Open the Windows Start menu, type , and click it. Click Change settings (requires administrator privileges).
When the SoftEther VPN Client attempts to connect to a VPN Server and fails, it generates a specific error code to diagnose the breakdown. Error Code 1 is officially defined by the software as:
How to Fix SoftEther VPN Client Error Code 1 (Free & Fast Guide)
: ISP-level filtering or "Double NAT" (having two routers in a row) can prevent inbound connections from reaching the server. Service Inactivity softether vpn client error code 1 free
Security software is a common and easily fixed source of the problem. Temporarily disable your Windows Firewall and any third-party antivirus or personal firewall programs you have running. If this resolves the error, you have identified the cause. Don't leave your firewall disabled; instead, add the SoftEther VPN executables ( vpnclient.exe , vpncmd.exe , etc.) to your firewall's and antivirus's exception or whitelist to prevent future conflicts.
In SoftEther, Error Code 1 is a generic wrapper error. It usually means:
Firewalls on either the client side or the server side can silently drop SoftEther VPN traffic. Many users have reported that temporarily disabling Windows Firewall allowed connections to work, after which they could re-enable it and add proper exceptions. However, this is not always the full story—some users turned off their firewalls and still received Error Code 1, indicating other issues at play. Open the Windows Start menu, type , and click it
This error typically implies that the client cannot establish a connection with the server because "nobody is listening" at the specified address and port. Whether you are using a free public VPN Gate server or connecting to a private SoftEther server, this article will guide you through diagnosing and fixing this error. What is SoftEther VPN Client Error Code 1?
Sometimes, your operating system remembers an outdated IP address for a specific VPN hostname. Clearing this cache forces your computer to look up the fresh, correct IP address. Press the , type cmd , and press Enter. In the command prompt window, type: ipconfig /flushdns
Many users have discovered they are behind a "Carrier-Grade NAT" (CGNAT), meaning their router does not have a unique public IPv4 address. This is especially common with mobile data providers and some home ISPs. This prevents any inbound connections from reaching your network. You can test this by logging into your router and checking its "WAN IP Address." If the IP shown there is different from what you get when you search "What is my IP" on Google, you are behind CGNAT. The primary free solution is to contact your ISP and request a public IPv4 address. If they cannot provide one for free, you may need to look into other options like IPv6, though its support is not yet universal. Error Code 1 is officially defined by the
Think of it like dialing a phone number and getting no answer. Your client is trying to call the server, but the server isn't picking up.
: Being behind two routers/modems can kill the connection unless one is set to bridge mode. ISP Restrictions
Error code 1 in the SoftEther VPN client can be frustrating, but with the right guidance, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue. By understanding the causes of error code 1 and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can connect to your VPN server securely and freely. Additionally, the free solutions provided can help you diagnose and resolve the issue without incurring additional costs. If you continue to experience issues, consider seeking assistance from the SoftEther VPN client community or a qualified network administrator.
Execute the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset ipconfig /flushdns Use code with caution.