How to Disable VPN for Faster Game Downloads
Are your game downloads slower than expected? One common reason for poor download speed is an active VPN connection. While VPNs are great for privacy, they sometimes route your data through distant servers, causing delays or failed downloads. This guide explains why turning off your VPN can speed up game downloads and shows how to disable VPNs safely on Windows and macOS.
Why Disabling VPN Helps with Game Downloads
- VPN adds extra routing, which can slow down your download speed.
- Some game servers block VPN IP addresses or limit bandwidth.
- Disabling VPN connects you directly to our Content Delivery Network (CDN) for optimal speed.
Important Notes Before You Disable VPN
- Kill Switch: If your VPN app has a Kill Switch or Network Lock, disable it first — otherwise, you may lose internet temporarily.
- Temporary only: Turn off VPN just while downloading your game. Afterward, turn it back on to stay protected.
- Alternatives: Try connecting to a closer server, use the WireGuard protocol, or enable split tunneling so only your game download bypasses VPN.
How to Turn Off VPN on Windows (Step-by-Step)
1. Built-in Windows VPN
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → VPN.
- Select your VPN connection and click Disconnect or Remove.
2. NordVPN
- Open the NordVPN app.
- Click Disconnect at the top.
- If internet stops working, open Settings → disable Kill Switch.
3. ExpressVPN
- Open ExpressVPN → click Disconnect.
- In Settings → General, turn off Network Lock if needed.
4. ProtonVPN / Surfshark / TunnelBear / Windscribe
Open the VPN app, press Disconnect, or use the main switch. If the internet stops, disable the kill switch in settings. You can close the app completely from the system tray if needed.
5. OpenVPN / Cisco AnyConnect
- Find the VPN icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner).
- Right-click → select Disconnect or Exit.
6. Browser VPN Extensions
- Go to your browser’s extensions menu (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox).
- Find the VPN extension → click Disconnect or disable it.
How to Turn Off VPN on macOS
1. Built-in macOS VPN
- Go to System Settings → Network (or System Preferences → Network on older macOS).
- Select your VPN connection → click Disconnect or press - to remove.
2. NordVPN / ExpressVPN / ProtonVPN
- Click the VPN icon in the top menu bar → Disconnect.
- If the internet doesn’t work, disable the kill switch in Settings.
- To stop auto start: go to Settings → turn off Start on login.
3. Tunnelblick (OpenVPN for macOS)
- Click the Tunnelblick icon in the menu bar → choose your connection → Disconnect or Quit Tunnelblick.
4. Cisco AnyConnect
- Click the AnyConnect icon → select Disconnect.
Test Your Download Speed
- Before turning off VPN, test your speed at fast.com or speedtest.net.
- Turn off your VPN and test again — you’ll likely see faster speeds and lower ping.
- Confirm VPN is off by checking your IP at whatismyipaddress.com.
If You Don’t Want to Fully Disable VPN
- Use a closer VPN server — choose one in your region or country.
- Use faster protocol — like WireGuard or Lightway.
- Enable split tunneling — let only your download run outside VPN.
On This Site
Once you disable your VPN and refresh the page, there are a few simple steps you need to follow to make the download buttons active. Here’s what you’ll see:
1. On each game page, you can see this box, after turning off your VPN, click on the blue button: i've turned off my VPN
2. After the previous step, the download buttons will become active and green