After the last Norton update, I have been unable to get NordVPN to stay connected more than 10 seconds. Is there any way around this problem? Nord seems to be a more reliable product. Any help is appreciated!
bjm
July 28, 2026, 5:02pm
2
Hello @Michael111 both VPNs at the same time , or does NordVPN fail even when Norton’s VPN is turned off?
Did you try disabling NordVPN’s “Threat Protection” feature within the NordVPN app settings, and rely entirely on Norton 360 for your real-time malware scanning and antivirus needs.
Did you try Norton VPN Service = Disabled?
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Disabling the Norton Secure VPN service (often labeled as Norton VPN Service in Windows Services) is the most effective solution to stop the conflict with NordVPN .
The “Local Services” you are referring to likely relates to the Norton Secure VPN background service that manages local network routing and adapter prioritization. When both Norton and NordVPN try to control the network interface simultaneously, Norton’s service often forces a disconnect after a few seconds to reclaim control.
How to Disable the Norton VPN Service
Open Services Manager :
Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
Type services.msc and press Enter .
Locate the Service :
Scroll down the list and find Norton Secure VPN (or sometimes named Norton VPN Service ).
Stop and Disable :
Right-click on Norton Secure VPN and select Properties .
Click the Stop button if the service is running.
Change the Startup type dropdown to Disabled .
Click Apply and then
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The conflict is likely caused by Norton 360 's firewall or antivirus features blocking NordVPN 's virtual network adapters after the recent update. To resolve this, you must add NordVPN to Norton’s exclusion list and potentially adjust network settings.
Add Exclusions : Open Norton 360 , navigate to Settings > Antivirus > Settings > Virus Protection Settings , and add the NordVPN executable and service files to the exclusion list.Check Firewall : In Norton’s Firewall settings, ensure NordVPN is allowed through the firewall for both private and public networks.Switch Protocol : In NordVPN settings, change the connection protocol from NordLynx to OpenVPN (TCP) , which is more stable and less likely to be disrupted by security software conflicts.Restart Services : After applying changes, restart your computer to ensure both Norton and NordVPN services initialize correctly with the new permissions.
If the issue persists, temporarily disable Norton’s Real-time Protection to confirm it is the cause, then re-enable it with the proper exclusions in place.
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NordVPN and Norton 360 often fail to work together because both programs attempt to control your device’s network traffic and routing protocols at the same time, creating a software conflict.
When two security applications fight over the same system permissions, it usually results in dropped connections, slow internet speeds, or a total loss of web access.
Virtual Network Adapter Clashes : NordVPN uses specialized TAP/TUN virtual network adapters to route your data. Norton 360 features its own built-in Secure VPN which deploys similar adapters. Running both simultaneously confuses your operating system’s routing table.Firewall Aggression : The Norton 360 Smart Firewall is designed to block unauthorized or suspicious outbound traffic. Because NordVPN alters your IP address and encrypts data packets, Norton’s firewall frequently flags this behavior as a security threat and cuts the connection.Deep Packet Inspection Conflicts : Both NordVPN (via features like Threat Protection) and Norton 360 intercept and scan incoming data packets for malware. When both programs try to hook into the same data stream at the exact same moment, they lock each other out.
Disable Norton’s Built-In VPN
Open the Norton 360 dashboard.
Locate the Secure VPN section.
Click the drop-down menu next to it and select Turn Off .
Create a Firewall Exception for NordVPN
Open Norton 360 and click Settings .
Select Firewall , then click on the Program Control tab.
Scroll down to find NordVPN.exe (if it isn’t listed, click Add and navigate to your NordVPN installation folder).
Change the access drop-down menu next to NordVPN from “Auto” or “Block” to Allow .
Click Apply and restart your computer.
Toggle Off Conflicting FeaturesNordVPN’s “Threat Protection” feature within the NordVPN app settings, and rely entirely on Norton 360 for your real-time malware scanning and antivirus needs.
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NordVPN Threat Protection directly conflicts with Norton 360 because both features perform the exact same task: scanning your files and web traffic for malware in real-time.
When two antivirus engines scan the same file at the same time, they lock each other out, crashing your browser or freezing your system.
Antivirus Engine Clashes: NordVPN’s Threat Protection is no longer just a basic ad-blocker; it is a full, file-scanning antivirus engine. Running it alongside Norton 360 means you are running two real-time antivirus programs simultaneously, which is a critical system error.System File Hooks: Both programs attempt to inject code into your web browser and operating system to intercept downloads. This battle over system permissions causes dropped internet connections, slow page loading, and browser freezes.SSL/TLS Decryption Fights: To scan secure websites (HTTPS), both Norton and NordVPN try to decrypt and re-encrypt your web traffic. When they try to do this to each other’s traffic, your browser will flag the connection as unsafe and block your internet access.
