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 runs check_vpn_routing to detect split tunnel issues and routing conflicts.
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Related: Network Drive Disconnecting
