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VPN Windows 11 - "Keep-alive" notifications and the difference between VPN 1 and VPN 2

Jenni65

Yesterday I received an update for my VPN I received Version 27.3.3.6 (I see that version 27.3.3.5 was released Apr. 27/26) so wondering why the version I received is different. I previously had version 27.2.6.2(b). I have Premium VPN that is included in Bitdefender Premium Security.

Since the update I have seen to popup messages on the lower right hand corner of my screen which reads as follows;

VPN is active for 1 hour

The VPN connection has been active for the past hour due to auto-connect. If you're no longer using VPN, consider disconnecting it.

Options are either Disconnect VPN or Dismiss

I have just said dismiss, is this something new and why, is anyone else seeing this.

Also can someone tell me the difference between VPN 1 and VPN 2

Thank you

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Accepted answers

Alexandru_BD

Hello,

On Windows, the latest VPN version is indeed 27.3.3.6 and this is a follow-up update for the previous version.
The notification you received is actually a "keep-alive" type of pop-up that has been improved recently in v27.3.3.5 and it's displayed for both transparency and as a general reminder, being tied to the auto-connect behavior.
This helps prevent situations where users forget VPN is on, then later wonder why speed is slower, location looks different, local devices or printers do not work, or some sites behave oddly.
This kind of notification also confirms that traffic is still routed through the VPN, which is security relevant.

@Petersl if you are not connecting the VPN automatically then perhaps it won't be displayed, since this isn't technically a preference to configure, the notification is triggered by a specific status/setting in the VPN.

Scott

Hello,

Chances are it's the VPN changing protocols, network adapters if you have it set to Auto Connect in the settings. Out of curiosity, try this, go into Settings/Advanced/Protocol and set it to Wireguard for testing sake, and see if it connects to the same VPN 1 or 2 after you've done a restart.

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/131733/

In my case for the VPN I'm currently using, it will show a new number when I disconnect then reconnect, in this case it's connecting to a new ip address.

Another member asked essentially the same question, he posted supports answer there.

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/comment/349878#Comment_349878

All comments

Petersl

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/106428/vpn-windows-11

Hi @Jenni65

My bitdefender VPN also updated to version 27.3.3.6 so this seems to be the latest.

@Alexandru_BD @dvsls it also seems to have added an uninstall program for the bitdefender VPN?

Jenni65

Thank you for your answer on the update version. I do not see the Remove program icon on my desktop, where else could I find it ?

Also still wondering about the message saying to disconnect after an hour, would there be a setting to turn that off that I can not see.

Thank you

Petersl

Hi @Jenni65

There is no icon placed on the desktop for the bitdefender remove program but you should be able to find it in the apps section of the start menu or use the search in the start menu to find it.

For the message that you get I'll tag @Alexandru_BD @dvsls to look in to that, I don't see an option for that in my VPN app.

Jenni65

Thank you much appreciated

Alexandru_BD

Hello,

Alexandru_BD

"Also can someone tell me the difference between VPN 1 and VPN 2" - can you elaborate on this? There aren't two actual VPNs, but there have been two versions, (a) and (b). But this is more of an internal classification and has to do with a service migration that took place at some point, essentially the app is the same in both variants.

Jenni65

To elaborate on VPN 1 and VPN 2, I have Premium VPN set to auto connect, when I sign on sometimes the VPN will show as VPN 1 then next time it will show as VPN 2, both show the little computer screen with antenna (not sure how else to describe it) also will change sometimes on a restart. I sign in the same way every time as far as I can tell. I had asked support along time ago what the difference was their answer was the way I signed in, so I am still wondering what the difference is, everything seems to work fine no matter which one shows .

Thanks

Scott

Hello,

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/131733/

In my case for the VPN I'm currently using, it will show a new number when I disconnect then reconnect, in this case it's connecting to a new ip address.

Another member asked essentially the same question, he posted supports answer there.

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/comment/349878#Comment_349878

Jenni65

Thank you Scott, I did change VPN to Wireguard, and on a restart VPN 2 showed which was the same as when my setting was Automatic. I now have a better understanding of the VPN 1 and 2. Changed back to automatic setting, did a restart VPN 2 showed again.

Scott

Good for you, I'm glad you checked on it from your end, essentially its BD's VPN doing its job. It was a good question asked :)