OpenVPN DNS Leak: Causes, Symptoms, and Fixes

Focused troubleshooting when OpenVPN encrypts traffic but DNS still hits your ISP. Symptoms IP shows VPN, but DNS leak test lists ISP resolvers. Sites resolve slowly or via captive portal DNS. Different browsers disagree on leak results. Root causes Client set to ignore pushed options; Windows NRPT conflicts; macOS Wi‑Fi DNS sticky settings; Linux NetworkManager DNS priority; browser DoH overriding system DNS. Fixes Reconnect with a clean AstraGuard profile Do not ignore pushed DNS Align or disable browser Secure DNS during tests Flush OS DNS cache Retest on another network Advanced Windows note Group Policy / NRPT can force corporate DNS. On managed PCs, coordinate with IT or use a personal device for privacy-critical sessions. Related OpenVPN leak protection and DNS leak test . Protect yourself with AstraGuard VPN AstraGuard VPN helps keep DNS inside the tunnel with strong encryption, kill switch options, and simple setup on desktop and mobile. Create an account , pick a plan on packages , then verify on privacy tools .