Is your VPN really protecting your privacy? A quick check can reveal whether your connection is secure or leaking data. Knowing how to check if VPN is working on Windows is essential to ensure your IP address is hidden, your data is encrypted, and your online activities remain private.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through five easy ways to verify your VPN’s effectiveness, including IP address checks, DNS and WebRTC leak tests, speed tests, and command prompt verification. Whether you’re using a VPN for security, streaming, or bypassing restrictions, these simple steps will help you confirm that your VPN is working as it should. Let’s dive in!
Why Checking Your VPN is Important
Before we dive into the methods, let’s understand why checking your VPN status is crucial:
- Ensures Your IP Address is Hidden – Prevents websites and hackers from tracking your location.
- Confirms Data Encryption – Keeps your browsing activity private.
- Avoids DNS and WebRTC Leaks – Protects your personal information from being leaked online.
- Verifies VPN Connection Stability – Ensures you remain secure while browsing, streaming, or torrenting.
Now, let’s explore the five easy ways to check if your VPN is working on Windows.
Check Your IP Address Before and After Connecting
One of the easiest ways to check if your VPN is working is by verifying your IP address before and after connecting. How to check if VPN is working on Windows? First, visit an IP lookup website like WhatIsMyIP to note your real IP address.
Then, connect to your VPN and check your IP again. If the new IP matches your VPN server location, your VPN is working correctly. However, if your original IP is still visible, your VPN might not be securing your connection. In How to check if VPN is working on Windows? that case, try switching servers or restarting your VPN to fix potential issues.
Find Your Real IP Address
- Open a browser on your Windows device.
- Go to a website like WhatIsMyIP or IPLeak.net.
- Note down your original IP address.
Connect to Your VPN
- Launch your VPN software and connect to a server (e.g., the USA, UK, or another country).
Check Your New IP Address
- Go back to WhatIsMyIP or IPLeak.net.
- If your IP address has changed to match your VPN’s location, your VPN is working.
- If your real IP is still visible, your VPN might not be functioning properly.
✅ Result: If your IP changes, your VPN is working. If not, try reconnecting or switching servers.
Test for DNS Leaks
A DNS leak can expose your real location even when using a VPN, putting your privacy at risk. How to check if VPN is working on Windows? One crucial step is testing for DNS leaks. Simply visit a site like DNSLeakTest and run a Standard or Extended Test.
If the results show your VPN’s server location, your connection is secure. However, if your real ISP’s DNS servers appear, your VPN is leaking. To fix this, enable DNS leak protection in your VPN settings or switch to a provider that offers built-in DNS security for full How to check if VPN is working on Windows? anonymity.
What is a DNS Leak?
A DNS (Domain Name System) leak happens when your Windows device bypasses the VPN and sends web requests through your internet provider. This exposes How to check if VPN is working on Windows? your real location and activity.
How to Check for DNS Leaks:
- Visit a DNS leak test website like DNSLeakTest.
- Click “Standard Test” or “Extended Test.”
- If the displayed servers match your VPN’s location, you’re safe.
- If you still see your ISP’s DNS servers, your VPN has a leak.
✅ Fix: Enable DNS leak protection in your VPN settings or switch to a VPN that offers built-in protection.
Check for WebRTC Leaks
WebRTC leaks can reveal your real IP address even when using a VPN, compromising your privacy. How to check if VPN is working on Windows? A simple way is to test for WebRTC leaks. Visit a site like BrowserLeaks and check if your real IP address appears.
If it does, your VPN is leaking data. To fix this issue, disable WebRTC in your browser settings or use a VPN that offers WebRTC leak protection. Ensuring your VPN blocks WebRTC leaks helps maintain full anonymity and keeps your online activities private from trackers and malicious third parties.
What is a WebRTC Leak?
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) allows browsers to share video and voice data. However, it can expose your real IP address even when using a VPN.
How to Check for WebRTC Leaks:
- Open a browser like Chrome or Firefox.
- Go to BrowserLeaks.
- If your real IP address appears, your VPN is leaking.
✅ Fix: Disable WebRTC in your browser settings or use a VPN with WebRTC leak protection.
