[Windows AWS VPN Client]Can not upgrade and uninstall AWS VPN Client

Greeting

Hi HQ,

I understand you're encountering challenges upgrading or uninstalling the AWS VPN Client on Windows 11. Let’s walk through this step-by-step to resolve the issue! 😊

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Clarifying the Issue

From your description, you're using AWS VPN Client version 3.12.0, and it's not connecting due to an unknown error. An update prompt appears but fails when attempting to download and install, citing the need for the AWS_VPN_Client.msi file. Additionally, uninstalling the older version seems impossible due to the missing installer.

This issue is often linked to the absence of the .msi file needed for repair or uninstallation, possibly removed during a previous update or cleanup.

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Key Terms

• AWS VPN Client: A tool for secure VPN connections to AWS resources.
• .msi file: A Microsoft Installer file critical for managing software installations, repairs, and uninstalls.
• Repair Installation: A process to fix missing or corrupted files required for software updates or removal.

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The Solution (Our Recipe)

Steps at a Glance:

1. Locate or re-download the same version of the AWS VPN Client .msi file (version 3.12.0).
2. Use the .msi file to repair the existing installation.
3. Uninstall the AWS VPN Client via Control Panel.
4. Download and install the latest version of the AWS VPN Client from the AWS website.

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Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Locate or re-download the same version of the AWS VPN Client .msi file:
   • Check if the AWS_VPN_Client.msi file is available in:
     • C:\Windows\Installer\ (hidden by default; enable hidden files in File Explorer to access it).
     • The folder where the AWS VPN Client was initially installed.
   • If the file is missing, download version 3.12.0 from the AWS VPN Client release page. (This page is often not public; you may need to contact AWS Support to request the specific version.)

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2. Use the .msi file to repair the existing installation:
   • Once you locate or download the .msi file, double-click it.
   • Select the "Repair" option to restore any missing components and make the installation functional again.

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3. Uninstall the AWS VPN Client via Control Panel:
   • After repairing, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
   • Locate "AWS VPN Client," right-click it, and select "Uninstall."
   • If this still fails, consider using a tool like Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter.

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4. Download and install the latest version of the AWS VPN Client:
   • Visit the official AWS VPN Client download page to obtain the latest version.
   • Run the installer and follow the instructions to complete the setup.

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Closing Thoughts

This solution should resolve the uninstallation and update issues with the AWS VPN Client. If you face further problems, particularly with the .msi file, contacting AWS Support for assistance is recommended. Tools like the Microsoft Program Troubleshooter are invaluable for resolving persistent installation issues.

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Farewell

Good luck, HQ! Please let me know if you encounter any roadblocks or need additional help—I’m happy to assist further! 🚀😊

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Cheers,

Aaron 😊

Hello there,

Greetings of the day.

I understand you're facing issues upgrading or uninstalling the AWS VPN Client on Windows 11.

This error of update attempts fail, citing the need for the AWS_VPN_Client.msi file, can possibly occur due to require files missing for installation. An “.msi file” is a Microsoft Installer file critical for managing software installations, repairs, and uninstalls. We would suggest you to

1. Locate or re-download the AWS VPN Client .msi file (version 3.12.0). [-] https://d20adtppz83p9s.cloudfront.net/WPF/3.12.1/AWS_VPN_Client.msi [Taken From] https://docs.aws.amazon.com/vpn/latest/clientvpn-user/client-vpn-connect-windows-release-notes.html

2. Use the .msi file to repair the existing installation.

• Once you locate or download the .msi file, double-click it.
• Select the "Repair" option to restore any missing components.

3. Uninstall the AWS VPN Client via Control Panel.

• After repairing, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.

• Locate "AWS VPN Client," right-click it, and select "Uninstall."

• Alternatively you can use below command in PowerShell As Admin:

Get-Package -Name "AWS VPN Client" | Uninstall-Package -Force

4. Download and install the latest version of the AWS VPN Client. To use the AWS provided client for Windows, the following are required:

• Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit operating system, x64 processor)
• .NET Framework 4.7.2 or higher The client reserves TCP port 8096 on your computer. For Client VPN endpoints that use SAML-based federated authentication (single sign-on), the client reserves TCP port 35001.

[Download] https://docs.aws.amazon.com/vpn/latest/clientvpn-user/client-vpn-connect-windows-release-notes.html

If you're still facing any issues, consider reaching out to AWS Support via Support Center.