Troubleshooting Windscribe VPN Not Working on Chrome: Solutions That WorkUpdated 2 months ago

Windscribe is a well-known VPN service that promises users privacy, security, and unrestricted internet access. With its browser extension for Chrome, it allows users to enjoy a more seamless and faster connection without compromising on privacy. However, there are times when users may experience issues with Windscribe not working on Chrome. Whether the extension refuses to load, the connection is not stable, or the VPN simply fails to connect, this can be frustrating, especially when you're relying on it for secure browsing.

If you're encountering issues with Windscribe on Chrome, you're not alone. This article will guide you through several troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem, so you can get back to enjoying secure browsing in no time.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Before diving into technical fixes for Windscribe not working on Chrome, ensure your internet connection is stable. Sometimes, the problem lies with the connection itself rather than the VPN. If your internet is slow or intermittent, Windscribe may struggle to establish a connection or maintain a stable link.

To confirm that your internet connection is working correctly, try visiting websites without the VPN enabled. If they load smoothly, your internet is functioning as expected. If the internet connection itself is slow or unstable, consider restarting your router or contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to resolve any connectivity issues.

2. Update Chrome and Windscribe Extension

Sometimes, problems with Windscribe on Chrome can be traced back to outdated software. Outdated versions of both Chrome and the Windscribe extension may lead to compatibility issues that prevent the VPN from working properly.

Here’s how to check for updates for both Chrome and the Windscribe extension:

• Update Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top-right corner.
  2. From the menu, go to "Help" and select "About Google Chrome."
  3. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install any available updates. After updating, restart Chrome to apply the changes.

• Update Windscribe Extension:

  1. Open Chrome and type chrome://extensions in the address bar.
  2. Find Windscribe in the list of extensions and enable "Developer mode" at the top-right.
  3. Click on the "Update" button to check for any available updates for your Windscribe extension.

After updating both the browser and the extension, restart your browser to see if the issue is resolved.

3. Disable Conflicting Extensions

Chrome extensions can sometimes interfere with the operation of other extensions, including Windscribe. If you have multiple extensions installed, one of them may be conflicting with Windscribe and causing it to malfunction.

To troubleshoot this:

1. Open Chrome and go to chrome://extensions.
2. Disable all extensions except for Windscribe.
3. Check if Windscribe works as expected. If it does, you can start enabling your other extensions one by one to identify the one causing the issue.
4. Once you find the conflicting extension, consider removing it or finding an alternative.

Common culprits that may interfere with VPN extensions like Windscribe include ad blockers, other VPNs, and privacy-focused extensions.

4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Corrupted cache files or cookies can prevent the Windscribe extension from working properly in Chrome. Over time, cached data can build up and cause performance issues. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can help resolve such problems.

To clear the cache and cookies:

1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top-right corner.
2. Go to "Settings" and scroll down to "Privacy and security."
3. Click on "Clear browsing data."
4. Select "All time" in the time range dropdown.
5. Check the boxes for "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files."
6. Click "Clear data" to remove the stored cache and cookies.

After clearing your cache and cookies, restart your browser and check if Windscribe is working again.

5. Reinstall the Windscribe Extension

If the steps above don’t resolve the issue, it might be time to reinstall the Windscribe extension. A fresh installation can help fix any issues caused by a corrupted or faulty installation.

To reinstall the Windscribe extension:

1. Open Chrome and go to chrome://extensions.
2. Find the Windscribe extension and click the "Remove" button to uninstall it.
3. Visit the Chrome Web Store and search for Windscribe.
4. Click "Add to Chrome" to reinstall the extension.

Once the extension is reinstalled, try connecting to Windscribe again and see if it works.

6. Check for VPN Server Issues

If Windscribe isn’t working on Chrome even after performing all of the above steps, there could be an issue with the Windscribe server you are trying to connect to. Sometimes, the server you’ve chosen may be down or experiencing technical difficulties.

To check if this is the issue:

1. Try switching to a different server location within the Windscribe extension.
2. If you’re using a specific server for access to content (like a US server for streaming), try connecting to another server in a nearby location to see if that resolves the issue.

If the problem persists across multiple server locations, there may be an issue with Windscribe’s service itself. You can check Windscribe’s official Twitter account or status page to see if there are any known server outages.

7. Reset Windscribe VPN Settings

Windscribe comes with a variety of configuration options, and it's possible that certain settings may be causing problems. To troubleshoot, you can reset the Windscribe VPN settings to their default values.

Here’s how you can reset the settings:

1. Open the Windscribe extension in Chrome.
2. Click the settings gear icon within the extension.
3. Scroll down and find the option to reset settings or restore default configurations.
4. Confirm the action and restart the extension.

After resetting the settings, try connecting to Windscribe again to see if the issue has been resolved.

8. Disable WebRTC Leak Protection

One lesser-known cause of VPN issues on Chrome is WebRTC leaks. WebRTC is a browser feature that can potentially expose your real IP address, even if you are using a VPN. Some VPNs, including Windscribe, provide WebRTC leak protection, but in some cases, this feature can cause conflicts with certain websites or services.

To disable WebRTC in Chrome:

1. Open a new tab in Chrome and type chrome://flags in the address bar.
2. Use the search bar at the top to search for “WebRTC.”
3. Find the “WebRTC STUN origin header” option and disable it.
4. Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect.

Disabling WebRTC may help resolve issues with Windscribe not working, especially if it’s related to leaks or other conflicts.

9. Check for Windows Firewall or Antivirus Blockages

Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus software may block VPN connections. This can prevent Windscribe from working correctly in Chrome. Check if your firewall or antivirus is blocking the Windscribe app or extension.

Here’s how to check and allow Windscribe through your firewall:

1. Open the Windows Control Panel and go to “Windows Defender Firewall.”
2. Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.”
3. Find Windscribe in the list and ensure both the private and public boxes are checked.
4. If you use third-party antivirus software, make sure Windscribe is allowed through the firewall or antivirus settings.

10. Contact Windscribe Support

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it might be time to contact Windscribe’s customer support team. They can provide more specific guidance and check if there are any issues with your account or configuration.

Conclusion

If Windscribe isn’t working on Chrome, there are several potential causes ranging from browser settings to VPN server issues. By following the troubleshooting steps above, you can resolve most common problems and get your VPN working smoothly again. Start by checking your internet connection and updating your browser and extension. Then, move on to more advanced fixes like reinstalling the extension, clearing the cache, and disabling conflicting extensions.

With patience and persistence, you should be able to get Windscribe working again and enjoy secure, private browsing on Chrome.