Torrents don't start when using a VPN and Network Interface (Advanced) option

[klvids]

I am using a 3rd party VPN provider with qBittorrent. I am using the OpenVPN Gui program in Windows to enable the VPN connection.

I have OpenVPN configured in a way that no programs in Windows use the VPN, EXCEPT for qBittorrent. I have 2 Network Interfaces listed in Windows Control Panel, Local Area Connection and Local Area Connection 2.

Local Area Connection - My default internet access interface
Local Area Connection 2 - Created via OpenVPN, all VPN traffic goes through this interface

Using the qBittorrent advanced options, under "Network Interface (requires restart)", I choose Local Area Connection 2, so now all qBittorrent traffic is using the VPN. As I said, the rest of my programs in Windows are still using Local Area Connection.

Anyways, what I'm finding is that when I add a new torrent to qBittorrent, it will not start. Ever. I have to go into the Advanced Options and change Network Interface back to "Local Area Connection". Then a few seconds later, when I see that the torrent begins downloading, I switch the Network Interface back to "Local Area Connection 2" and the torrent continues to use that interface for downloading.

At this point I know it's working properly because if I Disconnect my OpenVPN Gui I can see the qBittorrent traffic stop. And then if I start OpenVPN again, then the qBittorrent traffic continues.

It's only the initial first time I add the torrent that it doesn't work. I'm guessing there is some sort of DNS lookup or something that needs to be done when a torrent is trying to start and my VPN is having issues making that call or something?

I'm looking for help by anyone else who knows about this stuff or might now how to fix it.  I found a hint elsewhere that suggested to turn OFF qBittorrent options > Connection > "Use UPnP / NAT-PMP port forwarding from my router". I did this but it didn't seem to have an affect.

[moonchop]

What VPN provider do you use? Is this really possible though? I use NordVPN app and I don't think there's this option, either you encrypt everything or nothing. Though the speeds don't drop much even if i torrent/use regular Internet at the same time. You got me curious.