Have you tried using VPN on your Windows PC/Laptop and met with an error that states that “The L2TP connection attempt failed because the security layer encountered a processing error” while trying to establish a connection with the VPN? Some of the core reasons why this usually happens are when the Microsoft CHAP v2 protocol is disabled or even when the PPP (Point to Point Protocol) settings are not configured thoroughly. However, the positive news is this issue can be resolved easily for Windows 10 users as well as Windows 11 users. In this article, we’ll break down “How to fix “The L2TP connection attempt failed because the security layer encountered a processing error” on Windows 10 and 11.
Fix The L2TP connection attempt failed because the security layer encountered a processing error
The L2TP stands for Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol is a tunneling process that is often used in supporting virtual private networks and Internet Service Provider (ISP) service delivery which encrypts and offers zero contact with strong encryption to keep the data private. When a user tries to establish a connection to an available VPN server, it pops out a prompt saying ‘VPN error 789’ which occurs due to some problem in the security layer. When a user tries to launch a fresh client session while using Windows 2000 terminal service, it fails to create a connection with the L2TP for the processing error occurring in the security layer. The core reason for this could be the issue with VPN or with your PC as well. In addition to that, this happens due to incorrect operating system settings used for L2TP VPN which ends up before even establishing a connection. However, if you’re looking for a solution to fix this problem, we’ve shortlisted 5 working solutions to fix “The L2TP connection attempt failed because the security layer encountered a processing error”.
1. Uninstalling the latest Windows security updates
If you’re facing this issue while running a VPN then it means that the latest Windows security updates which are installed on your PC/Laptop are obstructing running the VPN successfully. To fix this, try uninstalling the recent security update which you’ve installed in your system. If you aren’t aware of how to do so, then follow the steps mentioned below Step 1: Launch Windows settings by hitting Win+I on your keyboard. Step 2: Look out for Windows Update and choose Update history. Step 3: In the Update history, Check out whether the latest security patch is installed or not in your system. Step 4: After doing so, you’ll be aware of which specific update needs to be uninstalled. Now hit on the Uninstall updates. Step 5: As soon as clicking on that option, it will land you on the Control Panel Window. Now, search for the update which should be uninstalled, and hit on the Uninstall button. Step 6: Afterwards, Follow the on-screen instruction to uninstall that update and then restart your PC. Step 7: After booting up, Try to install/uninstall the app again. After completing this fix, try running the VPN again and check if it’s working for you or not. If still, the problem persists for you, don’t worry we’ve more fix forward onboard for you folks.
2. Turn on Microsoft CHAP Version 2
Another issue might be that the Microsoft CHAP Version 2 (MS-CHAP v2) is not enabled on your PC/Laptop which is blocking the VPN from running properly. It’s very necessary to enable the Microsoft CHAP Version 2 and to check whether it’s enabled or disabled in your system, check the following method which is mentioned below:- Step 1: Launch the Run dialog box by pressing Win+R on your keyboard or search directly for it. Step 2: After launching the dialog box, write the following command mentioned below and hit OK. ncpa.cpl Step 3: After running the command successfully, it’ll land you on the Network connection window. Afterward, Right-click on the VPN and open properties. Step 4: On the VPN properties window, switch the tab to the Security tab. Step 5: After that, turn on the ‘Allow these protocols’ option. Step 6: Now, tick the Microsoft CHAP Version 2 (MS-CHAP v2) check box to turn it. Step 7: After doing so, hit on OK and you’re all done. After completing the above process, it’s time to reboot your system and reconnect the VPN to check whether it’s working or not.
3. Enable the LCP extensions in PPP settings
If you’re still dealing with the L2TP error in the VPN app itself then it stands to reason that there might be some problem with the LCP extension which is present in the Point to Point Protocol (PPP) settings. This can be the root cause of why you’re facing the L2TP issue on your PC/Laptop. For getting rid of this issue, enable the LCP extension by following the steps mentioned below:- Step 1: Launch the Run Dialog box by pressing the Windows+R button on the keyboard and run the following command mentioned below And hit OK. ncpa.cpl Step 2: It’ll redirect you to the Network connection tab. Afterward, right-click on the VPN connection and navigate to the properties. Step 3: On the properties window, move towards the Options tab. Step 4: Hit on the PPP settings button and check whether the Enable LCP extension option is unticked or ticked. If it’s unticked, tick that check box to run the LCP extension. Step 5: After doing so, it’s the moment to save the overall changes by clicking the OK option. Now, perform a reboot on your PC/Laptop and run the VPN to check if it’s properly working or not.
