What is happening during this upgrade?
A reliable VPN service depends on more than new features and server locations. Regular updates to the software running on our standard VPN servers are just as important for keeping the network running smoothly as it grows.
Over the coming months, we’ll carry out major maintenance across our VPN server infrastructure. We’ll update each server with a newer operating system and an updated Linux kernel, which will help us maintain and optimize the network more efficiently.
As part of the rollout, we’ll:
- Upgrade our servers to a newer Linux distribution with the latest security improvements.
- Deploy newer Linux kernels.
- Optimize the software stack to improve server efficiency and network performance.
- Assign different IP addresses to upgraded servers.
This update to the software powering our VPN servers won’t introduce any new features or change how NordVPN works. Running a newer operating system and Linux kernels gives our engineers a more flexible environment to maintain, automate, and improve the network over time. It also brings the latest platform-level security improvements while making future updates easier and more efficient.
What to expect during maintenance
The rollout will take place gradually from July through the end of the year. Rather than performing one global maintenance event, we’ll update VPN servers individually. Each server will have its own maintenance window, and its IP address will change after the upgrade.
For most users, the rollout will have little impact. However, your experience will depend on how you connect to NordVPN:
- If you use the NordVPN app, you don’t need to do anything. The app will automatically reconnect you if your current server goes offline during maintenance. You may notice a brief interruption while that happens.
- If you use a manual VPN connection, you’ll need to reconfigure your connection after your server completes maintenance. As part of the upgrade, every VPN server’s IP address will change. Once that happens, your existing configuration files will no longer connect to that server. After your server is upgraded, you’ll need to download the updated configuration files and replace the old ones. The new files will appear in your Nord Account’s manual setup section as soon as the server is back online, marked with a “Verified” badge so you can easily identify them.
What this means for you
Most of these changes happen on our side, but over time you’ll notice the benefits, too. Below are some of the improvements you can expect.
More consistent VPN performance
The upgraded server software helps us deliver a more stable VPN connection, especially during busier periods. You should notice fewer slowdowns during peak hours and steadier connections across server locations.
More capacity across the network
The updated software allows our servers to handle more traffic than before without sacrificing performance. That extra capacity helps us keep the network stable as it grows.
Simpler maintenance with fewer disruptions
Every server requires a brief reboot during the upgrade process. Performing this maintenance now helps us reduce future disruptions and maintain steady performance over time.
A more up-to-date security foundation
Running a newer Linux distribution and updated kernels helps us keep our VPN infrastructure current with the latest platform improvements and security updates. It also makes future maintenance faster and more efficient.
Why we’re sharing these updates
The software behind a VPN server probably isn’t something you think about every day — and it doesn’t have to be. Still, we believe you should know when planned maintenance could affect your connection, even if only for a few seconds. By sharing these updates, we want you to understand what’s changing, why we’re making these improvements, and what to expect during the rollout.
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