VPN Blocking Local Network Access Windows 11 Fix [2026]

Quick Answer: VPN routes all traffic through tunnel, blocking local subnet access. Enable split tunneling in VPN settings or add route exception for local network (192.168.x.x).

Symptoms

Can't access printer while on VPN
Network shares disappear when VPN connected
Local devices unreachable
Internet works but local doesn't (or vice versa)

Root Cause

VPN "kill switch" or full tunnel routing all traffic including local network.

Fix

Method 1: Enable Split Tunneling

Settings → Network → VPN → Your VPN
Advanced options → Split tunneling → ON

Method 2: Add Route Exception

route add 192.168.0.0 mask 255.255.0.0 192.168.1.1 metric 1

Method 3: Disable Block Untraffic

VPN app settings → uncheck "Block outside traffic"

Method 4: Change Interface Metric

Get-NetAdapter | Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceMetric 10

How Againly Helps

Againly can inspect the relevant local evidence and propose a fix plan for review.

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Related: Network Drive Disconnecting

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