Run a Speed Test to Confirm VPN Performance
A speed test can help determine if your VPN is affecting your internet performance. How to check if VPN is working on Windows? Start by running a speed test on Speedtest.net before connecting to your VPN. Then, connect to a VPN server and run the test again.
A slight speed drop is normal due to encryption, but if there’s no change or your speed improves, your VPN might not be routing traffic correctly. To fix this, switch servers, use a different VPN protocol like WireGuard or IKEv2, or choose a high-speed VPN provider for better performance.
Why Do a Speed Test?
VPNs slightly reduce internet speed due to encryption. However, if the speed doesn’t drop or improves, your VPN might not be working correctly.
How to Test VPN Speed:
- Visit Speedtest.net or Fast.com.
- Run a speed test before connecting to the VPN.
- Connect to your VPN and select a server close to your location.
- Run the speed test again.
✅ Results: A slight drop in speed is normal. If there’s no change or improvement, your VPN might not be encrypting data.
Check VPN Using Command Prompt (Advanced Users)
Using Command Prompt is an advanced way to verify your VPN connection. How to check if VPN is working on Windows? Open Command Prompt by pressing Win + R, typing cmd, and hitting Enter.
Press Enter, and check the displayed IP address. If it matches your VPN’s server location, your VPN is working correctly. However, if it shows your real IP, your VPN isn’t routing traffic properly. To fix this, restart your VPN, switch servers, or reinstall the software for a more secure connection.
Why Use Command Prompt?
Command Prompt can help verify if your VPN routes traffic correctly through the new IP address.
How to Check VPN via Command Prompt:
- Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
- Type the following command: nginxCopyEditnslookup myip.opendns.com resolver1.opendns.com
- Hit Enter.
- If your VPN is working, you should see the VPN-assigned IP.
- If you see your ISP’s original IP, your VPN isn’t hiding your data properly.
✅ Fix: Restart the VPN, select a different server, or reinstall the VPN software.
Common VPN Issues & How to Fix Them
VPN issues can prevent your connection from working correctly, exposing your real IP address. How to check if VPN is working on Windows? If your VPN isn’t connecting, try switching servers, restarting your device, or reinstalling the app. Frequent disconnections can be fixed by changing VPN protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
If your internet slows down significantly, connect to a nearby server or enable split tunneling to improve speed. Leaks can be prevented by enabling How to check if VPN is working on Windows? DNS and WebRTC leak protection in your VPN settings. Regularly testing your VPN ensures your data remains encrypted and your online activity stays private.
VPN Not Connecting on Windows
- Restart your Windows PC.
- Switch to a different server.
- Check your internet connection.
- Reinstall the VPN app.
VPN Disconnects Frequently
- Try a different VPN protocol (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2).
- Change to a nearby server for better stability.
- Disable power-saving mode (which may interrupt VPN connections).
VPN Slows Down Internet Too Much
- Choose a server closer to your location for better speeds.
- Enable split tunneling to only route necessary traffic through the VPN.
- Use WireGuard or IKEv2, which are faster VPN protocols.
Conclusion
Ensuring your VPN is working correctly is essential for maintaining online privacy and security. How to check if VPN is working on Windows? Start by verifying your IP address, testing for DNS and WebRTC leaks, running a speed test, and using Command Prompt for advanced checks. If you notice leaks or connection issues, try switching servers, updating your How to check if VPN is working on Windows? settings, or reinstalling the software. Stay vigilant, and always test your VPN to prevent data leaks and safeguard your online identity.
FAQs
1. Why is my real IP address still visible after connecting to a VPN?
If your real IP address is still visible, your VPN may not be properly routing traffic. Try switching servers, enabling the Kill Switch, or restarting your VPN client. Also, check for WebRTC or DNS leaks that may be exposing your real IP.
2. Can I check if my VPN is working without using third-party websites?
Yes, you can use Command Prompt on Windows. Running the nslookup myip.opendns.com resolver1.opendns.com command can reveal your current IP and help confirm if your VPN is active.
3. Why does my internet slow down when using a VPN?
A VPN encrypts your traffic, which can cause a slight speed reduction. To improve performance, connect to a nearby server, switch to a faster protocol like WireGuard or IKEv2, or enable split tunneling to route only necessary traffic through the VPN.