Last updated on July 22nd, 2019
A few days ago, I faced the following weird problem on a Windows 10 Pro (v1809) based computer, when I tried to connect to a workplace using VPN: The VPN connection doesn’t connect from the System tray icon in the taskbar (stuck on “Connecting”), but it connects from the Network Settings.
Problem in details: When you click “Connect” from the VPN Connection shortcut in Taskbar, the VPN connection doesn’t work (the indicator stays forever at “Connecting to…” phase), but it works and connects immediately, if you start the VPN connection, from the Network & Internet settings.
How to fix: VPN Connection Doesn’t Work from its VPN shortcut (icon) in Taskbar, but it Works from Network Settings.
At first, when I faced the above issue, I tried the following (usual) procedure to resolve the VPN Connection problem, but without any luck.
1. Reboot your computer.
2. Check the VPN Connection settings.
2. Temporarily disable your Antivirus/Security program.
4. Delete and recreate the VPN connection.
To resolve the “VPN connection is not connected by the system tray but is connected by Network Settings” issue in Windows 10, apply the steps bellow:
Step 1. Set Windows Firewall to ON.
First of all make sure, that the Windows Firewall is running. To do that:*
* Note: If you have previously disabled the Windows Firewall, you must enable it.
1. Go to Settings -> Update and Security.
2. Click Windows Security at the left pane and then click Firewall & network protection at the right.
3. Check if the Firewall is On, at all listed networks (Domain, Private & Public), otherwise set it to OΝ and restart your computer.
Step 2. Fix Taskbar issues.
1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the following path:
2. Right click at powershell.exe and select Run As Administrator.
3. At PowerShell. copy and paste the following command and then press Enter.*
- Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}
*Note: During the command execution you’ll receive some errors, which can be safely ignored.
4. When the command is completed, try to start the VPN connection from it’s shortcut icon in taskbar. The problem should be fixed.
That’s it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
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