The Recommended Setup: Keep Norton 360 active for your primary antivirus and system protection. Open your NordVPN settings , go to the Threat Protection tab, and toggle it completely Off . (You can use NordVPN’s lighter “Threat Protection Lite” instead, as it only blocks bad links via DNS and won’t conflict with Norton).The Alternative Setup: If you want to use NordVPN’s file scanner, you must open Norton 360 and temporarily disable its “Real-Time Protection” and “Safe Web” browser extensions. *Note: This is generally not recommended, as Norton offers more robust overall system protection.
NordVPN Threat Protection (especially the “Pro” version) acts as a network-level antivirus and DNS filter, which frequently conflicts with Norton 360 's real-time protection and firewall, causing the connection drops you are experiencing.
Both programs attempt to scan and filter network traffic simultaneously, leading to a “fight” over packet inspection that results in the 10-second timeout.
How to Disable NordVPN Threat Protection
Open NordVPN : Launch the application on your computer.Navigate to Settings : Click on the Settings (gear icon) usually found in the bottom left or side menu.Locate Threat Protection : Find the Threat Protection (or Threat Protection Pro ) tab.Toggle Off : Switch the Threat Protection toggle to OFF .
Note : If you have the “Auto-connect” feature enabled for Threat Protection, ensure that is also disabled so it doesn’t reactivate when you connect to a server.
Test Connection : Connect to a NordVPN server and verify if the connection remains stable.
Why This Resolves the Issue
Dual Scanning Conflict : Norton 360 scans incoming packets for viruses, while NordVPN Threat Protection scans DNS requests and downloads for malware. Running both causes redundant scanning loops that drop the connection.DNS Filtering Clash : Threat Protection routes your DNS queries through Nord’s filtered servers to block ads and malicious sites. Norton may interpret this DNS rerouting as suspicious behavior (DNS hijacking) and block the tunnel.
Recommended Configuration
Since you are keeping Norton 360 as your primary antivirus:
Keep Norton 360 Active : It provides comprehensive device-level scanning (files, registry, behavior) which is deeper than NordVPN’s network-level protection.Disable NordVPN Threat Protection : This removes the conflict while allowing NordVPN to handle encryption and IP masking without interference.Optional : If you still want some ad-blocking, you can try re-enabling Threat Protection without the “Malware Protection” or “Anti-Tracker” features if granular controls are available in your version, but typically, turning it off completely is the most stable solution when paired with a full suite like Norton .
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Hello @Michael111 ,
If you have multiple VPN products installed on your Windows computer, turn on the Enable multiple active VPNs option from the Privacy - VPN - Settings section. Please note that enabling this option may affect your connection stability or performance.
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bjm
July 28, 2026, 6:42pm
4
Hello @nivasraja
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I was under the impression that the Norton VPN was enabled.
1 Like
bjm
July 28, 2026, 7:01pm
6
Hello @nivasraja
fwiw ~ my understanding:
Running two separate VPN applications simultaneously on the same device is generally not recommended due to high risks of connectivity conflicts, routing errors, and significant performance degradation.
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Hello @Michael111
Are you wanting to use both VPNs at the same time, or does NordVPN fail even when Norton’s VPN is turned off?
Are you running NordVPN’s “Threat Protection”?
Are you wanting to use both VPNs at the same time?
The “Enable multiple active VPNs” toggle in Norton 360 is a compatibility setting designed to prevent Norton from automatically disabling other VPN software installed on your computer.
Here is exactly what it does:
Prevents Automatic Shutdown : By default, Norton 360 monitors your network and will often forcibly disconnect any non-Norton VPN it detects to ensure its own protection is active. Enabling this switch tells Norton to stop interfering with other VPN clients, allowing both applications to remain “connected” simultaneously.Does Not Merge Connections : Crucially, this setting does not combine the two VPNs into a single secure tunnel (like a “Double VPN” feature does). It simply allows two separate, independent VPN applications to run side-by-side without one killing the other.Requires Manual Configuration : Even with this toggle on, you will likely still face routing conflicts . Since both VPNs may try to control your internet traffic, you usually need to configure Split Tunneling on one or both apps to specify which applications use which VPN, or manually adjust your computer’s routing table.
Warning : Norton explicitly states that enabling this option may affect connection stability or performance . While it allows both apps to stay “on,” it does not guarantee that your internet traffic will flow correctly through both without manual technical intervention.
With the toggle OFF : Norton monitors the network adapter and will terminate non-Norton VPN connections to maintain its own security perimeter.With the toggle ON : Norton disables this monitoring behavior, allowing the other VPN application to establish and maintain a connection simultaneously without being killed by Norton’s firewall or network protection modules.
The “Enable multiple active VPNs” toggle in Norton 360 is a compatibility override designed to stop Norton from forcibly disconnecting other VPN software, but it does not create a unified or “double” secure tunnel.
Here is a detailed breakdown of its function and limitations:
Primary Function: Disabling Interference
By default, Norton 360 acts aggressively to ensure it is the sole protector of your network traffic. If it detects another VPN client (like ExpressVPN or NordVPN) connecting, it often assumes a conflict or threat and automatically shuts the other connection down.
With the toggle OFF : Norton monitors the network adapter and will terminate non-Norton VPN connections to maintain its own security perimeter.With the toggle ON : Norton disables this monitoring behavior, allowing the other VPN application to establish and maintain a connection simultaneously without being killed by Norton’s firewall or network protection modules.
