Last updated:

Note: This error applies to version 12 and below of the ExpressVPN app for Windows. The steps to check which version of the ExpressVPN Windows app you are using vary by app version. Either:

  • Click Help, scroll to App details and check next to App version, or
  • Click  Help Support About ExpressVPN.

Follow these troubleshooting steps if you:

  • Cannot start the ExpressVPN app, or
  • See any of the following error messages:
    • “Engine Unavailable”
    • “Service Unreachable”
    • “Unable to Start Service”

Preliminary check

Follow these steps to try resolving the issue:

  1. Download the latest version of the ExpressVPN Windows app.
  2. Quit and relaunch the app.
  3. Install any pending Windows updates.

If the issue persists, follow these steps specific to your Windows device:

  1. Press Start or Windows key + X to open a dialog box.
  2. Look for Command Prompt (Admin).
  3. If you are using Version 10 of the ExpressVPN Windows app, enter the following: net start ExpressVpnservice
    If you are using Version 12 of the ExpressVPN Windows app, enter the following commands one at a time until you see the message in the next step:
    net start "ExpressVPN System Service"
    net start "ExpressVPN VPN Service"
    net start "ExpressVPN App Service"
  4. You should see “The ExpressVPN Service service is starting” and “The ExpressVPN Service service was started successfully.”
  5. Exit the command prompt, then relaunch the ExpressVPN app.
  6. If the issue persists, restart your computer or reinstall the ExpressVPN app.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

You may not be able to start ExpressVPN if you have not enabled Wireless LAN Service on your device. To enable Wireless Lan Service:

  1. Quit the ExpressVPN app.
  2. Open Server Manager.
  3. Select Features > Add Feature.
  4. Select Wireless LAN Service.
  5. Click Install > Close > Done.
  6. Launch the ExpressVPN app.
  7. If the issue persists, restart your computer or reinstall the ExpressVPN app.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Was this article helpful?

We're sorry to hear that. Let us know how we can improve.

A member of our Support Team will follow up on your issue.