[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "why%20has%20the%20accessibility%20of%20express%20vpn%20for%20windows%20become%20unuseable"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "There\u2019s no public indication that ExpressVPN for Windows has become \u201cunusable\u201d in general \u2014 many users report it still works, but there *are* several issues (bugs, deprecated features, design changes, etc.) that seem to be impacting usability in noticeable ways. Depending on what you mean by \u201cunusable,\u201d one or more of the following may be causing the frustration.\n\n---\n\n## What Is Known to Be Going On\n\n### 1. Legacy App / Security Certificate Retirement\nExpressVPN dropped support for older versions of its Windows app.  \n- As of **March 31, 2026**, *older security certificates* were retired. If you're still using a legacy version of the app, it can no longer connect to the ExpressVPN servers. ([tomsguide.com](https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/vpns/expressvpn-axes-support-for-legacy-apps-updating-is-mandatory-for-continued-access?utm_source=openai))  \n- After that date, \u201clegacy apps will be unable to establish a connection \u2026 without updating, your VPN protection won\u2019t work even though your internet still does.\u201d ([tomsguide.com](https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/vpns/expressvpn-axes-support-for-legacy-apps-updating-is-mandatory-for-continued-access?utm_source=openai))  \n\nSo, if your app is out of date, it might *look* like everything\u2019s fine but essentially be broken under the hood.\n\n---\n\n### 2. Split Tunneling Bugs and Temporary Removal\nA feature called **split tunneling** \u2014 which lets you choose which apps or traffic go through the VPN vs. direct internet \u2014 had serious bugs:\n\n- Versions 12.23.1 to 12.72.0 of the Windows app (roughly May 2022 to February 2024) had a bug that allowed DNS requests to leak outside the VPN when using the \u201cOnly allow selected apps to use the VPN\u201d mode. ([expressvpn.com](https://www.expressvpn.com/support/troubleshooting/split-tunneling-not-available-in-version-12-of-windows-app/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Because of this, split tunneling was temporarily removed in version 12.73.0. It was restored in version 12.74.0 after the issue was fixed. ([expressvpn.com](https://www.expressvpn.com/support/troubleshooting/split-tunneling-not-available-in-version-12-of-windows-app/?utm_source=openai))  \n\nIf you\u2019re using a version affected by those bugs, or one without split tunneling, that might reduce functionality.  \n\n---\n\n### 3. Big Redesign with Version 14\nIn early 2026, ExpressVPN released a major redesign (Version 14) of its Windows app:\n\n- Requires **Windows 10 or later** and supports **x64 systems**; old platforms (Windows 7, 8, and 8.1) are no longer supported in many respects. ([expressvpn.com](https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/release-notes/windows-app/?utm_source=openai))  \n- The UI/TB factors changed. Some users report issues with features being moved or hidden, or settings being less intuitive. ([tomsguide.com](https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/expressvpn-review?utm_source=openai))  \n\nSo if you're on an older Windows version, or expecting the old app\u2019s layout, version 14 might feel frustrating or broken.\n\n---\n\n### 4. Bugs and Connectivity Issues\nA number of specific bugs have been reported, which make the app unreliable or only partially functional for some users:\n\n- An **RDP leak issue**: with some versions (12.97 to 12.101.0.2-beta), Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) traffic could bypass the VPN tunnel and expose the real IP address. This has been fixed in newer versions. ([itpro.com](https://www.itpro.com/security/expressvpn-updates-windows-app-to-fix-vulnerability?utm_source=openai))  \n- Some users report constant loading screens, system tray icons not updating correctly, or the app getting \u201cstuck\u201d or \u201cfrozen.\u201d ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Express_VPN/comments/1t9a2hx/new_windows_app_not_connecting_even_from_non/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### 5. Accessibility Features\nInterestingly, ExpressVPN has been adding accessibility improvements:\n\n- Full keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility are now **enabled by default** in version 14.1.0. ([techradar.com](https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-services/expressvpn-sharpens-its-desktop-apps-with-faster-controls-and-better-accessibility-the-updates-are-now-live-on-mac-windows-and-linux?utm_source=openai))  \n- The app also added a \u201cminimized startup\u201d setting, meaning the app can launch without stealing focus \u2014 helpful for accessibility. ([techradar.com](https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-services/expressvpn-sharpens-its-desktop-apps-with-faster-controls-and-better-accessibility-the-updates-are-now-live-on-mac-windows-and-linux?utm_source=openai))  \n\nSo in terms of accessibility support (narrator, keyboard, etc.), they are making progress \u2014 the issues seem more about stability, version support, and UI design, rather than a total loss of accessibility.