How to turn off VPN on computer safely (Windows, macOS, Linux)

VPNs play a critical role in protecting your privacy, securing your internet connection, and allowing access to geo-restricted content. 

However, there are moments when you may need to disable your VPN. This could be to resolve a connection issue, access local services, or test your normal internet speed. Knowing how to turn off VPN on computer safely ensures that you stay in control without compromising your system or data.

Not long ago, I encountered this exact issue. During a high-stakes client Zoom meeting, I noticed my VPN was throttling my video quality and introducing lag. At first, I hesitated to turn it off, fearing exposure. But once I followed the correct method for safely disconnecting, the meeting proceeded smoothly, and the connection stabilized instantly.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• When and why it’s appropriate to disable a VPN on your computer
• Step-by-step methods for Windows, macOS, and Linux users
• What happens when VPNs are turned off, and how to avoid risks
• Answers to common questions

Let’s start by understanding the situations that justify turning off your VPN and what you should consider beforehand.

1. When and why you might need to learn how to turn off VPN on computer

There are several practical scenarios where turning off your VPN on a computer is both useful and necessary. While VPNs provide a secure tunnel for internet traffic, they can occasionally cause conflicts with services or applications that rely on local network access or require lower latency.

1.1. Accessing local intranet resources or work networks

If you're working remotely or using a company-issued device, certain internal systems may block traffic from VPN IPs for security reasons. Disabling your VPN allows your device to connect directly to the network, making shared drives, printers, and internal applications accessible.

1.2. Resolving slow internet speeds or connection issues

VPNs encrypt traffic, which can reduce browsing speed, especially if you're connected to a distant server. This becomes a problem during video calls, online gaming, or large file downloads. As in my case, turning off the VPN during a client Zoom meeting helped regain full bandwidth and stable video quality.

According to Norton Cybersecurity, "Using a VPN may result in slower internet speeds depending on server location and the amount of encryption used." This can be resolved by temporarily disabling the VPN when high-speed connectivity is essential.

1.3. Accessing region-specific services

Some websites and services detect and block VPN usage. This is especially common with online banking or government portals that require a local IP address for verification. Turning off your VPN allows uninterrupted access to such platforms.

1.4. Switching VPN providers or troubleshooting configuration

If you’re in the process of changing VPN software or modifying your network settings, disabling your current VPN can help prevent software conflicts or configuration errors.

Knowing when to disable your VPN is just the beginning. Up next, I’ll walk through how to turn off VPN on computer across all major operating systems, starting with Windows.

2. How to turn off VPN on Windows (11, 10, 8, 7)

Windows users have multiple options to disable VPN connections, whether the VPN is configured via system settings, third-party software, or through command-line tools. Understanding each method helps you choose the best one for your situation, whether you're troubleshooting network issues or simply taking a break from encrypted browsing.

Let’s go through the most effective methods step by step.

2.1. Disable VPN from Windows Settings

This is the most user-friendly method if your VPN is configured through Windows' built-in VPN feature.

Steps:

1. Click Start > Settings

2. Navigate to Network & Internet > VPN

3. Locate the VPN connection in the list

4. Click the Disconnect button

5. To permanently remove it, click on the VPN profile and select Remove

This approach is especially helpful when you’ve set up your VPN manually without an app.

I once had to use this method when uninstalling a third-party VPN app failed to remove the system-level connection it had created. Disabling it manually through Settings resolved a persistent conflict with my browser’s DNS settings.

Note: If the VPN auto-starts with Windows, make sure to also check startup settings or the VPN app’s preferences to prevent auto-reconnection.

2.2. Disconnect from network connections

For users who prefer the Control Panel or have older Windows versions, this method works just as well.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter

2. This opens Network Connections

3. Find the active VPN connection (usually labeled with the VPN name)

4. Right-click and select Disable

This method came in handy when I was managing multiple network adapters and needed to disable one VPN manually without affecting others. It offers more visibility into what's running behind the scenes.

