Surfshark Can't Change Kill Switch or Auto-connect Settings on Windows
Workaround available Windows Updated October 21, 2026
Quick answer
When Kill Switch, Auto-connect or LAN toggles won't change in the Windows app, restart the app and Windows, then use Settings > Help > Diagnostics > Restore original settings. Reinstall if that fails.
Most likely fix: Restart the app and Windows.
Symptoms
Toggles for Kill Switch, Auto-connect or local network access don't respond or reset themselves in the Windows app.
Why it happens
- Surfshark background service stuck
- Corrupted app settings
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Restart the app and Windows
- Quit Surfshark from the system tray
- Restart Windows and try the setting again
2. Restore original settings
- Open Surfshark and go to Settings > Help > Diagnostics
- Click Restore original settings
- Set your preferences again
3. Reinstall Surfshark
- Uninstall Surfshark from Windows Settings > Apps
- Download the latest installer from surfshark.com and install it
This guide also covers
- surfshark kill switch not working
- surfshark can't turn off kill switch
- surfshark auto-connect not working windows
Still not working?
If Surfshark keeps failing, you're not alone. See every Surfshark problem users report or the alternatives people switch to.
Other Surfshark errors
- Surfshark Not Connecting
- Surfshark Not Working With Netflix
- Netflix NW-2-5 Error or Endless Loading With Surfshark
- Why Is Surfshark So Slow?
- Surfshark Keeps Disconnecting
- Surfshark Connected but No Internet
- Surfshark Getting CAPTCHAs and Blocked Websites
- How to Cancel Surfshark and Get a Refund
- Surfshark Charged Me Full Price at Renewal