the 20 msp blog remote work issues

How to Troubleshoot Common Remote Work Issues: Fixing Slow Internet, VPN Drops & More)

Your internet just died, your VPN keeps disconnecting, OneDrive won’t sync all your files – and your deadline is in an hour. Now what?

In moments like these, a little troubleshooting know-how can save the day. That’s why we’re breaking down common remote issues and simple fixes anyone can try. If you’re facing a remote work emergency, start here.

Curing Connectivity Problems

You can’t work remotely without the internet – a fact as undeniable as the sky being blue. No connection means no team communication, no file sharing, and no access to critical servers. So when your internet goes down, here are a few things you can try to get it back online.

Check for Outages

First, check for a local outage. You can check directly with your internet service provider (ISP) or visit an outage map like this one. If there’s an outage, unfortunately, you’re out of luck until service is restored – unless you set up a Wi-Fi hotspot (more on that shortly).

Test Your Speeds

If your internet is running, but slower than usual, your next step is to check your internet speed. You can run a speed test by Google searching “internet speed test” and running the test. There are also dozens of websites that provide fast and free speed tests.

If your speeds are lower than usual, contact your ISP to see if there’s an issue on their end. But if your speeds look normal and your connection still feels slow, you might be dealing with a hardware problem. In that case…

Restart Your Router

The simplest fix is often the best one – turning it off and on again. IT pros recommend restarting your router regularly because over time, it can get bogged down with old connections and processes. A quick reboot can often restore performance.

To restart your router:

  1. Locate your router and power it off or unplug it.
  2. Wait at least 60 seconds and plug it back in.
  3. Give your router time to reboot and then test your internet connection.

Forget and Reconnect

If you’re using Wi-Fi and still having issues, forgetting and reconnecting to your network can help as this can clear out any misconfigurations that might be causing problems, much like restarting your router.

  1. Open your device’s Wi-Fi settings.
  2. Select your network and choose Forget Network.
  3. Reconnect by entering your Wi-Fi password.

Update Your Router

We’ve talked up the importance of software updates, and it’s no different with your router. An outdated router can lead to stability issues, security vulnerabilities, and poor performance. Regular updates help patch security risks and improve connectivity – all for free!

To check for updates, visit your router manufacturer’s website or access your router’s settings page. Here’s how to access your router’s settings:

Step 1: Find Your Router’s IP Address

  1. Open your computer’s command prompt by pressing the Start button and typing the letters ‘cmd’ or Command Prompt.
  2. Type ipconfig and press Enter.
  3. Look for the Default Gateway – this is your router’s IP address.
  4. Alternatively, you can use a website
  5. Alternatively, you can use a website like What is my IP address to find it.

Step 2: Access Your Router Settings

  1. Open a browser.
  2. Enter your IP address in the URL bar and press Enter.
  3. Log in with your router’s admin credentials (check your router’s manual or the label on the device if you’re unsure).
  4. Locate the Firmware Update or Router Update section (This may vary on your router model)
  5. Download and install any available updates.

Taking a few minutes to update your router now can save you from some serious headaches later.

Set Up a Mobile Hotspot

If your internet is down and you can’t wait for it to come back, a mobile hotspot can be a quick workaround. Keep in mind that speeds may be slower, and data limits on your mobile plan could affect this option.

Setting up a hotspot will vary between devices, but here’s the gist:

  1. Open your smartphone’s Settings.
  2. Locate Mobile Hotspot or Personal Hotspot options.
  3. Enable the hotspot and set a secure password.
  4. Connect your device to the hotspot network.

While this isn’t a perfect replacement for your home internet, it can get you online in a pinch.

There are plenty more ways to troubleshoot a problematic internet, and luckily, we’ve got a full post on the topic. Check it out here!

Fixing a Wonky VPN

VPNs are great – they provide a secure way to establish remote connections directly to your workplace. But sometimes, they don’t work quite the way you’d like. And when you’re remote and relying on a VPN connection, that’s never good. Here are some tips to troubleshoot a problematic VPN.

