Unable to connect to NordLayer service on Windows

In this guide, you will learn how to troubleshoot connection issues on your Windows device.

Usually, this particular problem can be resolved in a few easy steps. However, since all of our work or home networks are very different from each other, some of them may have specific restrictions that may block the VPN connection.

Possible solutions:

• Change the server
• Change the connection protocol
• Change DNS
• Reset network settings
• Disable IPv6
• Update or reinstall the application
• Disable potentially interfering applications

Change the server

Double-check to see if you cannot connect to various locations. For example, if you tried connecting to United States, try Germany or any other country.

You might be unable to connect to one particular server as it could be experiencing some issues. If so, please let our 24/7 customer support team know about the location you are struggling to connect to, and our team will take immediate action.

Change the connection protocol

Different VPN protocols use different network ports to connect. That being said, you might have a specific port blocked on your work or home network. Make sure to test all of the available protocols in the NordLayer application, as this has a high chance of resolving the issue.

Change DNS

Changing DNS on any device can change the overall connection, increase the speed, resolve unstable connection issues, or help you connect to the VPN. Check out this article to change DNS on your Windows device.

Reset network settings

As a last resort, we suggest resetting your device's network settings. This clears cached routing, cached DNS records, saved WiFi connections and settings made by networking programs like web browsers, email clients, and VPNs. In order to do that on a Windows device, you can follow our separate guide.

Disable IPv6

At the moment, NordLayer does not support the IPv6 protocol. Having IPv6 enabled on your network might make it complicated to connect to our servers in some situations. That's why we always recommend disabling it for all of our customers to improve the overall connectivity experience. Check out this article to learn how to disable IPv6 on a Windows 7 device, or this article to learn how to disable IPv6 on Windows 8 or higher.

Update or reinstall the application

You may have an outdated NordLayer application, which could make it harder to connect. If the application is indeed the newest released version - try fully reinstalling the NordLayer application.

Disable potentially interfering applications

Your antivirus program or a different VPN application is another thing that can interfere with the VPN connection and typically refuses to let it through. Make sure that your antivirus is disabled and any other VPN application that you have installed is removed.

Since our application modifies your connection settings by a tiny bit, it can be considered a threat to your device by most antivirus software, therefore blocking the attempt to connect to the VPN server.

Note: In case you have any questions or are experiencing any issues, please feel free to contact our 24/7 customer support team.