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Cisco AnyConnect Failed to Load Preferences: How to Fix

4 min. read

Updated onMarch 1, 2024

updated onMarch 1, 2024

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Key notes

Using aVPNclient likeCisco AnyConnectshould allow for unprecedented end-point access for both your employees and you.

The benefits of using a service like this are more than obvious, as you can access the company network remotely from any PC or mobile device.

Nonetheless, even though a rare issue might cast some shade upon the overall functionality, they’re usually simple to sort out.

The one we’re addressing today is theVPNfailedto load preferenceserror. It preventsusersfrom connecting to the VPN.

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How can I fix Cisco AnyConnect if the VPN failed to load preferences?

Reinstall Cisco AnyConnect

The first rather obvious step is to try andreinstall Cisco AnyConnect. Some users suggest that a certain version of AnyConnect won’t work, so you might get it working after acquiring a more recent release.

You won’t start from scratch as the ProgramData configuration and profile files will stay untouched.

If reinstalling Cisco AnyConnect won’t fix theVPN failed to load preferences error, proceed to the following step.

Delete the Cisco folder

Possible corruption in the configuration files can lead to issues like this. As the “VPNfailedto load preferences”errorstates, the client is unable to get the preferences by which the client is configured.

In order to resolve this, you can try and delete all involved preference files from a few locations.

Here are the files you should delete:

Deleting this folder will remove all settings. Some users suggest reinstalling the client afterward, but you can try it out first and then act accordingly if the issue persists.

IfCisco VPN failed to enable the virtual adapter, find out how to fix this problem.

Change the AnyConnect security settings

There seems to be another possible reason for the “VPNfailedto load preferences”error.

Namely, it seems that it plagues onlyuserswho don’t have the necessary access permissions enabled. You can correct this and, hopefully, this will resolve the problem.

Here’s what you need to do:

Remove XML Profile

Finally, if none of the previous solutions proved fruitful in resolving theerrorat hand, we have another thing you can try.

Of course, there’s always an option to contact the support and send them all the necessary logs in order for them to help you.

Just, before doing that, give these steps a try:

Switch to an alternative VPN service

It’s not exactly a solution, but we think it deserves your attention. If you get recurring errors on Cisco AnyConnect, such as theVPN failed to load preferenceserror, look into alternative VPN solutions.

When it comes to enterprises, we can’t think of a better option than Perimeter 81. It has an intuitive cloud management platform that facilitates access between the server and remote clients.

More about Perimeter 81:

Perimeter 81

Conclusion

To sum up, you can fix Cisco AnyConnect if the VPN failed to load preferences by reinstalling the application, deleting its folder, or changing the security settings.

If the problem is still there, go ahead anddownload Cisco AnyConnect on Windows 11again.

However, if you’re interested in a great alternative to Cisco AnyConnect, consider using Perimeter 81.

Cisco AnyConnect Failed to Load Preferences: How to Fix#

How can I fix Cisco AnyConnect if the VPN failed to load preferences?#

Reinstall Cisco AnyConnect#

Delete the Cisco folder#

Change the AnyConnect security settings#

Remove XML Profile#

Switch to an alternative VPN service#

Perimeter 81#

Conclusion#