- Windows 11 to add a VPN indicator to the network icon.
- The feature is under development on build 25247.
- And it only works for the built-in client when using Ethernet, not Wi-Fi.
Windows 11 will soon be able to show you when the computer connects to another network through a VPN (virtual private network) connection with a new badge indicator for the network icon.
Although this is a subtle change, in the past, you could only confirm whether the device was using a VPN connection from the “Quick Settings” flyout or the “VPN” page in the Settings app. This not only added extra steps to determine if you were connected to the remote network but also (sometimes) caused users to forget to disconnect.
Currently, the new VPN indicator for the network icon is visible when using the system’s built-in client. If you use third-party clients, you won’t see the updated icon. Also, the badge is only available for connections made through Ethernet, not Wi-Fi.
The new feature is available starting with Windows 11 build 25247 and higher releases (via @PhantomOfEarth), but it’s currently an option you have to enable manually.
Enable VPN indicator for the Taskbar network icon
To enable the VPN overlay icon in the Taskbar, use these steps:
To enable the hidden VPN indicator feature on Windows 11, you will need to download and decompress the ViveTool command-line tool. Then you have to open the tool with Command Prompt as an administrator and run these commands:
- Enable VPN badge:
vivetool /enable /id:38113452 - Disable VPN badge:
vivetool /disable /id:38113452
After you complete the steps, the next time the device connects to a virtual private network through an Ethernet connection, you will see a new indicator in the network icon.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].