Switch VPN Servers

Your VPN speed depends on the server you’re connected to. Typically, choosing a server that is geographically closer to you (Like US Central, for example) means a faster connection. However, servers can sometimes experience issues, and switching to a different one can be a quick fix.

  1. Open your VPN app and navigate to the server selection list.
  2. Choose a different location to connect to.
  3. That’s it!

Just remember to check back later and reconnect to your original server once it’s fixed.

Update VPN Software

You probably saw this one coming – software updates really are that important. Here’s how you update your VPN:

  1. Open your VPN app and go to Settings.
  2. Look for an Updates or Check for Updates section.
  3. If an update is available, install it.
  4. Once the update is complete, restart your VPN to apply the changes.

Important: Before updating, check with your IT provider. VPN updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues with your company’s network configuration. When in doubt, always reach out!

Remote Desktop Issues

Remote Desktop can sometimes feel like magic – connecting straight to your office computer right from your living room. But that magic can fizzle when freezes and slowdowns start messing with your workday. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Lower Display Settings

A remote desktop connection eats up bandwidth – the maximum speed your internet can transfer data. Higher display settings require more bandwidth, and sometimes that pushes your network past its limits. If your connection is struggling, reducing your display settings can keep things running smoothly.

Beyond that, close any programs that may be hogging bandwidth (like browsers, video streaming, or large downloads) before trying these steps:

  1. Open your Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) program.
  2. Click Show Options.
  3. Select the Experience tab.
  4. Choose Low-speed broadband from the drop-down menu.
  5. Click Connect.

Check Your Firewall

Your firewall is meant to keep threats out – but sometimes, it backfires by mistaking your remote desktop connection for a threat, leading to connection issues. This is especially common on public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, airports, and coffee shops.

To check if Windows Defender Firewall is blocking Remote Desktop:

  1. Hit the Windows button and type Control Panel.
  2. Open Control Panel, then click System and Security.
  3. Select Windows Defender Firewall.
  4. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
  5. Select the Remote Desktop in the list and make sure it’s checked.
  6. Click OK.

If your firewall was blocking your connection, this should resolve the issue. Just be mindful when using Remote Desktop on public Wi Fi and consider using a VPN for extra security.

Cloud App Sync Issues

The cloud is everywhere – OneDrive, DropBox, Google Drive, and countless other storage solutions make remote work easier than ever. But when files refuse to sync, it can bring your workflow to a halt. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Restart the App

Like with your modem, restarting an application can work wonders. Simply close the app and rejoin it. If the app is frozen, you might need to force-close it:

  1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
  2. Find the cloud app in the list.
  3. Right-click and select End Task.
  4. Restart the app.

(Want a neat shortcut for force-closing apps? Check out this post on Windows 11.)

Reduce file sizes

Larger files take longer to sync – it’s a simple fact. If a specific file is struggling to upload, try the following:

Compress large files using tools like ZIP compression or convert to cloud-friendly formats. For example, saving a document as a PDF instead of a Word file can significantly reduce its size, making uploads faster.

Split large files into chunks before uploading, especially for videos or large datasets.

Check file format restrictions – some cloud services have specific limitations on file types or maximum sizes. If you’re running into sync issues, checking your cloud provider’s guidelines can help clarify any issues.

Still Having Trouble?

This guide should help you with basic troubleshooting, but if you’re still running into issues, it might be time to call in the pros. Instead of spending your whole day tinkering with your network, having a dedicated IT partner, like us, means you have someone to call when things go wrong.

If you’re looking for an expert partner who can iron out your remote work kinks, give us a call. We’d be happy to help!

About The 20 MSP

As a leading provider of managed IT services, The 20 MSP serves thousands of businesses nationwide, including single and multi-location organizations, delivering white-glove service, secure and streamlined IT infrastructure, and 24/7/365 support. We believe in building lasting relationships with clients founded on trust, communication, and the delivery of high-value services for a fair and predictable price. Our client’s success is our success, and we are committed to helping each and every organization we serve leverage technology to secure a competitive advantage and achieve new growth. To learn more, visit the20msp.com.