Critical Distinction: Coexistence vs. Chaining
Enabling this option allows two VPN apps to be open and connected at the same time, but it does not chain them together.
No Automatic Routing : Your traffic will not automatically flow through Norton and then the second VPN. Instead, the two applications will “fight” for control of the default network route (0.0.0.0/0 ).Unpredictable Traffic Flow : Without manual configuration, usually only one VPN will successfully route your general internet traffic, while the other may sit idle or cause a network loop that drops your internet entirely.Not “Double VPN” : This is distinct from Norton’s native Double VPN feature (found in the server list), which intentionally routes traffic through two of Norton’s own servers in a single, stable tunnel. The toggle switch does not replicate this security benefit for third-party apps.
Required Manual Configuration
To make use of two active VPNs with this toggle enabled, you must manually configure Split Tunneling on at least one of the applications:
Scenario : You want App A to use Norton and App B to use a second VPN.Action : You must set the second VPN to “Split Tunnel” mode and specify that only App B uses its tunnel, leaving the rest of the system traffic to Norton (or vice versa).Risk : If both are set to “Full Tunnel” (routing all traffic), the operating system will have conflicting routing tables, likely resulting in no internet access or severe packet loss.
Performance and Stability Warnings
Norton explicitly warns that enabling this feature may affect connection stability and performance .
Resource Usage : Running two encryption engines simultaneously increases CPU usage and battery drain.Latency : If you successfully route traffic through both (via complex manual routing), latency will increase significantly, and speeds will drop.Support Limitations : If connectivity issues arise while this toggle is active, Norton Support may require you to disable it as a primary troubleshooting step, as the environment is no longer standard.
Redundancy : Most users choose either a standalone security suite (Norton) or a dedicated privacy VPN (NordVPN), not both. NordVPN is generally considered superior for privacy features (e.g., Double VPN, larger server network), while Norton 360 is preferred for antivirus. Running both VPNs simultaneously offers diminishing security returns while drastically reducing speed.Technical Friction : As noted in Norton’s own documentation, running two VPNs often causes connectivity failures . The fact that Norton had to add a specific “Enable multiple active VPNs” toggle implies that the default behavior (blocking second VPNs) was causing frequent support ticket s, but the need for the toggle also highlights that successful dual usage is an edge case requiring manual intervention.Use Cases : The few users who do run both typically have specific, niche requirements, such as:
Corporate + Personal : Connecting to a work network via one VPN (e.g., Cisco/Norton) while routing personal traffic through another (e.g., NordVPN) using split tunneling.Transition Periods : Users switching from Norton’s built-in VPN to a dedicated provider (or vice versa) who temporarily have both installed.
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bjm
July 28, 2026, 7:59pm
7
Advanced VPN features in Norton 360 for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
This update explains the presence of the “Enable multiple active VPNs” toggle and other advanced controls. Here is what this update specifically delivers:
Integration of Standalone Features
Previously, the VPN included with Norton 360 was a simplified version. This update brings the full capability of the dedicated Norton VPN app to 360 subscribers, including:
Advanced Server Types : Access to Double VPN (Multi-Hop), P2P-Optimized , and IP Rotation servers directly within the 360 interface.Protocol Selection : Users can now manually switch between WireGuard , OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) , IPSec , and Norton’s proprietary Mimic protocol (designed to bypass restrictive firewalls).Post-Quantum Encryption : Implementation of quantum-resistant encryption standards, particularly on the WireGuard and Mimic protocols.
Context for the “Enable Multiple Active VPNs” Toggle
With this update, Norton 360 has evolved from a simple antivirus with a basic VPN into a comprehensive privacy tool that competes with standalone VPN services.
Why the Toggle Exists : As users now have more advanced control (like Split Tunneling and Protocol Selection), the likelihood of them attempting to run Norton alongside other specialized tools (or corporate VPNs) has increased. The toggle is a compatibility bridge added to reduce support ticket s from users who need to run Norton 360’s new advanced VPN features alongside other network tools.Strategic Shift : By adding features like Double VPN natively, Norton is signaling that users should not need a second VPN (like NordVPN) to achieve layered security. The toggle remains primarily for corporate/enterprise coexistence (e.g., running a work VPN alongside personal Norton protection) rather than for “stacking” consumer VPNs.
New Capabilities vs. Dual VPN Needs
The update effectively removes the primary technical reason users previously ran two VPNs:
Native Double VPN : Instead of running Norton + NordVPN to get multi-hop encryption, users can now select a Double VPN server within the updated Norton 360 app. This provides the same security benefit (traffic encrypted twice) without the CPU overhead, routing conflicts, or battery drain of running two separate applications.Split Tunneling Expansion : The update refines Split Tunneling (now available on Windows, Android, and increasingly macOS), allowing users to route specific apps outside the tunnel more easily, further reducing the need for a second VPN client to handle specific traffic.
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bjm
July 29, 2026, 11:12am
8
Hello @Michael111
