AWS VPN Client does not work since Version 5.x (5.2.2)

Question

Dear Community,

since upgrading to Version 5.x (Windows, 23H2) I cannot connect to the VPN anymore.
Everything works fine with 4.x

For now, the solution is a downgrade to 4.x but I would like to know if you have similar issues.

2025-06-03 06:46:11.222 +02:00 [ERR][TI=1][VPN] Process died signal sent
ACVC.Core.OpenVpn.OvpnProcessFailedToStartException: Unknown error caused OpenVPN process to not start: -1
   bei ACVC.Core.OpenVpn.OvpnWpfProcessManager.d__25.MoveNext()
--- Ende der Stapelüberwachung vom vorhergehenden Ort, an dem die Ausnahme ausgelöst wurde ---
   bei System.Runtime.ExceptionServices.ExceptionDispatchInfo.Throw()
   bei System.Runtime.CompilerServices.TaskAwaiter.HandleNonSuccessAndDebuggerNotification(Task task)
   bei System.Runtime.CompilerServices.TaskAwaiter`1.GetResult()
   bei ACVC.Core.OpenVpn.OvpnConnectionManager.d__104.MoveNext()
--- Ende der Stapelüberwachung vom vorhergehenden Ort, an dem die Ausnahme ausgelöst wurde ---
   bei System.Runtime.ExceptionServices.ExceptionDispatchInfo.Throw()
   bei System.Runtime.CompilerServices.TaskAwaiter.HandleNonSuccessAndDebuggerNotification(Task task)
   bei System.Runtime.CompilerServices.TaskAwaiter`1.GetResult()
   bei ACVC.Core.OpenVpn.OvpnConnectionManager.d__103.MoveNext()

re:Post Agent · Answer

The issue you're experiencing with AWS VPN Client version 5.x on Windows 23H2 is a known problem. The error message "Unknown error caused OpenVPN process to not start: -1" indicates that the OpenVPN process is failing to start properly.

This appears to be related to compatibility issues between newer versions of the AWS VPN Client (5.x) and Windows updates. Many users have reported similar problems, particularly after Windows updates. The error occurs because the OpenVPN process that the AWS VPN Client relies on cannot initialize correctly.

Your current solution of downgrading to version 4.x is actually the recommended approach until AWS releases a fix for version 5.x. Version 4.1.0 specifically has been noted to work better with recent Windows builds.

Some additional troubleshooting steps you could try if you want to use version 5.x:

1. Run the AWS VPN Client as administrator
2. Check that the AWS VPN Client service is running and set to Automatic startup
3. Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or security software
4. Verify that there are no conflicting VPN software applications installed
5. Check Windows Event Viewer for additional error details

However, until AWS addresses the compatibility issues with version 5.x, continuing to use version 4.x appears to be the most reliable solution.  
**Sources**  
[AWS VPN Error - OpenVPN Process Failed to Start | AWS re:Post](https://repost.aws/questions/QUpAayqMwRTTKorZnXXVM9ig/aws-vpn-error-openvpn-process-failed-to-start)

AWS VPN Client does not work since Version 5.x (5.2.2)

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