\n\n---\n\n## Why It Might Feel \u201cUnusable\u201d to You\n\nIf your ExpressVPN Windows app is feeling broken or unusable, here are likely reasons based on the above:\n\n- You're on a **legacy version** that is no longer supported / whose security certificates have expired, so it can\u2019t connect or function properly.  \n- Using an older or deprecated OS (Windows 7/8/8.1) that isn\u2019t fully supported by the latest version.  \n- You\u2019re running a version with split tunneling / DNS leak bugs.  \n- You updated to version 14 and now some features you used are hidden, relocated, or behave differently than before.  \n- Specific bugs are affecting your device or network environment.  \n- Potential conflicts with antivirus/firewalls or other VPN software on the same system.  \n\n---\n\n## What to Do: Troubleshooting & Fixes\n\nHere are some steps that might restore usability:\n\n1. **Update the app** to the latest version from ExpressVPN\u2019s site \u2014 especially if you're on a legacy version.  \n2. Make sure you're running **Windows 10 or later (x64)** \u2014 required for the newest builds. ([expressvpn.com](https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/release-notes/windows-app/?utm_source=openai))  \n3. If you use split tunneling, check which mode you\u2019re in and whether you\u2019re using a version where bugs were fixed.  \n4. Review ExpressVPN\u2019s Windows release notes for any \u201cknown issues\u201d with your build. ([expressvpn.com](https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/release-notes/windows-app/?utm_source=openai))  \n5. If the app is completely frozen, try uninstalling and reinstalling cleanly. Also rebooting can help. ([realitypathing.com](https://realitypathing.com/why-is-my-expressvpn-not-responding/?utm_source=openai))  \n6. Check for any antivirus/firewall that might be blocking parts of the app.  \n7. Reach out to ExpressVPN support if the problem continues, especially if it seems version-specific or device-specific.\n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can help you with instructions tailored to *your* setup (which Windows version, which ExpressVPN version you\u2019re using, etc.) to try to fix what\u2019s specifically going wrong. Do you want me to pull that together?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "I%20am%20ussing%20the%20Jaws%20screen%20reader%20as%20i%27m%20blind%2C%20and%20now%20I%20am%20unable%20to%20navigate%20express%20vpn%20to%20change%20to%20different%20servers"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I\u2019m sorry to hear you\u2019re having trouble using the ExpressVPN app with JAWS. I found some helpful info and suggestions that might get you up and running again. If you'd like, I can walk you through it step by step with your version of Windows + ExpressVPN.\n\n---\n\n## What\u2019s Changed Recently (Good Things)\n\nExpressVPN has made recent updates meant to improve accessibility, including:\n\n- **Full keyboard navigation** and **better screen reader support** are now part of version 14.1.0 of the Windows app. ([techradar.com](https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-services/expressvpn-sharpens-its-desktop-apps-with-faster-controls-and-better-accessibility-the-updates-are-now-live-on-mac-windows-and-linux?utm_source=openai))  \n- There are also improvements like **spoken VPN status announcements**, clearer focus cues, and better selection behavior. ([expressvpn.com](https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/release-notes/windows-app/?utm_source=openai))  \n\nSo some improvements are in place \u2014 but if something\u2019s still not readable or navigable in your setup, this means it may be a bug or a missed behavior in what you see.\n\n---\n\n## What Might Be Going Wrong with JAWS + ExpressVPN\n\nHere are some reasons why you might not be able to change servers using JAWS:\n\n1. **Version or App Update**  \n   If your ExpressVPN app isn\u2019t up to date (especially if it\u2019s older than version 14.1.0), newer accessibility fixes likely don\u2019t apply. ExpressVPN\u2019s support site says version 14.1.0 (released April-May 2026) includes the major accessibility improvements. ([expressvpn.com](https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/release-notes/windows-app/?