How to share Guest VM's VPN Connection with Host - blocked at ping with VPN

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are becoming increasingly popular for enhancing online security and privacy. They create a secure connection between your device and the internet, encrypting all the data that passes through it. However, sometimes you may encounter issues when trying to share the VPN connection with your host machine, especially when you cannot ping the VPN server. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to resolve this problem and successfully share your guest VM's VPN connection with your host.

Step 1: Check Network Adapter Settings

The first thing you need to do is ensure that your guest VM is using the correct network adapter settings. Follow these steps:

1. Open your virtualization software (e.g., VirtualBox, VMware).
2. Select your guest VM from the list and click on "Settings".
3. Go to the "Network" section and make sure that the network adapter is set to "Bridged Adapter". This setting allows the guest VM to connect directly to your physical network, enabling communication with the host and other devices on the network.
4. Save the settings and start your guest VM.

Step 2: Check Firewall Settings

Firewalls can sometimes block the VPN connection, preventing communication between the guest VM and the host. To check and adjust your firewall settings, follow these steps:

1. Open the firewall settings on your host machine.
2. Ensure that the VPN software and the virtualization software (e.g., VirtualBox, VMware) are allowed through the firewall.
3. If you are using a third-party firewall, consult its documentation or support resources to understand how to allow the necessary connections.
4. Save the firewall settings and restart your guest VM.

Step 3: Configure Network Adapter on Host

Now that you have checked and adjusted the settings on your guest VM, it's time to configure the network adapter on the host machine. Follow these steps:

1. Open the network adapter settings on your host machine.
2. Locate the network adapter that corresponds to the virtual network adapter used by your guest VM.
3. Right-click on the adapter and select "Properties".
4. In the "Networking" tab, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on "Properties".
5. Make sure that the option "Obtain an IP address automatically" is selected.
6. Click on "OK" to save the changes.

Step 4: Restart the VPN Connection

If you are still unable to ping the VPN server from your host machine, try restarting the VPN connection. Follow these steps:

1. Disconnect from the VPN on your guest VM.
2. Restart the guest VM.
3. Reconnect to the VPN on your guest VM.
4. Check if you can now ping the VPN server from your host machine.

Step 5: Check VPN Settings

If the previous steps did not resolve the issue, you may need to check the VPN settings. Follow these steps:

1. Open the VPN software on your guest VM.
2. Go to the settings or preferences section.
3. Look for an option related to "Network Sharing" or "Allow other network devices to connect through this VPN".
4. Enable this option if it is available.
5. Save the settings and restart the guest VM.

By following these steps, you should now be able to share your guest VM's VPN connection with your host machine and successfully ping the VPN server. If you are still experiencing issues, it may be helpful to consult the documentation or support resources for your virtualization software or VPN provider.