How to fix unstable connection issues on Windows

In this guide, you will learn how to resolve connection interruptions while connected to Surfshark VPN on your Windows device.

Change the connection protocol

Try connecting with all available protocols. You can change them by following these steps:

1. Open the Surfshark application and go to the Settings tab.
   
   
2. Open the VPN Settings tab.
   
   
3. Click on Protocol, and try connecting with all available protocols.

Try other locations

Check if connecting to a different server resolves the issue. It may be that the server you’re currently on is under maintenance.

Disable potentially interfering apps

Some apps might have taken over network control on your device. This can sometimes interfere with Surfshark (or any other VPN) connection.

• Antivirus programs can block VPN connections. Create an exception for Surfshark in your Antivirus software or temporarily disable it.
• Try disabling any other VPN programs on your device if you have any.
  
  

Then, reboot your device and see if the connection gets any better.

Switch to a different network

Connectivity issues might be network-specific. This often happens if the Internet provider applies some restrictions on its network. 

• You can easily check if your network is restricted by sharing a mobile hotspot with your mobile device or trying a different Wi-Fi connection/switching to mobile data.
  
  

Reinstall the Surfshark app

• Reinstall of the Surfshark app
   

Reboot your device

• LeakProtection or KillSwitch features can malfunction, creating connection issues that can be resolved by a reboot.

Remove parental/security controls on your router

Some network providers enable network security features on your network by default. Most often, such features are parental controls, "Safe DNS" or similar functions..

Turning them off or setting custom DNS on your router will do the trick:

1. Navigate to your router's network settings.
2. Change DNS to:
   
   DNS1: 162.252.172.57
   DNS2: 149.154.159.92

Set custom DNS

• Setting custom DNS on your Windows device can increase the speed, resolve unstable connection issues, or help you connect to the VPN.

Disable IPv6

Surfshark currently does not support the IPv6 protocol. Disabling IPv6 can help avoid connectivity problems:

• • How to disable IPv6 on Windows 7
  • How to disable IPv6 on Windows 10 or higher

You may also be interested in:

• How to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working
• How to fix unable to connect issues on Windows
• How to fix slow connection issues on Windows