Pro tip: Re-enable the connection later by right-clicking and choosing Enable

2.3. Disable via VPN client software

Most commercial VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost offer their own client apps. Turning off VPN through these apps is often the easiest and safest approach.

Steps:

1. Open your VPN client
2. Click Disconnect, Pause, or Turn off depending on the provider
3. Some apps allow you to snooze the VPN for a set time
4. Ensure auto-connect is disabled if you want to stay disconnected

In my experience, this is the fastest way to disable VPN when running speed tests or trying to troubleshoot ISP throttling. I used the "pause for 5 minutes" feature on NordVPN to test my raw internet speed and verify if the VPN was affecting performance.

Always make sure to reconnect after you're done to maintain online privacy.

2.4. Use Command Prompt or PowerShell

For advanced users or IT professionals, command-line tools provide precise control over VPN sessions.

Steps (Command Prompt example):

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator 
2. Type: rasdial
3. To disconnect a VPN
   

   rasdial "VPNConnectionName" /disconnect

Replace "VPNConnectionName" with the actual name of your VPN profile.

Example: If your VPN connection is named "ProtonVPN_USA", you can disconnect it using:

rasdial "ProtonVPN_USA" /disconnect

Make sure the name matches exactly with the VPN profile listed in your Windows VPN settings.

I used this during a remote IT session where I couldn’t access the GUI on the client’s machine. With just a quick command, I remotely disabled their VPN, which solved their blocked access to a LAN printer.

This method requires administrator access and is best used when GUI options are unavailable.
Now that you’ve seen the different ways to turn off VPN on Windows, let’s explore how to do the same on macOS, whether you’re using the built-in VPN settings or a third-party app.

3. How to turn off VPN on macOS

Whether you're using macOS Ventura or an earlier version, disabling your VPN on a Mac can be done through system settings, the control center, or directly from your VPN application. Each method serves different levels of convenience depending on how the VPN is configured—either manually or via a third-party provider.

Let’s go over the most effective ways to turn off VPN on a Mac computer.

3.1. Disable VPN from system settings (Ventura and earlier)

If your VPN is configured manually using macOS's built-in VPN options, you can disconnect it through system settings.

Steps for Ventura and newer:

1. Open System Settings

2. Click Network in the sidebar

3. Select your active VPN connection

4. Click Disconnect

Steps for Monterey and earlier:

1. Go to System Preferences

2. Click Network

3. Select the VPN on the left sidebar

4. Click Disconnect

I used this method on a company MacBook when I needed to print documents using a network printer that wasn’t accessible through the VPN. Disconnecting via settings resolved the issue instantly without needing admin permissions or third-party software.

Make sure to check whether the VPN auto-connects on startup; this can be adjusted in the VPN configuration settings.

3.2. Turn off VPN via the menu bar or control center

This is the fastest way to disconnect if the VPN is managed by macOS.

Steps:

1. Look at the top-right corner of your screen
2. Click the VPN icon or Control Center
3. Click VPN and toggle it off

This method is especially useful during live presentations or meetings when you don’t have time to open full settings. I once had to toggle the VPN off in seconds when my Keynote presentation was lagging due to VPN bandwidth limits—it worked like a charm.

This quick toggle only works for manually added VPN profiles, not app-based ones.

3.3. Disable the VPN app

If you're using a VPN app such as NordVPN, ProtonVPN, or ExpressVPN, the most reliable way to disconnect is directly through the app.

Steps:

1. Launch the VPN client
2. Click the Disconnect, Turn Off, or Pause button
3. To prevent automatic reconnection, disable Auto-connect in app settings

I adjusted these settings on my personal Mac to prevent the VPN from re-enabling itself every time I opened the lid. This was especially helpful when I was connected to a trusted home network and didn’t need encryption temporarily.

