Introduction
If you recently upgraded your operating system or the ProtonVPN client and suddenly find that ProtonVPN not working after update, you are not alone. Users from New York to Sydney have reported the same glitch, often accompanied by ProtonVPN connection issues after update. The problem can manifest as a “connection timed out” error, an inability to select servers, or even a complete failure to launch the app.
In 2025, ProtonVPN released version 5.2 with new security modules, which, while improving encryption, also introduced compatibility quirks on older hardware. Whether you are on a Windows 11 laptop in London, an Android phone in São Paulo, or a Linux desktop in Toronto, the troubleshooting steps share a common core.
This article consolidates the most effective fixes, from resetting network adapters to tweaking DNS settings. You will see the focus keyword ProtonVPN not working after update and the related phrase ProtonVPN connection issues after update repeatedly, ensuring you never lose track of the exact problem you are solving.
Beyond the technical steps, we’ll also explore GEO‑specific considerations—like ISP throttling in Berlin or strict firewalls in Tokyo—that can affect your VPN performance. Let’s get the connection back on track.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Verify the Update Version
Open the ProtonVPN client and navigate to Settings → About. Confirm you are running the latest version (5.2.x as of July 2025). If the app shows an older build, download the newest installer from the official site. This ensures that the ProtonVPN not working after update issue isn’t caused by a partial update.
2. Restart Network Services
On Windows 11, open PowerShell as administrator and run:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
For macOS, use the Terminal command sudo ifconfig en0 down && sudo ifconfig en0 up. Linux users can restart NetworkManager with sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager. These actions often resolve ProtonVPN connection issues after update caused by corrupted network stacks.
3. Clear ProtonVPN Cache
Close the client, then delete the cache folder:
- Windows:
%AppData%\ProtonVPN\Cache - macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/ProtonVPN/Cache - Linux:
~/.cache/ProtonVPN
After clearing, relaunch the app. Many users in Paris and Melbourne have reported that this simple step solved the ProtonVPN not working after update problem.
4. Adjust DNS Settings
ProtonVPN sometimes conflicts with ISP‑provided DNS after a system upgrade. Switch to a privacy‑focused resolver:
- Open your network adapter settings.
- Set the DNS to 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) and 1.0.0.1.
- Save and reconnect.
For more DNS guidance, see the Cloudflare learning center. Proper DNS configuration can eliminate the most common ProtonVPN connection issues after update.
5. Disable Conflicting Software
Firewalls, antivirus suites, and other VPNs often interfere with ProtonVPN. Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall, third‑party antivirus, or any residual OpenVPN services. On Android, go to Settings → Apps → ProtonVPN → Permissions and ensure “Battery optimization” is turned off. A detailed guide for Android can be found at ProtonVPN not connecting Android.
6. Reinstall the Client
If the above steps fail, uninstall ProtonVPN completely, then reinstall the fresh package. On Windows, use “Add or remove programs”. On macOS, drag the app to Trash and empty it. Linux users can run sudo apt purge protonvpn followed by the latest .deb installer. This method resolves the stubborn ProtonVPN not working after update scenario that many users in Zurich experience.
7. Check for OS‑Specific Issues
Windows 11 users may need to enable the “Virtual Machine Platform” feature. Open “Turn Windows features on or off”, tick the box, and restart. For Linux, verify that the iptables rules are not blocking UDP traffic; the article Proton VPN timeout Linux explains this in depth.
8. Review Account Status
Occasionally, an expired subscription or a flagged account can produce connection failures. Log into the Proton Account Dashboard and confirm your plan is active. If you see a billing issue, resolve it before attempting another connection.
9. Test Different Server Locations
Geo‑based throttling is common. Try connecting to a server in a different region (e.g., Frankfurt, Singapore, or Los Angeles). Users in Mumbai reported that switching from a nearby server to a distant one cleared the ProtonVPN connection issues after update error.
10. Verify System Time & Date
Incorrect system clocks break TLS handshakes. Ensure your device’s date, time, and time zone are set to “Automatic”. This tiny detail often resolves the lingering ProtonVPN not working after update problem.
Tips
Use Split Tunneling Wisely – Enable split tunneling only for apps that need the VPN. Over‑tunneling can overload the client after an update.
Keep Your Router Firmware Updated – Some ISP routers in Barcelona have outdated firmware that conflicts with newer VPN protocols.
Monitor Bandwidth with Task Manager – High CPU or memory usage on a 2017 laptop can cause time‑outs. Close unnecessary background apps.
For privacy advocacy resources, visit the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Alternative Methods
Manual OpenVPN Configuration
If the native client continues to fail, download the OpenVPN configuration files from the Proton Dashboard and import them into the OpenVPN Connect app. This bypasses the built‑in update logic that sometimes triggers the ProtonVPN not working after update bug.
WireGuard Direct Setup
ProtonVPN supports WireGuard natively. Generate a WireGuard key pair in the account settings, then add the .conf file to your system. WireGuard’s lightweight nature often avoids the ProtonVPN connection issues after update that arise with the full client.
Use a Different VPN Protocol
Switch from “Secure Core” to “Standard” mode, or change UDP to TCP. In regions with aggressive deep‑packet inspection (e.g., parts of the Middle East), TCP can be more reliable after an OS update.
Conclusion
Encountering ProtonVPN not working after update is frustrating, but with systematic troubleshooting you can restore secure, fast connectivity. By verifying the client version, resetting network services, clearing caches, adjusting DNS, and addressing OS‑specific quirks, most ProtonVPN connection issues after update disappear.
Remember to keep your system clock accurate, check subscription status, and test multiple server locations. GEO considerations—like ISP throttling in New York or restrictive firewalls in Hong Kong—may require you to switch protocols or employ split tunneling.
For further reading, explore our dedicated pages: ProtonVPN not working after update, ProtonVPN not connecting Windows 11, and the Linux timeout guide linked earlier. With these resources and the steps above, you’ll be back to a stable, private internet experience in no time.
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