NordVPN and file sharing
NordVPN and file sharing
Today I chose to upgrade to a new VPN client. I started with Bitdefender VPN but needed something more versatile across multiple devices. I switched to NORDVPN, but after installation I’m facing problems. I can’t connect to my local shares on other computers when the NAS is active, even though it works when turned off. Any suggestions?
yeah, so in windows explorer go to network and select the computer name and no go. But when i go to run and enter the IP address of the computer try to access it that way it works. I messaged NORD VPN and they said when using a VPN you cannot access local resources on any VPN platform. I was like no i have used different VPN services and I can access local resources with them. The only reason i want to go with NORD VPN is due to the compatibility with other devices.
This service essentially routes DNS through the encrypted tunnel to prevent leaks, ensuring no DNS queries escape the secure channel. This behavior also affects internal network DNS. Check your hosts file for any entries; if missing, add your NAS and test hostname resolution. Look for whitelisting options in the client settings and apply them to your local subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24). Keep in mind this may not fully resolve issues since DNS resolution still needs to reach external servers. If needed, configure NordVPN to use your router as the DNS server for better local resolution. Alternatively, set up the VPN on the router instead of a device, which keeps local DNS functionality intact while maintaining tunnel security.
Unless you rely on a VPN to circumvent restrictions, it’s not essential to route DNS through it. You can prevent your ISP from altering or tracking DNS simply by using services like Cloudflare DNS over TLS. Best practice is setting this up at the router or with tools such as PiHole for more control over local DNS or other configurations you prefer. Generally, DNS issues don’t interfere with Windows networking, though unusual behavior in the VPN client can cause problems. I’ve experienced my NAS disappearing from clients frequently, so I usually rely on its static IP and map network drives instead.