Windows 11 Firewall Blocking Your VPN? Here’s How to Fix It Fast

💡 Why Your VPN Might Be Getting Blocked by Windows 11 Firewall

Alright mate, if you’re trying to use a VPN on your Windows 11 rig but keep hitting a brick wall—literally a firewall—then you’re not alone. It’s a common snag that catches heaps of folks off guard. Windows 11’s firewall is pretty strict by default, designed to keep your PC safe from dodgy connections, but sometimes it doesn’t play nice with VPNs.

Picture this: you install your VPN, fire it up, but the connection just won’t stick. You’re left scratching your head, wondering if the VPN is dodgy or if something else is mucking things up. Spoiler: it’s often the firewall blocking the VPN traffic or app access.

Earlier this month, a bunch of users in Australia were buzzing about how their VPNs suddenly stopped working properly, especially during big streaming events like the Austrian Grand Prix F1 race, where folks rely on VPNs to bypass geo-blocks and catch the free live stream [TechRadar, June 2025].

But no worries! This guide will walk you through a simple, no-fuss way to allow your VPN through the Windows 11 firewall so you can get back to streaming, downloading, or just browsing safely without those annoying disconnects.

📊 Common VPN Firewall Issues on Windows 11

This little table sums up the usual suspects when your VPN hits a roadblock on Windows 11. The firewall’s job is to keep things safe, but it can sometimes be overzealous, blocking legit VPN traffic or apps. When the VPN app itself is blocked, it’s like the firewall has put a “Do Not Enter” sign on your internet tunnel. Ports and protocols are the technical channels VPNs use, and if those are blocked, your connection can be flaky or fail altogether.

Knowing these issues helps you zero in on what to fix — whether it’s adding your VPN to the allowed apps list, opening specific ports, or tweaking protocol settings.

💡 How to Allow VPN Through Windows 11 Firewall Like a Pro

Alright, ready to get your VPN past that firewall? Here’s the no-nonsense way:

1. Open Windows Security
   Hit your Start button, type in “Windows Security,” and open it.

2. Go to Firewall & Network Protection
   This is where you control what apps get a free pass.

3. Click on ‘Allow an app through firewall’
   You’ll see a list of apps and features.

4. Click ‘Change settings’
   This lets you add or remove apps — you’ll need admin rights for this.

5. Find your VPN app
   If you see it, make sure both Private and Public boxes are ticked. If not:

6. Add your VPN manually
   Click ‘Allow another app,’ browse to your VPN’s executable (.exe) file, and add it.

7. Check your VPN’s required ports and protocols
   Some VPNs use specific ports (like UDP 1194 for OpenVPN). You might need to open these:

   • Go back to Windows Security main > Advanced settings
   • Under Inbound Rules, create a new rule to allow the port your VPN uses
   • Do the same for Outbound Rules if necessary

8. Restart your PC and VPN app
   Give it a fresh start to make sure your changes take effect.

If you’re still having a rough time, check your VPN provider’s support pages — some VPNs have specific guides for Windows 11 firewall tweaks. NordVPN, for example, has been known to constantly update its protocols to play nice with Windows 11 [Frandroid, June 2025].

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Why does Windows 11 firewall block my VPN in the first place?

💬 Windows 11 firewall is designed to safeguard your PC by blocking unknown or suspicious network activities. Sometimes, VPN apps or their traffic look unfamiliar to the firewall, so it blocks them by default to prevent potential risks.

🛠️ Can I allow my VPN without disabling the firewall entirely?

💬 Absolutely! You don’t want to turn off the firewall completely — that’d be like leaving your front door wide open. Instead, just add your VPN app and necessary ports to the firewall’s “allowed” list. That way, your VPN works fine but your PC stays protected.

🧠 Is it safe to open VPN ports on my firewall?

💬 Generally, yes, as long as you’re opening ports specifically used by your trusted VPN provider. It’s always good to double-check with your VPN’s official guidelines to avoid exposing your system to unwanted traffic.

🧩 Final Thoughts…

Getting your VPN through Windows 11’s firewall doesn’t have to be a pain in the arse. With a few straightforward tweaks, you can keep your connection secure and stable without compromising your PC’s protection.

In Australia, where geo-blocks and ISP throttling are real issues, having a VPN that works smoothly is a must-have for streaming events, bypassing content restrictions, or just staying private online. The firewall is a good mate for security, but it needs a bit of coaching to let your VPN through.

Keep your VPN updated, check your firewall settings now and then, and you’ll be cruising the web safely with zero dramas.

📚 Further Reading

Here are 3 recent articles that give more context to this topic — all selected from verified sources. Feel free to explore 👇

🔸 How to watch Austrian Grand Prix F1 on ORF On (it’s free)
🗞️ Source: TechRadar – 📅 June 2025
🔗 Read Article

🔸 Don’t believe these tech myths
🗞️ Source: Fast Company – 📅 June 2025
🔗 Read Article

🔸 Colleagues at Iran’s hospitals remember medical staff killed by Israel
🗞️ Source: Middle East Eye – 📅 June 2025
🔗 Read Article

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📌 Disclaimer

This post blends publicly available information with a touch of AI assistance. It’s meant for sharing and discussion purposes only — not all details are officially verified. Please take it with a grain of salt and double-check when needed.