4. Restart the IPSec Services
The other issues due to which you’re encountering the L2TP connection issue can be some kind of glitch or bug on the IPSec services which interrupts you while using VPN. In that scenario, consider restarting the IPSec services on the PC and if you’re unaware of how to do that, following the steps below will help to do so:- Step 1: Launch the Run Dialog box by pressing the Windows+R button on the keyboard and run the following command mentioned below and hit OK or search manually for it. services.msc Step 2: It’ll redirect to the Services Manager Window. Afterward, find the IKE and AuthIP IPSec Keying Modules in that column and perform a double click to open it. Step 3: In the IKE and AuthIP IPSec Keying Modules Properties window, ensure that the startup type is turned on to Automatic. Step 4: After doing so, click on the Stop button to stop the ongoing service, and afterward, hit on the Start option to restart it. Step 5: Now, hit on OK. Step 6: In the Services Manager window, run the IPSec Policy Agent service and repeat the same procedure mentioned above with every service which is available in it. After completing this troublesome and long method, it’s time to re-launch the VPN app and it should be completely working.
5. Reinstall the Network Adapters
If all the above-mentioned methods don’t work till now, then there are some troubleshooting issues with the network adapters which is creating an impact on the overall connection. In that case, re-installing the network adapters will fix the bugs you’re facing. For re-installing the network adapters, follow the steps mentioned steps:- Step 1: Launch the Run Dialog box by pressing the Windows+R button on the keyboard and run the following command mentioned below and hit OK else search manually for this option. devmgmt.msc Step 2: On the Device Manager window, hit on the Network Adapters to expand the list that it contains. Step 3: From the list of Network adapters, right-click on the VPN adapters and right-click on them, and choose to uninstall the device. Step 4: Afterwards, choose the Uninstall button in the dialog box and confirm to uninstall it from your PC/Laptop. Step 5: If there’s more than one VPN available in the network list, repeat the following steps for every VPN adapter available. As soon as the whole process is completed, restart your desktop and run the VPN again and it’ll be working successfully for you.
How do I fix my VPN on Windows 10?
There are six methods available to fix the VPN problems on Windows 10 which are mentioned below
Check your Internet Connection if it’s delivering prior speed.Check if the VPN Login credentials are accurate Try using a different VPN serverRe-installing VPN softwareBy Disabling IPv6 Protocol By temporarily disabling firewall to troubleshoot VPN not connecting problem in Windows 10
How to FIX Can’t connect to VPN. L2TP connection between your computer and the VPN server could not be established on Windows 10.
There are three possible ways to fix the VPN and L2TP connection problems between your computer and VPN server in Windows 10:-
Make sure that the required L2TP/IPSec Ports are enabled on VPN Server’s sideBy connecting the VPN via another network or another device.Delete and recreate the VPN Connection.
How do I fix L2TP VPN connection issues on Windows 10?
The L2TP VPN connection issues can be fixed on Windows 10 by following this method:-
Hit Right click on the Start button and navigate to Network Connections.Click on the VPN which is appearing on the left side.Choose your L2TP VPN connection and hit on the Advanced options.Hit on Edit and retype your username and passwordNow, Hit on Save and you’re all sorted.
How do you fix the L2TP connection attempt that failed because the security layer encountered a processing error during initial negotiations with the remote computer?
This problem can easily be fixed by enabling the LCP extension and that method is already mentioned above.
Bottom Line
That being said, there are five working methods on “How to fix The L2TP connection attempt failed because the security layer encountered a processing error” whether you’re running on Windows 10 or 11 enabled Operating system. We hope that all the fixes that we’ve collected for you should solve your problems related to the VPN. Mostly, such issues occur due to Microsoft CHAP not being enabled or when the LCP extension is not enabled which creates a lot of problems while establishing the connection with the L2TP. If both of these fixes don’t work for you then restarting the IPSec and re-installing the VPN network will fix the VPN problems of software-related issues. If you found this article helpful then do let us know in the comment section below with your valuable feedback.
