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what is a kill switch VPN being blocked

Susanne and Wayne Horvath-Evert 20 Reputation points
2026-05-19T22:22:06.94+00:00

My VPN is still being blocked. What or where is a kill switch so I can turn off. My IP was back in US yesterday, now back in Amsterdam. And was toss out of lowes.com website, as they do no service out of country IPS.

I already contacted my ISP they sent to new company, I signed up for new service, they are coming to install a new router Friday. In the mean time, all I have is a Hotspot I carry.

Been having problem since Feb. 25, 2026

[Moderator note: PII removed] 

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity
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  1. Sin-D 10,015 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-05-20T04:41:08.2366667+00:00

    Please note that our forum is a public platform, and we will modify your question to hide your personal information in the description. Kindly ensure that you hide any personal or organizational information the next time you post an error or other details to protect personal data.  

    Hi Susanne and Wayne Horvath-Evert,

    I understand your issue, you’re seeing your connection appear from another country (Amsterdam) and websites are blocking you, and you want to know what a VPN “kill switch” is and how to turn it off.

    Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, please try the following.

    About your question, a VPN kill switch is a setting inside a VPN app that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN is not actively connected. Its purpose is to prevent your real IP from being exposed.

    However, your situation suggests something slightly different:

    • Your traffic is still going through a VPN server (Amsterdam)
    • That’s why websites like Lowes detect a non‑US IP and block access

    So the key here is not just the kill switch, but making sure the VPN is completely disabled.

    If you’re using a VPN app on Windows 11 or your hotspot device, please try the following:

    1, Fully disconnect or exit the VPN app

    • Open your VPN application (examples: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc.)
    • Click “Disconnect”
    • Then close the app completely (right-click system tray > Exit)

    2, Check if a VPN is configured in Windows itself

    • Go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “VPN”
    • If you see any VPN listed:
      • Select it > click “Disconnect”
      • Or remove it if you don’t use it

    3, Turn off any “Kill Switch / Block internet without VPN” option

    • Open your VPN app settings
    • Look for options like:
      • “Kill Switch”
      • “Block internet if VPN disconnects”
    • Toggle it Off

    4, Verify your real IP

    • After disconnecting, open a browser and search:
      • “What is my IP”
    • Confirm it shows a US location, not Amsterdam

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  2. AI answer

    2026-05-19T22:22:20.8866667+00:00

    A VPN kill switch is a feature in many VPN apps that blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. It forces all traffic through the VPN so that the real IP address is never exposed. When enabled, it can:

    • Block access to websites if the VPN is disconnected
    • Make it appear that there is “no internet” unless the VPN is active

    In this situation, the problem is not a Windows kill switch but that websites (like lowes.com) are seeing a non‑US IP from the VPN (for example, Amsterdam) and are blocking or limiting access.

    To stop this behavior, the VPN itself must be disabled or its kill switch turned off inside the VPN application settings. On Windows, this is done in the VPN program that was installed (for example, in its Settings → Security/Privacy → “Kill Switch” or “Block internet without VPN” options). Once the VPN is fully turned off, the public IP will be the one provided by the ISP or hotspot, and sites like lowes.com will see that IP instead of the VPN’s foreign IP.

    If a third‑party VPN client is installed on Windows and causes connectivity or access issues, temporarily uninstalling or disabling that VPN is a standard troubleshooting step, as shown in similar Microsoft Store and Windows connectivity scenarios where third‑party VPNs interfere with normal internet access.

    References:

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