Common issues on Windows

Learn how to effectively tackle Meshnet-related problems on Windows.

Introduction

This page aims to provide troubleshooting guidance for some of the commonly encountered Meshnet problems on Windows.

Possible issues and their solutions

Each section below specifies a distinct problem that may occur when using Meshnet on Windows. Problem descriptions are accompanied by specific solutions or troubleshooting checklists, depending on the type of issue.

Meshnet won't turn on

For Meshnet to function, the NordVPN app must retrieve your device's Meshnet details and create a NordLynx network adapter. Once the adapter is active, you can interact with your peer devices and use additional features, such as file sharing. Nevertheless, if the adapter creation fails, Meshnet will remain disabled.

Troubleshooting approach

Due to the numerous variables that can affect network adapter creation, there is no single, universal solution to resolve this issue. To begin troubleshooting the problem, follow the list below and ensure that:

• You are using the latest version of the NordVPN app.

  • Check the NordVPN Windows release notes blog post to find the latest version.

• You aren't running any other VPN or remote networking apps.

• You haven't restricted the NordVPN app with an anti-virus or firewall.

• You can connect to VPN servers using the NordLynx protocol.

  • If you cannot establish a connection, it would indicate that the problem is not Meshnet-specific. In that case, you should contact support.

• You are using an up-to-date version of Windows.

  • Refer to Microsoft documentation on how to check and update your version of Windows.

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Duplicated Meshnet IP address

You may encounter instances where enabling Meshnet on multiple devices results in identical Nord names and Meshnet IP addresses. In such cases, the devices cannot interact with each other, rendering Meshnet features unusable between them.

The Windows NordVPN app relies on a Windows Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) registry entry to identify unique devices. This GUID should be unique for every Windows installation. However, if the operating system (OS) is cloned, the GUID keys will be the same for both systems, leading to duplicated Meshnet details.

Solution

To resolve the problem, complete the procedure described below on any one of the affected devices.

Part 1: Change the GUID value

1. Open NordVPN and turn off Meshnet.

2. Open Registry editor and navigate to the following path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Cryptography

   

3. Double-click the MachineGuid entry.

4. In the Value data field, change any one symbol and click OK.

   

5. Exit Registry editor.

Part 2: Remove residual Meshnet files

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run command window.

2. Enter C:\ProgramData\NordVPN and click OK.

   

3. Locate and delete the Meshnet folder.

   

4. Open NordVPN and enable Meshnet.

After making these changes, your computer should get a unique Meshnet IP address and be treated as a different device in your Meshnet.

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Contact support

If you encounter a problem not described on this page or you cannot resolve a problem using the provided guidelines, feel free to contact the NordVPN support staff at support.nordvpn.com.

It would be highly beneficial if you could provide the following information when reaching out:

Version of Windows:
NordVPN app version:

Exact issue you are experiencing: 
Any error messages you are seeing:

Steps to reproduce the issue: 

Example report

Version of Windows: Windows 11
NordVPN app version: 7.24.1.0

Exact issue you are experiencing: Meshnet does not turn on
Any error messages you are seeing: No

Steps to reproduce the issue:
1. Open NordVPN.
2. Go to the Meshnet tab.
3. Click the Meshnet toggle.
4. Toggle spins and returns to the off position.

Tip

You can find your current NordVPN app version on the Settings tab.

For more information, see the How to check the NordVPN app version page.