Why is my VPN always on without me turning it on?

What browser are you using? You might want to see if the VPN issue persists across different browsers. If it’s consistent, that could help narrow down the problem.

If you're on Windows, you can go into your network settings and turn off the VPN. Look for your network connection under preferences to check if your DNS settings are the default ones. If everything looks normal, it might be an HTTPS proxy issue in your browser. You could try a different browser like Librewolf to check if that solves the problem.

Have you installed anything new recently? Normally, VPNs aren't activated automatically unless you do something to enable them. First off, try disabling the VPN in your network settings. Also, check for any installation programs in your control panel, and ensure your DNS settings are correct by checking your IP and flushing it through the command prompt.

It’s also possible that what you’re seeing is normal for your home network. Your router typically has a private IP address pattern like 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.x, which is common. Sometimes, ISPs use NAT, meaning multiple customers share the same public IP. This could affect your access to certain sites and cause confusion.

Do you have any antivirus software installed, aside from the built-in Windows one? Some antivirus programs, like Avast, include a built-in VPN feature that can turn on automatically, which can be confusing. If you have McAfee, it might be worth considering if that’s the cause.