Each app has a different interface, but most include one-click disconnect options for ease of use.
If you're a Linux user, the process of turning off your VPN can vary based on the distribution and tools used. In the next section, we’ll cover GUI and command-line methods for Linux systems like Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora.

4. How to turn off VPN on Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.)

Linux users often have more flexibility and control over network configurations, which means there are several ways to disable a VPN, whether through a graphical interface or the command line. The method you use will largely depend on how your VPN is configured: via Network Manager, OpenVPN/WireGuard clients, or a third-party app.

Let’s explore the most common methods.

4.1. Using Network Manager GUI (GNOME/KDE)

If your VPN connection is set up through the desktop environment’s network manager (GNOME or KDE), turning it off is quick and intuitive.

Steps for GNOME (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.):

1. Click the Network icon in the top-right panel
2. Select VPN Off or toggle off the active VPN connection
3. Alternatively, go to Settings > Network > VPN, and click Disconnect

Steps for KDE (e.g., Kubuntu, Fedora KDE):

1. Click the Network icon in the system tray
2. Expand Connections and click Disconnect next to the VPN profile

On my Ubuntu laptop, I frequently use this method to switch between a private VPN and my local network when accessing shared Samba folders. The clean interface makes it easy to see which VPN is active.

Ensure you're connected to a secure Wi-Fi network before disconnecting to avoid exposing data.

4.2. Using terminal commands (CLI method)

For power users, the terminal offers precise control. This is especially useful on headless servers or when automating VPN disconnection.

Using nmcli (Network Manager CLI):

nmcli connection down id VPN_NAME

Using systemctl for OpenVPN or similar services:

sudo systemctl stop openvpn-client@VPN_NAME.service

You can replace VPN_NAME with the actual profile or service name.

I used this method on a remote server where I didn’t have GUI access. By stopping the VPN service via systemctl, I could resume local package updates that were being blocked by the VPN’s restricted DNS settings.

Always confirm disconnection by checking your external IP address or using nmcli connection show.

4.3. Disconnecting via OpenVPN or WireGuard clients

If your VPN is configured using tools like OpenVPN or WireGuard directly (not through the system UI), you’ll need to use terminal commands to stop the session.

For OpenVPN:

sudo killall openvpn

or

sudo systemctl stop openvpn@client

For WireGuard:

sudo wg-quick down wg0

This method is highly efficient for those running VPNs as background services. I once encountered DNS leaks and used this manual stop command to regain control over DNS routing for secure internal network access.

After disconnecting, run curl ifconfig.me to confirm your IP has reverted to your ISP.

Now that you've seen how to turn off VPNs across Windows, macOS, and Linux, it’s just as important to make sure your VPN is actually off. Let’s move on to verifying whether your VPN is still running in the background.

5. How to know if your VPN is still running

Even after manually disconnecting, your VPN might still be running in the background due to auto-reconnect settings, persistent services, or VPN kill switches. Verifying the status of your VPN ensures your online activity is either protected or clearly exposed, depending on your intent.

Here are the most effective ways to check if your VPN is still active on your computer:

5.1. Check the VPN status in the system tray or the menu bar

Most VPN apps add a status icon to your system tray (Windows/Linux) or menu bar (macOS).

• Windows: Look for the VPN logo in the lower-right corner. If it's glowing or says “Connected,” the VPN is still active.
• macOS: Check the top-right menu bar. If the VPN icon is solid or green, the connection is on.
• Linux (GNOME/KDE): Network indicators usually show a “shield” or lock symbol when VPN is running.

This is my go-to method when I’m unsure if the VPN is still running, especially after using quick toggle buttons.

5.2. Use an IP checker tool

You can quickly verify your external IP address to determine if the VPN is masking your location. Simply visit a site like whatismyip.com or iplocation.net.

