Windows Admin Center WinRM not working over VPN

sysadmin_glns 1 Reputation point
2020-09-25T20:11:12.847+00:00

Hello all, I use Windows Admin Center often to manage my server (OS: Hyper-V Server) and workstations (Windows 10 PCs), and I have WinRM configured for all of them.

However, when I switch to VPN, I can access all my workstations fine, except my server, which returns a WinRM error:

WinRM cannot complete the operation. Verify that the specified computer name is valid, that the computer is accessible over the network, and that a firewall exception for the WinRM service is enabled and allows access from this computer.

I am puzzled as to why WinRM access to the workstations works over VPN, but not the server.

In Powershell, Test-NetConnection to the server over ports 5985 and 5986 works without VPN;
however when the VPN is turned on TcpTest works on 5986 but fails for 5985.

Test-NetConnection to the workstations over ports 5985 and 5986 works with and without VPN!

Now I'm not sure what to do with this information. Any pointers in the right direction would be appreciated!

Windows 10 Network
Windows 10 Network
Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Network: A group of devices that communicate either wirelessly or via a physical connection.
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Windows Server Management
Windows Server Management
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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  1. Jenny Yan-MSFT 9,326 Reputation points
    2020-09-28T08:01:27.667+00:00

    Hi,

    1. Please verify the status of port 5985 when enabling VPN on the problematic server and check if it is occupied by other process.
      netstat -ano | findstr "<port>"
      tasklist /svc /FI "PID eq xxxx"

    Reference link:
    https://cordero.me/netstat-and-finding-processes-apps/
    https://morgantechspace.com/2015/01/get-process-name-from-pid-using-command-prompt.html
    Please note: Information posted in the given link is hosted by a third party. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy and effectiveness of information.

    2.Kindly check the firewall settings on the problematic server and compare between with and without VPN to see if any differences.

    Hope this helps and please help to accept as Answer if the response is useful.

    Thanks,
    Jenny

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