Windows 11 Home: Fixing VPN Disconnects on Screen Lock

Windows 11 Home: Fixing VPN Disconnects on Screen Lock

In this article, we will explore the issue of VPN disconnections when the screen is locked on a Windows 11 Home system. We will discuss the possible reasons for this problem, and provide detailed solutions to help users maintain a stable VPN connection even after the screen locks.

Understanding the Issue

When using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on a Windows 11 Home system, users might experience disconnections when the screen is locked for a short period, typically around 1-2 minutes. This issue can be frustrating, especially if you rely on the VPN connection for work or other sensitive tasks.

Reasons for VPN Disconnects

There could be multiple reasons for VPN disconnections on a screen lock, such as:

• Power-saving settings that reduce network activity
• Automatic disconnection set up when the system is idle
• Network adapter or driver issues
• Windows update or maintenance activities

Fixing VPN Disconnects on Screen Lock

To fix the VPN disconnection issue on screen lock for your Windows 11 Home, follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Adjust Power Settings

Power settings can cause VPN disconnections when the screen locks. To avoid this, follow these steps:

1. Press "Windows key + X" and select "Settings" from the list.
2. Click on "System" and select "Power & battery" from the left-hand menu.
3. Click on "Additional power settings".
4. In the new window, click "Change plan settings" next to your current power plan.
5. Click "Change advanced power settings".
6. Expand "Power savings", then "Wireless Adapter Settings", and finally "Power Saving Mode".
7. Change the settings to "Maximum Performance" for both "On battery" and "Plugged in".

Step 2: Modify VPN Settings

Some VPN clients have built-in settings to disconnect when the system is idle. To adjust these settings:

1. Open your VPN client and go to its settings or Options menu.
2. Check for options like "Disconnect on idle", "Disconnect on exit" or similar wording.
3. Adjust these settings according to your needs or set them to "Never".

Step 3: Update Network Driver

Network adapter or driver issues might also cause VPN disconnections. To resolve this, update your network driver:

1. Press "Windows key + X" and select "Device Manager" from the list.
2. Expand "Network adapters".
3. Right-click your network adapter and select "Update driver".
4. Choose "Search automatically for drivers" and follow the instructions to update the driver software.

Step 4: Disable Windows Fast Startup

Fast startup can cause network issues that lead to VPN disconnections. Disable fast startup by following these steps:

1. Press "Windows key + X" and select "Settings" from the list.
2. Click on "System" and choose "Power & battery" from the left-hand menu.
3. Click on "Additional power settings".
4. In the new window, click "Choose what the power button does" on the left side.
5. Click "Change settings that are currently unavailable".
6. Uncheck "Turn on fast startup" and click "Save changes".

• Issues with VPN disconnections on screen lock in Windows 11 Home can be due to power-saving settings or network adapter issues.
• Adjusting power settings, VPN settings, or updating network drivers can help resolve the issue.
• Disabling fast startup and checking for Windows updates might also reduce or eliminate VPN disconnections.

References

• Microsoft. "Change advanced power settings". https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-advanced-power-settings-3c85cb44-dae1-a8c7-6689-a7cc5f1804d7
• NordVPN. "How to fix VPN issues on Windows". https://nordvpn.com/blog/vpn-issues-windows/
• ExpressVPN. "How to fix common VPN errors". https://www.expressvpn.com/vpn-setup/common-vpn-errors