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How to use a VPN on your RDP without disconnecting
How to use a VPN on your RDP without disconnecting

Run a VPN client on your Windows server without getting disconnected

B
Written by BL
Updated over a week ago

A common issue we find is that users install a VPN service on their Windows server and immediately lose connection. Often by default, VPN software takes over the internet connection of the server, routing all traffic via the VPN - including the user RDP session. In this guide we explain and outline what settings to change so that your RDP session and VPN can co-exist.

Works without changes

The following VPN software works without any configuration changes:

  • OpenVPN

  • TunnelBear

  • Proton VPN

Requires additional configuration

ExpressVPN

Press the hamburger icon in the top-left of your Express VPN client and choose "Options". Then, untick "Stop all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly" and press "OK".

Screenshot of the Express VPN client with the options menu open

Mullvad

Step 1: Press the settings cog in the top right corner of your Mullvad client.

Screenshot of the mullvad VPN client with an arrow pointing to a cog icon in the top-right corner

Step 2: Open the "VPN settings" window.

Screenshot of Mullvad settings with an arrow pointing to "VPN settings"

Step 3: Toggle on the "Local network sharing" option.

Screenshot of the mullvad client with an arrow pointing to the "local network sharing" toggle.

Step 4: Scroll until you see the "Use custom DNS server" option and toggle that on. Under the custom DNS heading, press "Add a server". Add the IP addresses "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" (or another private DNS provider).

Screnshot of the Mullvad client with the custom DNS server option toggled on

Step 5: Go back to the main settings and open the "Split tunneling" options.

Screenshot of the mullvad settings interface with an arrow pointing to the "Split tunneling" heading

Step 6: Toggle on Split tunneling next to its heading and press the "+" icon next to "Remote Desktop Connection" in the list below.

The "Split tunelling" feature toggled on with an arrow pointing to the plus next to "Remote Desktop Connection".

Step 7: While still in the split tunnelling menu, press "Find another app".

The Split tunneling interface with an arrow pointing to a button that says "Find another app".

Step 8: Navigate to "C:\Windows\System32\", find "svchost.exe", and press "Add".

Windows explorer interface with "svchost" selected annd the "Add" button highlighted.

NordVPN

Step 1: Press the settings cog in the bottom left corner of your VPN client and click "Connection" in the main pane.

Nord VPN client with arrows pointing to the settings cog and connection heading.

Step 2: Toggle on the "Allow remote access while connected to VPN" option.

Nord VPN client with "Allow remote access while connected to VPN" toggled on.

WireGuard

Step 1: Click on the tunnel you use for your VPS server in your WireGuard client and press "Edit" in the bottom right corner.

WireGuard client with arrows pointing to a tunnel called "client" and the "Edit" button.

Step 2: Untick "Block untunneled traffic (kill-switch)" in the bottom left corner and press "Save".

WireGuard ediot tunnel window with a red box around "Block untunneled traffic" and an arrow pointing to the save button.

DNS Leaks

As always, you should check for DNS leaks before continuing.

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