Windscribe not connecting [7+ trusted methods]

November 2022 · 6 minute read
Windscribe not connecting

Windscribe is a great VPN service that gained a lot of popularity among users thanks to its generous free version and quirky humor.

However, it’s not all roses, as some customers experienced a bunch of technical issues whenever using it.

To be more precise, one of the most distressing problems with Windscribe is when it’s not connecting.

So, to make things even clearer, in this situation you can launch Windscribe, and maybe even log in to your account, but it doesn’t actually work.

If you’re in the situation depicted above, you should keep on reading.

We’re going to walk you through the process of troubleshooting Windscribe, so that it starts working again.

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How can I fix Windscribe not working?

One of the most common situations where a VPN service might not work, either as intended or at all, is when some of its servers experience issues.

For instance, VPN servers can get overloaded, and as a result, you may not be able to connect through them.

If that’s the case, you’re in luck; simply disconnecting from the faulty server and connecting to another one should solve things.

Due to technical reasons, not all VPN protocols work in the same way.

Sure, they encrypt your traffic and ultimate do the same thing more or less, but the way they do it is not identical.

That’s why if you notice that Windscribe is not connecting, switching protocols is a wise thing to do.

That’s right, when something doesn’t seem to work, uninstalling and reinstalling it should be one of the first things you do.

After you uninstall Windscribe, it would be a good idea to make sure the associated TAP/TUN adapter driver is also uninstalled.

Furthermore, instead of using the same installation kit you downloaded to your PC, you might want to visit Windscribe and download the latest installer version.

Now instead of rush-clicking the whole process to completion, take your time and make sure you launch the installer with Administrator privileges.

Simply right-click it and select Run as administrator.

Last, but not least, when the setup process comes to an end, also try launching Windscribe with Administrator rights.

Your ISP-assigned DNS might be just a smidge restricted, which may result in various connectivity issues.

Yes, it could also make Windscribe refuse to connect.

Just to get it out of the way, you should try switching to a free alternative, such as Google’s public DNS.

Here’s how to do that:

  • Right-click your Start menu
  • Select Network Connections
  • Click the Change adapter options button
  • Right-click your default Internet connection
  • Select Properties
  • Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
  • Click the Properties button
  • Toggle the Use the following DNS server addresses option
  • In the Preferred and Alternate fields type 8.8.8.8, respectively 8.8.4.4
  • Click the OK button to confirm the changes you’ve done
  • Now it’s not a must to flush your DNS (clear old DNS records), but it’s definitely recommended.

    Cached data build-ups, including DNS records, can get in the way and trigger connectivity issues.

    Here’s how to flush DNS on your Windows 10 PC:

  • Launch an elevated (Administrator rights) CMD prompt
  • Type the commands below, each followed by the Enter key:
    • ipconfig /flushdns
    • ipconfig /registerdns
    • ipconfig /release
    • ipconfig /renew
    • netsh winsock reset
  • Restart your PC
  • Once your PC is back alive, you should launch Windscribe and try connecting to one of its servers.

    If bad/outdated DNS information was what caused the error, Windscribe should connect and work without a hiccup.

    Security software on your computer such as your firewall or antivirus can interfere with the well-being of various services that require an Internet connection.

    Since Windscribe needs an Internet connection in order to run, it’s easy to understand how firewall/antivirus restrictions could get in the way.

    For that reason, you should check if your firewall has any rules restricting or blocking Windscribe in any way.

    If it does, just remove them and check if there’s any improvement.

    You should do the same for your antivirus; remove any rule that may prevent Windscribe from running as intended on your system.

    Windscribe has one of the most responsive (and awesome) customer support on the market, so you should take full advantage of it.

    Whether you decide to submit a ticket or talk to one of the agents, you can’t go wrong.

    Just keep in mind that tech support agents can’t read minds, so you’ll have to give them as many details as you can.

    Last, but not least, remember to keep a calm and friendly tone. Things will eventually work out for you.

  • Buy another VPN subscription (we recommend Private Internet Access)
  • Download the VPN installer on your PC
  • Install the VPN client
  • Launch the VPN and log in to your account
  • Connect to the server of your choice
  • Private Internet Access is an excellent VPN service that packs more than 22,000 servers all around the world.

    This is extremely convenient, especially if you’re one to switch servers frequently or need wide coverage.

    Additionally, it comes with top-notch security and privacy features to protect your online identity efficiently.

    Check out PIA’s key features:

    Private Internet Access

    Private Internet Access

    Looking for a great alternative to Windscribe? Check out PIA.

    Conclusion

    All things considered, if you notice that Windscribe is not connecting on your end, know that there are several things you can try out.

    We recommend that you try all of our suggested fixes, and avoid skipping either one.

    The ones you skip could be the very ones that can kickstart Windscribe’s functionality back to life.

    Your connection is not secure - websites you visit can find out your details:

    Companies can sell this information, alongside your location and internet provider name, and profit from it by serving targeted ads or monitoring your data usage.

    We recommend Private Internet Access, a VPN with a no-log policy, open source code, ad blocking and much more; now 79% off.

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