1. Disconnect your VPN (if you think it’s off)
2. Open the IP checker tool
3. Compare the location shown with your real one

Once, I believed I had turned off the VPN, but the IP tool still showed a location across the globe. It turned out the VPN’s kill switch was still enabled, keeping traffic blocked and misrepresenting the connection status.

According to CyberGhost VPN, “A kill switch can prevent traffic even after a disconnect, until the VPN is restarted or fully disabled.”

5.3. Review the VPN app status or logs

Most VPN software has a dashboard or connection log. Open the app and look for a real-time status indicator (e.g., "Connected", "Reconnecting", or "Disconnected").

If you're unsure, check the Settings > Connection Logs to confirm the exact time of disconnection and whether the app auto-reconnected.

5.4. Inspect network connections (advanced users)

Advanced users can check active connections via:

• Windows: Task Manager > Performance > Network, or run netstat -rn
• macOS: Use netstat in Terminal or check Activity Monitor
• Linux: Use nmcli or ip a to inspect tunnel interfaces (e.g., tun0, wg0)

These tools show whether a VPN tunnel is still live, even if the client is closed.

I once relied on this method when a misconfigured VPN app appeared disconnected, but the encrypted tunnel (tun0) was still running silently in the background, compromising my ability to connect to certain local services.

Once you’ve confirmed your VPN is off, it’s important to understand what that means for your privacy, browsing, and overall security. Let’s break down what actually happens when a VPN is turned off.

6. What happens when you turn off your VPN

Turning off your VPN on a computer—even briefly—can have immediate and noticeable consequences, especially when it comes to online privacy, content access, and data exposure. While it may be necessary in some situations, it’s important to understand what happens in the background once the VPN tunnel is closed.

6.1. Your IP address becomes exposed

With your VPN disconnected, your internet traffic is routed through your actual ISP, which means your real IP address becomes visible to websites, trackers, and services. This makes it easier for advertisers, government agencies, or malicious actors to trace your activity back to you.

After turning off my VPN once to access my online banking app, I noticed a flood of region-specific ads immediately afterward. It was a reminder of just how quickly trackers can adapt to an unmasked IP address.

As Security.org notes: “Without a VPN, your IP, DNS requests, and browsing history can be seen by your internet service provider.”

6.2. Streaming availability and content may change

VPNs are often used to bypass geo-restrictions on services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Hulu. Once the VPN is off, content libraries typically revert to your actual region. This can result in previously accessible shows or services becoming unavailable.

For instance, after disconnecting from a UK server, I lost access to a BBC documentary mid-stream and had to reconnect to continue watching.

6.3. DNS requests go through your ISP again

Many VPNs use their own DNS servers to prevent leaks or tracking. Once you disable the VPN, your system usually defaults back to your ISP’s DNS servers, which can log your site visits.

This shift can also cause differences in website loading speeds or access issues if your ISP filters certain domains.

6.4. You're more vulnerable on public Wi-Fi

VPNs are especially important when using unsecured networks like cafes, airports, or hotels. Turning off your VPN in these environments exposes your device to potential man-in-the-middle attacks, snooping, or malware injections.

I learned this the hard way while traveling—forgetting to reconnect the VPN after airport Wi-Fi login left my email client syncing without encryption.

CISA (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency) recommends always using a VPN on public networks to maintain secure encryption between your device and external websites.

While disabling your VPN does open some risks, there are ways to turn it off temporarily without fully disconnecting. In the next section, we’ll explore built-in features like “pause” or “snooze” to manage short breaks from VPN use.

7. Can you turn off VPN temporarily?

Yes, most modern VPN applications allow you to pause or snooze your VPN connection temporarily, without fully disconnecting or exiting the app. This can be a safer alternative when you only need to access certain services or websites for a few minutes without full exposure.

Temporary disconnection features give you flexibility while still maintaining a baseline level of control over your online privacy.

