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Why Is Your Windows Computer Crashing Because of VPN Software?
I want to help you understand what's happening with your computer. If you use a VPN on Windows, you might face serious crashes. These crashes come from problems in OpenVPN software that most VPN companies use.
In June 2025, experts found a major flaw in OpenVPN's system. This flaw makes your computer crash with a blue screen. The problem sits deep in your computer's core system, making it very dangerous.
This isn't new. OpenVPN has had similar problems before. In 2024, Microsoft found four different security holes. One of these holes could crash your entire computer.
Why This Happens So Often
OpenVPN works differently than other VPN software. It digs deep into your Windows system. This deep access means when something goes wrong, it can crash everything.
Think of it like this: OpenVPN has special access to your computer's brain. When it makes a mistake, your whole computer stops working. This is why you see that scary blue screen.
Most VPN companies use OpenVPN because it's flexible. But this flexibility comes with risks. The software has many parts that can break.
Finding OpenVPN on Your Computer
I'll show you how to check if you have these problem drivers on your computer.
First, open your File Explorer. Go to "C:\Windows\System32\Drivers." Look for files with names like:
- ovpn-dco.sys
- tapwindows6.sys
- wintun.sys
You can also check through Device Manager. Press Windows key + R, type "devmgmt.msc" and press Enter. Look under Network Adapters for OpenVPN items.
If you want to see all hidden OpenVPN drivers, I'll give you a simple command. Open PowerShell as administrator and type this:
Get-WmiObject Win32_SystemDriver | Where-Object { $_.Name -like "*ovpn*" -or $_.Name -like "*tap*" } | Select-Object Name, State, PathName, StartMode
This command shows you every OpenVPN driver hiding on your system.
Protecting Your Computer
I recommend several ways to protect yourself from these crashes.
Switch to WireGuard
If your VPN supports it, use WireGuard instead of OpenVPN. WireGuard is newer and safer. It doesn't dig as deep into your system.
Update Everything
Make sure your VPN software is current. VPN companies should fix these problems in their updates. Check for updates at least once a week.
Restrict Driver Access
You can limit what OpenVPN drivers can do on your computer. Open PowerShell as administrator and run these commands:
$driverPath = "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\ovpn-dco.sys" icacls $driverPath /inheritance:r icacls $driverPath /grant:r "SYSTEM:R" "Administrators:R" icacls $driverPath /deny "Everyone:W"
These commands stop the driver from making dangerous changes to your system.
Watching for Problems
I suggest you monitor your computer for crashes. Download a tool called Blue Screen View. This tool helps you see what caused your computer to crash.
You can set up automatic monitoring with this script:
# Set path to your BlueScreenView directory
$nirDir = "C:\Tools\BlueScreenView"
$csvPath = "$nirDir\bsod.csv"
# Check for crashes every 10 minutes
while ($true) {
Start-Process -FilePath "$nirDir\BlueScreenView.exe" -ArgumentList "/scomma `"$csvPath`"" -Wait
$bsods = Import-Csv $csvPath -Header Dumpfile, Timestamp, Reason, Errorcode, Param1, Param2, Param3, Param4, CausedByDriver
$recent = $bsods | Where-Object {
($_.Timestamp -as [datetime]) -gt (Get-Date).AddMinutes(-10) -and
$_.CausedByDriver -match "ovpn|tap|wintun"
}
if ($recent) {
Write-Warning "⚠️ BSOD caused by OpenVPN-related driver in last 10 minutes!"
$recent | Format-Table -AutoSize
} else {
Write-Host "✅ No recent OpenVPN-related BSODs."
}
Start-Sleep -Seconds 600
}
This script checks every 10 minutes if OpenVPN caused any crashes.
Advanced Protection Methods
If you have Windows Pro or Enterprise, you can use Group Policy to block problematic drivers.
Open Group Policy Editor by typing "gpedit.msc" in the Run dialog. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Software Restriction Policies > Additional Rules.
Create a new path rule for each OpenVPN driver. Set the security level to "Disallowed." This prevents the drivers from running without your permission.
My Recommendation
I strongly suggest you switch away from OpenVPN if possible. WireGuard offers better security and stability. It's designed with modern security principles and doesn't have OpenVPN's legacy problems.
If you must use OpenVPN, keep everything updated. Check for VPN software updates weekly. Enable automatic updates if your VPN client supports it.
Consider using Windows Defender or another antivirus that can detect kernel-level problems. These tools can sometimes catch driver issues before they crash your system.
The most important thing is staying informed. OpenVPN problems will likely continue because of its complex design. By following these steps, you can protect your computer and avoid frustrating crashes.
Remember, your computer's stability is more important than any single VPN feature. Don't hesitate to switch VPN providers if yours doesn't offer WireGuard or keeps having OpenVPN problems.