Microsoft fixes Always On VPN failures from September updates

Microsoft has resolved Always On VPN connection failures triggered by the September 2026 Windows 11 security updates. The issue affected devices using automatic protocol selection with IKEv2 and SSTP. Microsoft acknowledged the failures via a service alert sent to IT administrators in late September. The company previously incorrectly stated that the issue was fixed in the October 2026 cumulative updates.

The fix addresses connections stuck in a 'Connecting' state or failing to connect after an initial attempt. Some affected connection attempts displayed the error 'The specified port is already in use.' Microsoft confirmed the fix on Wednesday for users who installed the KB5127936 preview update.

Microsoft provided a workaround for users who prefer to wait for next month's Patch Tuesday cumulative updates. The workaround requires administrators to change the Always On VPN profile from automatic protocol selection to a single protocol. The October 2026 preview update also fixed an issue preventing non-admin users from connecting via Remote Desktop when 'Administrator protection' is enabled.