Stopping Cisco AnyConnect Processes

Stopping Cisco AnyConnect Processes | Generated by AI

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Got it 👍 — you’re asking how to stop/kill Cisco AnyConnect processes like NAM (Network Access Manager) or the background service vpnagent.exe that runs when AnyConnect is installed.

Here’s a breakdown:

1. Understanding the processes

vpnagent.exe → The “Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Agent” background service. It runs at startup and manages VPN connections and related modules (including NAM if installed).
NAM service → Installed as Cisco Network Access Manager; it replaces Windows’ built-in network manager and automatically runs at system startup if enabled.

2. Stopping / killing AnyConnect processes (Windows)

Option A: Stop service properly

Press Win+R, type services.msc, hit Enter.
Look for:
- Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Agent
- Cisco Network Access Manager (if installed)
Right-click → Stop.
To prevent auto-start: right-click → Properties → Set Startup type to Disabled (or Manual).

Option B: Task Manager kill

Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
Find vpnagent.exe or any Cisco AnyConnect process.
Right-click → End task.
(This only lasts until reboot or if the service relaunches automatically.)

3. Uninstalling modules you don’t want

If you only want VPN and not NAM:

Go to Control Panel → Programs and Features.
Find Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
Click Change → Modify installation.
Uncheck Network Access Manager (keep VPN enabled if you still need it).
Finish — this surgically removes NAM but leaves the VPN working.

⚠️ Notes / Cautions

Killing vpnagent.exe directly will also kill AnyConnect VPN functionality until you restart it.
If NAM is managing Wi-Fi/ethernet, killing it without reverting to the Windows network manager may drop your network connection.
Best practice is to disable/uninstall NAM if you don’t need it, rather than just force-killing.

👉 Do you want me to also show you the command-line / PowerShell method to stop and disable vpnagent and NAM services (so you don’t have to dive into services.msc every time)?

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