and click OK<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Interestingly, you can also use the Command Prompt to restart the Remote Access Connection Manager service. Simply open an elevated Command Prompt<\/a> window and run these two commands:<\/p>\n
net stop RasMan<\/pre>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Enter]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nnet start RasMan<\/pre>\n
Simple. After RasMan restarts, the \u201cThe remote connection was not made\u201d error should be completely fixed.<\/p>\n
Fix 7. Turn off proxy settings<\/h3>\n
If you use a private proxy to protect yourself online, your settings can conflict with the VPN and cause you to keep getting \u201cThe remote connection was not made\u201d error messages. You should disable your proxy and see if that helps.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Open Settings<\/em> and navigate to Network & Internet > Proxy.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Navigate]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- In the right pane, set the toggles for Automatically detect settings<\/em> and Use setup script<\/em>\u00a0to Off<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If the error has still not gone away, the next solution might help.<\/p>\n
Fix 8. Troubleshoot the connection error via the clean boot<\/h3>\n
The reason the \u201cThe remote connection was not made\u201d error keeps appearing might be conflicts between third-party applications or services on the machine. To figure out what is going on, launching your system in clean boot mode<\/a> may help.<\/p>\n
Clean boot mode refers to a Windows state where only Microsoft services and startup programs are loaded; the rest are inactive. In this environment, you can freely troubleshoot software conflicts.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Using an administrator account, type\u00a0
msconfig<\/code>\u00a0in the Start<\/em> menu and press theEnter<\/code> key (or click Open<\/em>) to launch System Configuration<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n![\"Type]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Select the Services<\/em> tab and click the Hide all Microsoft services<\/em>\u00a0checkbox.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Next, click the Disable all<\/em> button to render all third-party services inactive.<\/li>\n
- Move to the Startup<\/em> tab and click the Open Task Manager<\/em> link.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Right-click each startup item and select Disable<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Right-click]()
Disable<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- When you\u2019re done, return to the System Configuration<\/em> window.<\/li>\n
- Click Apply > OK<\/em>, then restart the machine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Once you\u2019re logged back in, check whether the VPN connection issue still occurs. If it\u2019s gone, it\u2019s likely that one of the disabled services or startup programs is responsible for the problem. Enable the disabled services and startup programs in batches until you isolate the one causing the conflicts.<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019ve discovered the culprit, you can do one of three things:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Uninstall the parent program. <\/b>Do this if the service or startup item belongs to an unimportant program or one that you don\u2019t need to use. This also applies if an alternative program that can do the same thing is available.<\/li>\n
- Disable the service or startup item only. <\/b>Do this if the parent program is important but the offending service or startup item isn\u2019t needed.<\/li>\n
- Update the parent program. <\/b>If you feel that the service or startup does a very important function, check for an update<\/a> that eliminates the conflict.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\ud83d\udccc Also read:<\/strong> So Easy to Do: How to Uninstall Programs and Apps on Windows 10\/11?<\/a><\/p>\n
\n - Disable the service or startup item only. <\/b>Do this if the parent program is important but the offending service or startup item isn\u2019t needed.<\/li>\n
- Click Apply > OK<\/em>, then restart the machine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- When you\u2019re done, return to the System Configuration<\/em> window.<\/li>\n
- Move to the Startup<\/em> tab and click the Open Task Manager<\/em> link.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Next, click the Disable all<\/em> button to render all third-party services inactive.<\/li>\n
- Select the Services<\/em> tab and click the Hide all Microsoft services<\/em>\u00a0checkbox.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Using an administrator account, type\u00a0
- In the right pane, set the toggles for Automatically detect settings<\/em> and Use setup script<\/em>\u00a0to Off<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Open Settings<\/em> and navigate to Network & Internet > Proxy.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click the Stop<\/em> button under Service status<\/em> to disable the service, and click OK<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Double-click the service (or right-click it and select Properties<\/em>).<\/li>\n
- Scroll down the list of services and locate Remote Access Connection Manager<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Enter the given Google DNS server addresses into the Preferred DNS server<\/em> and Alternate DNS server<\/em> fields and click OK<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP\/IPv4) Properties<\/em> dialog, select Use the following DNS server addresses<\/em>\u00a0to make the text fields under it editable.<\/li>\n
- In the Network<\/em> tab of the network properties dialog, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP\/IPv4)<\/em> and click the Properties<\/em> button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The Network Connection<\/em> screen in Control Panel<\/em> will be displayed. Right-click your current network and select Properties<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Under Advanced network settings<\/em>\u00a0in Network & Internet<\/em>, click Change adapter options.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click OK<\/em> to apply the changes you just made.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- On the Customize settings for each type of network<\/em> screen, select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)<\/em> option under private network settings and public network settings, respectively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Type\u00a0
- Hold down the
- Type\u00a0
- Hold down the
![\"Run](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1-7.png\")
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\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Customize](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/9-4.png\")
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\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Under](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/11-2.png\")
Change adapter options<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Right-click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/12-2.png\")
Properties<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/13-3.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Type](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/14-3.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Locate](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/15-3.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/16-3.png\")
Stop<\/em> button under Service status<\/em> to disable the service, and click OK<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Enter](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/18-2.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Navigate](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/19-2.png\")
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\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Right-click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/23.png\")
Disable<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n