How to Fix the Unexpected Error in ExpressVPN on Windows

ExpressVPN is among the most reliable VPN services available, known for its performance, privacy, and ease of use. However, some Windows users occasionally run into a frustrating issue: the “Unexpected Error” message that appears during app startup. This error often stops the app from launching properly and prevents you from connecting to the VPN.

If you’ve encountered this issue, don’t worry. This article will help you to know the common causes behind it and walk you through the most effective solutions step by step.

What Is the ExpressVPN “Unexpected Error” on Windows?

This error usually shows up as:

“Unexpected Error. Please Relaunch ExpressVPN.”

It commonly occurs:

• Right after launching the app
• After a Windows update
• Following antivirus or firewall changes
• If the app installation is corrupted or outdated

Main Reasons Behind the Error

Several system-related issues can trigger this error:

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Run ExpressVPN as Administrator

This simple step fixes permission-related issues.

How to do it:

• Right-click the ExpressVPN shortcut on the desktop.
• Click “Run as administrator.”
• If it works, make it permanent:
  • Right-click the shortcut → Properties → Compatibility tab
  • Check “Run this program as an administrator”
  • Click OK

2. Uninstall and Reinstall ExpressVPN

A clean installation can often solve deeper software corruption issues.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
2. Find ExpressVPN, click Uninstall
3. If removal fails, use the Microsoft Uninstall Troubleshooter
4. Restart your PC
5. Download the latest version from the official site
6. Right-click the installer → Run as Administrator
7. Complete installation and activate with your credentials

3. Update Windows

ExpressVPN may not function properly on an outdated system.

Windows 11 / 10:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update / Update & Security
• Click “Check for updates”
• Install all pending updates
• Restart your PC and try launching ExpressVPN

4. Restart WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) Service

WMI is essential for VPN apps to function properly.

Option A: Via Services

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter
• Find “Windows Management Instrumentation”
• Right-click → Restart

Option B: Using Batch File

Create a script to reset WMI:

1. Open Notepad
2. Paste:
   @echo off
sc config winmgmt start= disabled
net stop winmgmt /y
%systemdrive%
cd %windir%\system32\wbem
for /f %%s in ('dir /b *.dll') do regsvr32 /s %%s
wmiprvse /regserver
winmgmt /regserver
sc config winmgmt start= auto
net start winmgmt
for /f %%s in ('dir /s /b *.mof *.mfl') do mofcomp %%s

3. Save as WMI_Fix.bat
4. Right-click → Run as Administrator
5. Restart your PC after completion

5. Reset Windows Network Stack

Resolves broken networking that may block VPN connections.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin) or Terminal (Admin)
2. Run these commands one by one:
   netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log
netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log

3. Restart your computer

6. Re-enable or Update TAP Drivers

TAP drivers are used for creating a virtual VPN interface.

Enable/Re-enable the Adapter:

• Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, press Enter
• Right-click the TAP-Windows Adapter V9 → Disable, wait, then Enable

Update via Device Manager:

• Press Win + X → Device Manager
• Expand Network Adapters
• Find TAP-Windows Adapter
• Right-click → Update driver

7. Disable Antivirus/Firewall (Temporarily)

Sometimes security software falsely blocks VPN activity.

To test:

• Temporarily disable Windows Firewall or antivirus software
• Try opening ExpressVPN
• If it works, add ExpressVPN to the exclusion/exception list
• Important: Re-enable protection immediately after testing

8. Try in Safe Mode with Networking

Helpful to rule out third-party software conflicts.

How to boot into Safe Mode:

1. Hold Shift and click Restart
2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings
3. Press F5 for Safe Mode with Networking
4. Try running ExpressVPN

If it works, the issue is likely with another background program.

9. Clear ExpressVPN App Data

Removing old cached settings can resolve misconfigurations.

Steps:

• Press Win + R, type %appdata%, press Enter
• Find and delete the ExpressVPN folder
• Also check %localappdata% and do the same
• Restart the app and log in again

10. Use the Latest Version of ExpressVPN

Using outdated versions can cause crashes and incompatibility.

• Uninstall the current version
• Visit the official download page
• Download and install the latest version
• Run as administrator

11. Review Windows Event Logs (Advanced)

Check for specific error messages in the Event Viewer:

1. Press Win + X → Event Viewer
2. Go to Windows Logs > Application
3. Look for logs from ExpressVPN, RasClient, or Network-related services
4. Double-click entries for more details (helpful for support)

When to Contact ExpressVPN Support

If none of the steps above work, ExpressVPN offers excellent support:

• 24/7 Live Chat (available on their website)
• Email Support (response within 10–30 minutes)
• Help Center with guides and video tutorials

When contacting them, mention:

• Your Windows version
• What fixes you’ve tried
• Any error codes from the Event Viewer
• Your antivirus/firewall brand

Conclusion

• Always restart your PC after trying major fixes
• Test ExpressVPN after each solution
• Note which solution resolved your issue for future use

Most users have success with:

• Running ExpressVPN as Administrator
• Reinstalling the app
• Restarting the WMI service

These steps are completely safe, require no advanced technical skills, and can be reversed if needed. Don’t hesitate to contact support if you get stuck.