Fix Now Cisco AnyConnect VPN Not Connecting in 4 Simple Ways

The CiscoVPN solution is working rather nicely if we look at the reports. The most prominent issues appear only after the major updates which tend to break the application.

These are not common, but then again, they seemingly render the VPN client completely unusable. At least that was the case with the Fall Creators Update and April Update.

However, there’s no need to worry. We found some applicable steps and enlisted them below so make sure to check them out.

Why is Cisco VPN not connecting?

Users report that an error message appears while trying to connect to the Cisco VPN Client.

When the VPN client is launched, an error message reads The necessary VPN sub-system is not available. You cannot connect to remote VPN server displays.

These three factors can cause this warning to appear:

• The VPN client service has not yet been launched
• Installation issues with the VPN, possibly caused by corrupted or duplicated files
• A firewall or antivirus software may be interfering with the VPN connection

Additionally, a VPN client is more prone to lose Dead Peer Detection while it is having connectivity problems. If your system’s firmware is outdated, it could affect DPD issues.

How do I get my Cisco AnyConnect to work?

1. Repair the installation
2. Perform a clean installation
3. Allow VPN through firewall
4. Tweak the registry

1. Repair the installation

1. In the Windows Search bar, type Control and open Control Panel.

2. Click Uninstall a program in the bottom left corner.

3. Click on the Cisco System VPN client and choose Repair.
4. Follow the instructions until the installation is repaired.

Let’s start by repairing the installation. Lots of third-party applications tend to break after a major update is administered. That’s why it is always recommended to reinstall them after the update is installed.

Even better, if you want to avoid one of the numerous update/upgrade errors, uninstalling is a viable choice.

However, if you’ve not uninstalled Cisco VPN prior to an update, instead of reinstallation, you should try out repairing the present installation first.

If you’re not sure how to repair the Cisco VPN, follow the steps we provided above.

2. Perform a clean reinstallation

Finally, if none of the previous solutions got Cisco VPN to work, the only remaining solution we can suggest is performing a clean reinstallation.

Ideally, this will require a clean slate install where you’ll clear all remaining associated files from your PC prior to installing Cisco VPN again.

Follow the above steps to perform a clean reinstallation and fix Cisco VPN on Windows 10. If Cisco VPN is not working on windows 11 the steps for fixing the error are the same.

3. Allow VPN to freely communicate through Firewall

1. In the Windows Search bar, type Allow an app and open Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
2. Click Change settings.
3. Make sure that Cisco VPN is on the list, and it’s allowed to communicate through Windows Firewall.
   • If that’s not the case, click Allow another app and add it.
4. Check both Private and Publicrong> network boxes.
5. Confirm changes and open the Cisco VPN.

System updates can, quite frequently, change the system settings and preferences to default values. This misdeed, of course, can affect Windows Defender settings as well.

If that’s the case, chances are that lots of third-party apps that require free traffic through the Firewall won’t work. Including the Cisco VPN client.

That’s why we encourage you to check the settings and confirm that the app is indeed allowed in Windows Firewall settings.

4. Tweak the Registry

1. Right-click on the Start button and open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click on Virtual Adapter and update it.
4. Restart your PC.

Like many other integrating VPN solutions, Cisco VPN comes with the specific associated Virtual Network Adapter. The failure of this device is another common occurrence, and it’s accompanied by error code 442.

The first thing you can do if this error occurs is to check the Virtual Adapter driver in the Device Manager.

Now, if that fails to resolve the issue, you can try a Registry tweak which seems to address it fully. This requires administrative permission, in order to make changes to Registry.

Furthermore, we strongly suggest treading carefully since untaught meddling with the Registry can result in a system failure.

Follow these steps to tweak Registry and repair Cisco VPN:

1. Type Regedit in the Windows Search bar and open Registry Editor.
2. Copy-paste the following path in the address bar:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/Current/Control/SetServices/CVirtA
3. Right-click on the DisplayName registry entry and choose Modify.
4. Under the Value Data section, make sure that the only body of text which stands is the Cisco Systems VPN Adapter.
   • For the 64-bit version, the text is the Cisco Systems VPN Adapter for 64-bit Windows.
5. Save changes and try running Cisco VPN again.

Why is Cisco AnyConnect not opening?

Common errors include Cisco AnyConnect VPN Login Failed, which can happen for a variety of reasons. The VPN client’s inability to connect to the VPN server is the most frequent cause of this problem. Incorrect VPN settings, firewall configuration, or problems with network connectivity are just a few causes of this.

By navigating to the Windows Administration Tools and making sure that the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Agent is not running, you can determine whether another program interfered with the service.

It might be necessary to disable or even uninstall another VPN application on the desktop if it is already operating and the error message still shows. Verify if you have more than one VPN service installed on your PC, this might be the core problem for Cisco AnyConnect not opening.

If Cisco VPN is still not working on Windows 10 and 11, try contacting the support as they would more likely assist you in the best manner, you can also check our guide on what to do if your Cisco Anyconnect is not working through RDP.

That’s it. If you have any alternative solutions you care to share with us, feel free to do so in the comments section below.