Leaving VPN on and putting computer to Sleep causes internet failure

An issue I have repeated multiple times is that if I leave the VPN running when I put my computer to sleep and go to bed, it will often lead to my computer’s internet capabilities crapping out entirely. (I am on Windows, for reference.) Troubleshooting will insist the problem is an ethernet cable being unplugged despite the fact that A) I’m using Wi-Fi and B) Every other device still has that internet access.

I’d share an image but I can’t on this page, so instead if you have a windows 10 computer just imagine clicking on the wi-fi tab and seeing only “Express VPN No Internet” Followed by absolutely no wi-fi options, then the “Network and Internet Settings” line, then the Airplane Mode button. No Wi-Fi button, no Mobile Hotspot button, none of the dozens of nearby wi-fi router signals.

Disable the kill switch, see if wifi comes back after the PC wakes up.

I’ve attempted the fixes mentioned so far and the problem is still one I can reproduce. Not reliably, but enough that I’m still wary to leave my VPN when I put it to sleep.

Are you running this on a virtual machine?

I’m having the same issue but my kill switch is disabled. If the PC goes to sleep, I lose all internet connectivity, and the only way to get it back is to restart.

Wasn’t aware of the kill switch. I’ll leave VPN on the rest of the weeknights and see if it bugs out again. Still doesn’t explain what the heck the app is doing to cause such issues, though.

I am not, though I’m interested why you would suspect that. Are virtual machines known for such issues?

EVPN is a virtual adapter, probably stopped working during sleep, leaving the system trying to access the internet through a sleeping adapter.

Just trying to find out more about your system. I had a an issue running this on my VM, but I needed to adjust the settings on the virtual switch and worked fine.

@TomChai provided you a good explanation.