7.1. Use pause or snooze mode in VPN apps

Many top-tier VPNs (like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, and CyberGhost) include features such as:

• Pause for X minutes: Automatically reconnects after a short interval (e.g., 5, 10, or 30 minutes)
• Disconnect until reboot: Ends the session temporarily until you restart your system or app
• Snooze mode: Some apps let you set a timer or define custom rules (e.g., reconnect after the app closes)

I’ve personally used NordVPN’s "Pause for 5 minutes" feature when logging into my bank’s payment gateway, which often rejects VPN traffic for security reasons. The VPN automatically reconnected afterward, saving me the hassle of remembering to turn it back on.

According to ExpressVPN, “Temporarily pausing your VPN may be more secure than turning it off completely, especially if you’re working on a public or shared network.”

7.2. Use automation tools or schedules

Some VPN clients let you create schedules to:

• Auto-disable VPN during work hours
• Reconnect at night
• Pause when accessing specific websites or apps (via split tunneling)

These automation tools allow fine-grained control, ensuring that your privacy remains intact even during planned pauses.

Caution: Always verify that your IP is masked again after the VPN reconnects by checking with an IP checker or your VPN dashboard.

Whether you're pausing or fully disconnecting, safety should remain a priority. In the next section, I’ll cover essential tips for protecting yourself when your VPN is off, even briefly.

8. Tips for safely disabling a VPN

Disabling your VPN on a computer—even temporarily—can expose your online activity, IP address, and sensitive data. That’s why it’s important to take a few extra precautions to reduce your risk while your VPN is turned off. These tips can help you maintain a baseline level of security and privacy.

8.1. Enable firewall and antivirus protection

Before you disable your VPN, make sure that your system firewall is turned on and that you have real-time antivirus protection running. These tools act as your first line of defense once the VPN’s encryption is removed.

On one business trip, I disabled my VPN to access a hotel’s captive portal. I had forgotten to check my firewall status, and within minutes, my laptop received multiple unsolicited connection requests. Since then, I have always verified my firewall before disconnecting.

According to Norton Cybersecurity, “A firewall adds a critical layer of protection, especially when your VPN is off on untrusted networks.”

8.2. Disconnect only on trusted networks

Avoid disabling your VPN on public Wi-Fi networks like cafes, hotels, airports, or conference centers. These are prime environments for data interception and malicious hotspots.

If you must turn off your VPN, use a private, password-protected network—preferably one you manage (such as a home or office connection).

8.3. Use secure DNS or encrypted browsing

When your VPN is off, your device will likely revert to using your ISP’s DNS servers, which can track and log your queries. To protect your activity:

• Manually configure DNS to use Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8)
• Use HTTPS Everywhere browser extensions or rely on HTTPS-enabled websites
• Consider private browsers like Brave or Firefox with strict tracking protection

While traveling, I once turned off my VPN to access a geo-blocked video, but had already configured secure DNS. That one step minimized exposure while keeping my streaming smooth.

8.4. Avoid downloading or logging into sensitive services

If you’ve turned off your VPN, postpone any activity that involves downloading files, logging into financial accounts, or accessing personal emails. These actions are best performed only when encryption is active.

9. FAQs: How to turn off VPN on computer

10. Conclusion

Learning how to turn off VPN on computer devices is essential for anyone who values both privacy and functionality. Whether you're resolving a network issue, accessing region-locked content, or testing speeds, knowing how to safely disable your VPN can prevent disruptions while keeping your data secure.

From my own experience, like struggling with laggy video calls or restricted intranet access, these methods helped me stay in control without compromising my privacy long-term.

Key takeaways:

• Use pause or snooze options for short breaks
• Never disable VPN on public Wi-Fi without protection
• Always recheck your IP and firewall settings afterward

Once your task is complete, don’t forget to re-enable your VPN to restore encrypted browsing. If you find it helpful, please leave a comment below and let me know which method worked best for you.

Need step-by-step help again? Visit our "Tech How-To Simplified" hub on Safelyo for more privacy tools and VPN guides.