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **UI Changes**  \n   The redesign changed where settings are located. For example, \u201cChoose Location\u201d might now be accessed through a \u201cSelected Location\u201d button or tab, or it could be hidden in a sidebar rather than being front-and-center. ([expressvpn.com](https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/app-for-windows/?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **Screen Reader Behavior or Focus Problems**  \n   Sometimes the focus doesn\u2019t move properly, or some controls aren\u2019t labeled in a way JAWS expects.  \n   - Reddit users have reported that the newest redesigned app is \u201ctotally inaccessible\u201d for screen reader users. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Express_VPN/comments/1quttrg/expressvpn_releases_redesigned_windows_app/?utm_source=openai))  \n   - There could also be missing labels, or controls that aren\u2019t focusable via keyboard in the revised interface.  \n\n4. **Operating System Compatibility**  \n   The new ExpressVPN Windows app requires **Windows 10 or higher** and only supports 64-bit (x64) systems. ([expressvpn.com](https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/app-for-windows/?utm_source=openai)) If your system is older or different architecture, that may block certain app features.  \n\n---\n\n## How to Change Servers in ExpressVPN by Keyboard (With JAWS) \u2014 What the Support Documents Say\n\nBased on ExpressVPN documentation, here is how one is supposed to choose a different server location using the Windows app:\n\n- Open the app  \n- Find the **Selected Location** (often near the \"Connect\" or \u201cPower\u201d button)  \n- Click (or activate) the button/icon next to it to open the list of all server locations ([expressvpn.com](https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/app-for-windows/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Navigate through the tabs (e.g. Recommended, All Locations) and expand/collapse regions if needed ([expressvpn.com](https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/app-for-windows/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Use the search bar to enter the name of a location if needed, then select the server you want ([expressvpn.com](https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/app-for-windows/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## What You Can Try Now to Fix / Work Around It\n\nHere are steps you might try to restore full navigation using JAWS:\n\n1. **Update ExpressVPN to the latest version**  \n   Make sure you have at least version 14.1.0 or newer, because that\u2019s where the keyboard/screen reader fixes were added. ([expressvpn.com](https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/release-notes/windows-app/?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **Check the keyboard order and focus**  \n   - Tab through the ExpressVPN app after it is open \u2014 see if \u201cSelected Location,\u201d \u201cConnect,\u201d or other buttons become focused.  \n   - Use arrow keys to move among items in lists once a menu is open (for example, the list of server locations).  \n\n3. **Use Alt + underlined letters if there are any**  \n   Some buttons are accessible by pressing Alt + the underlined letter in their label. Check if that applies to \u201cLocations\u201d or \u201cServers.\u201d\n\n4. **Enable Narrator temporarily**  \n   If you have access to Windows Narrator (the built-in screen reader), try switching to that just long enough to change the location. Then you can switch back to JAWS. Sometimes it handles focus differently.  \n\n5. **Reach out to ExpressVPN Support**  \n   If after updating you still can\u2019t navigate to the location list or if controls remain invisible/unfocusable with a screen reader, inform ExpressVPN\u2019s support that there\u2019s likely a screen reader issue with the new version. User feedback is often needed to spot and repair these accessibility gaps.  \n\n6. **Try a different VPN that is known to work well with screen readers (unless you need ExpressVPN specifically)**  \n   If urgent access is needed and ExpressVPN remains inaccessible in some setup, some VPNs may be better tested for screen reader support.\n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can walk you through **step by step** how to check your ExpressVPN version and how to navigate to the server list (using only keyboard) based on your current version. Would you prefer that?"
    }
]