Avg how to Turn Off Vpn

Updated: June 4, 2026 · Full review · Alternatives · Antivirus & Security

Disable your VPN connection in AVG by opening the main antivirus window, navigating to the Privacy section, and toggling the VPN feature off—the process takes under a minute on Windows systems.

AVG antivirus software includes a built-in VPN tool in certain versions, designed to encrypt your browsing and mask your IP address. If you're running AVG 2016 or a newer build, you may have activated this privacy feature and now need to know how to turn it off. The good news: deactivating it is straightforward, and you won't lose any core virus protection in the process.

Understanding AVG's VPN Feature

What the VPN Does

The VPN component in AVG security suite creates an encrypted tunnel for your web traffic, hiding your location and online activity from ISPs and websites. It's optional—not required for antivirus protection to work. You can run full malware scans, real-time threat detection, and all other core antivirus functions without touching the VPN at all.

Why You Might Want to Disable It

Performance is the main reason. VPN connections add latency to every packet you send, which means slower downloads, streaming lag, and sometimes connection dropouts on Wi-Fi. If you're on a bandwidth-limited plan or gaming, turning off the VPN often restores normal speeds. Some users also disable it when accessing region-locked services or testing local network connectivity on Windows 10, Windows 11, or older systems like Windows 7.

Steps to Turn Off the VPN

Access the Main AVG Window

Launch AVG from your system tray or desktop shortcut. The main window displays your security status at the top, with tabs or menu options below. Look for a Privacy, Tools, or Settings section—this varies slightly depending on your AVG version.

Locate and Toggle the VPN

Find the VPN option within the Privacy tab. You'll see a toggle switch or on/off button next to "VPN" or "Secure Connection" or similar labeling. Click it to disable. The toggle will change color (usually from blue/green to gray) to confirm the VPN is now off.

Some builds require you to click Settings → Privacy → VPN → Turn Off. If you can't find it in those menus, check under Tools or Additional Features.

Confirm the Change

After toggling, your internet traffic routes directly through your ISP again—no encryption tunnel. Windows should re-establish normal DNS and network settings within seconds. You can verify by checking your public IP address on any "what's my IP" website; it should change from the VPN's masked address back to your actual one.

Pro Tip: If you want to keep the VPN but use it only on demand, some AVG versions let you disable automatic startup. Go to Settings → General → Auto-Start and uncheck the VPN option separately. This way, the feature remains installed but won't launch when you boot your PC.

Is AVG Free Antivirus Enough Without VPN?

Yes. The core antivirus engine in the free version delivers solid malware detection and quarantine functionality. Learn about AVG's core protection features to understand what you retain after disabling the VPN. If you need additional tools beyond basic virus protection, compare it with 360 Total Security, which includes multiple scanning engines or AdwCleaner for specialized adware removal.

Summary

Turning off the VPN in AVG takes moments—just toggle it off in the Privacy menu. Your antivirus threat detection, scanning, and quarantine features continue working without interruption. If you decide later to re-enable it, the same toggle brings it back. The decision often comes down to whether you value privacy encryption more than browsing speed on your Windows laptop or desktop computer.