Struggling to remove a VPN from your PC? The good news is that how to delete VPN connection on Windows 11 is easier than you think! Whether you’re switching services, fixing connection issues, or just cleaning up your network settings, removing a VPN takes just a few simple steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a quick and hassle-free method to delete a VPN from Windows 11. Plus, we’ll cover an optional step to remove leftover network adapters for a complete cleanup. Let’s dive in!
Why You May Need to Delete a VPN Connection
Before we jump into the steps, here are some common reasons why you might want to remove a VPN from your Windows 11 system:
- You no longer use the VPN service – If your subscription has expired or you switched providers.
- Connection issues – Removing and re-adding a VPN can fix connection errors.
- Performance concerns – Some VPNs can slow down your internet speed.
- Security reasons – You might want to delete an untrusted or outdated VPN profile.
Now, let’s go through the steps to remove a VPN connection from your Windows 11 device.
Open the Windows 11 Settings
To begin how to delete VPN connection on Windows 11, the first step is to access the Settings menu. Press Win + I
on your keyboard to open Windows Settings instantly. From there, navigate to Network & Internet on the left panel and select VPN from the list.
This section displays all the VPN connections saved on your device. Now, you’re ready to proceed with removing the unwanted How to delete VPN connection on Windows 11 connection in just a few simple clicks.
To start removing a VPN connection, follow these steps:
- Press
Win + I
– This opens the Settings window. - Navigate to Network & Internet from the left sidebar.
- Click on VPN to see all the VPN connections saved on your system.
At this point, you’ll see a list of all the VPNs configured on your device. Let’s move to the next step.
Remove the VPN Connection
Now that you’ve accessed the VPN settings, the next step in how to delete VPN connection on Windows 11 is to remove the unwanted VPN. Locate the VPN you want to delete from the list, then click on it to reveal more options. Select Remove or Forget, and confirm your choice when prompted. This will immediately delete the VPN from your system. If the How to delete VPN connection on Windows 11, restarting your computer may help finalize the removal process.
Once you are inside the VPN settings, here’s what to do:
- Look for the VPN connection you want to delete.
- Click on the VPN name to expand its options.
- Press the Remove or Forget button.
- A confirmation pop-up may appear – click Yes to confirm.
Your VPN connection will now be removed from your Windows 11 device. But there’s one more step if you want to completely clean up leftover data.
Delete VPN Network Adapters (Optional)
Even after completing how to delete VPN connection on Windows 11, some VPN network adapters may still be present on your system. To fully remove them, open Device Manager by pressing Win + X
and selecting it from the list. Expand Network Adapters and look for any How to delete VPN connection on Windows 11, such as “TAP-Windows Adapter.” Right-click the adapter, select Uninstall device, and confirm. Restart your computer to ensure all residual VPN components are completely removed, giving you a clean network setup.
Even after removing a VPN, some residual network adapters may remain. To fully delete them:
- Press
Win + X
and select Device Manager. - Expand Network Adapters from the list.
- Look for any adapters related to your VPN service (e.g., “TAP-Windows Adapter” for OpenVPN).
- Right-click the adapter and select Uninstall device.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
This step ensures that no traces of the VPN service remain on your system.
Alternative Method: Delete VPN via Control Panel
If you prefer another way to complete how to delete VPN connection on Windows 11, you can use the Control Panel. First, open Control Panel by pressing Win + R
, typing control
, and hitting Enter. Navigate to Network and Sharing Center, then click Change adapter settings on the left panel.
Locate the VPN connection, right-click it, and select Delete. This method is useful if the How to delete VPN connection on Windows 11 isn’t visible in Windows Settings, ensuring a complete removal from your system.
If you prefer using the Control Panel, here’s another way to remove a VPN:
- Open Control Panel (Press
Win + R
, typecontrol
, and hit Enter). - Go to Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on Change adapter settings in the left panel.
- Find the VPN connection, right-click it, and select Delete.
This method is especially useful for older VPN connections that may not appear in Windows 11 settings.
How to Reinstall a VPN on Windows 11
If you ever need to reinstall a VPN after learning how to delete VPN connection on Windows 11, the process is simple. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet > VPN. Click Add a VPN connection, then enter the required details like the VPN provider, server name, and login credentials. Once saved, select the VPN and click Connect to establish a secure connection. Reinstalling a VPN ensures you can safely browse while maintaining control over your network settings.
If you ever need to set up a VPN again, follow these steps:
- Open Settings and go to Network & Internet > VPN.
- Click Add a VPN connection.
- Fill in the VPN provider details, such as server name, username, and password.
- Click Save and then Connect to start using your VPN.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to delete VPN connection on Windows 11 in just a few simple steps! Whether you’re removing an old VPN, fixing connection issues, or clearing out unnecessary network adapters, the process is quick and hassle-free. By following these steps, you can ensure a cleaner and more organized network setup. If you ever need a VPN again, reinstalling one is just as easy. Have any questions? Feel free to share your thoughts or ask for more help!
FAQs
1. Does deleting a VPN remove my subscription?
No, deleting a VPN connection only removes it from Windows 11. You’ll need to cancel your VPN subscription separately.
2. Why can’t I remove my VPN connection?
Some VPNs install additional software. Uninstall the VPN app from Control Panel > Programs and Features before removing the connection.
3. Can I temporarily disable a VPN instead of deleting it?
Yes, go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN and toggle off the VPN connection instead of deleting it.