How to Fix NordVPN Split Tunneling Not Working: Routing Troubleshooting Guide

Split Tunneling is one of the most useful features of a modern VPN. It allows you to select which applications route their traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel (like torrent clients and web browsers) and which applications bypass the VPN to use your raw, high-speed ISP connection (like local games and banking apps). However, it is incredibly frustrating when NordVPN's split tunneling fails, routing everything through the VPN or leaking traffic. Here is my network technician guide to resolving split tunneling errors, which builds upon our guide on how to fix VPN slowdowns.

Why Split Tunneling Fails: The Driver Conflict

When you enable Split Tunneling, NordVPN uses a specialized virtual network driver called **NDIS (Network Driver Interface Specification)** or a **TAP adapter** to split the packets at the operating system kernel layer.

Split tunneling failures are almost always caused by one of three issues:

• 1. Virtual Driver Corruption: The NordVPN network driver became corrupted during an operating system update.
• 2. Third-Party Antivirus Blocks: Your local security software blocks the driver from intercepting and splitting application packets.
• 3. Dynamic DNS Cache Conflicts: The excluded application keeps using the VPN's secure DNS resolver instead of your local ISP's DNS, preventing it from accessing local network devices.

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide to Fix Split Tunneling

Follow my network troubleshooting steps to restore proper application split routing:

Step 1: Reinstall the NordVPN Virtual Network Drivers

The most common fix is to clean out old, corrupted TAP drivers and reinstall fresh ones:

• Go to **Device Manager** on your Windows PC.
• Expand the **Network Adapters** section.
• Locate **NordVPN TUN** or **TAP-NordVPN Windows Adapter**.
• Right-click and select **Uninstall Device** (check the box to delete driver software).
• Open the NordVPN app, go to **Settings > Connection**, and switch protocols to trigger a clean driver reinstall automatically.

Step 2: Change Your VPN Protocol to NordLynx

Split tunneling behaves differently depending on the protocol. BULKY protocols like OpenVPN are prone to routing table leaks. Switching your protocol to **NordLynx (WireGuard)** uses Windows' modern, built-in routing tables, stabilizing split tunneling exclusions immediately.

Step 3: Clear and Flush Your DNS Cache

If your excluded app is still failing to resolve local web pages or devices, your DNS cache is likely holding old routing paths. Clear it immediately:

• Open **Command Prompt** as Administrator.
• Type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter.
• Type netsh winsock reset and hit Enter.
• Restart your computer.

Step 4: Exclude NordVPN from Third-Party Security Software

If you run a local antivirus (like Bitdefender or Kaspersky), their active firewalls will block NordVPN's drivers from splitting packet flows. Go to your antivirus settings and add the NordVPN installation folder as a **trusted exclusion**.

Conclusion

Split tunneling issues are usually not a sign of software failure, but rather driver or routing table conflicts. By reinstalling the TAP/TUN adapters, switching your protocol to the modern **NordLynx framework**, flushing your DNS cache, and whitelisting the application in your firewall, you can restore perfect split routing and enjoy maximum performance on all your devices.