Cannot access the Internet while on VPN

What kind of VPN?  Microsoft built-in PPTP VPN?  Then situation normal. Disconnect VPN to use Internet.  

I use Split Tunnel IPsec VPN and Internet works fine while VPN is connected.

Go to VPN properties
Networking
IPv4 Properties
Advance
UNSELECT - Use Default Gateway on remote network


Reconnect VPN again
DONE

basically two approaches:

1. to allow the VPN network accessible to the Internet. this is the only way to hide your local IP address for Internet access. this way, you need to make suer to "use default gateway on remote network" (the option given in the screenshot on previous message).

2. to uncheck "use default gateway on remote network", will keep your normal Internet access the same way as VPN not established. VPN here is for accessing select network resources given by the VPN provider. using this way, your local IP address is not hidden to the Internet.

The VPN based on your description is a secure all, meaning once setup all non local LAN traffic is sent through the VPN.

To confirm, look at the routing table on the computer, netstat -rn or route print when the VPN is setup,

A proxy requires either a config, a reroute on the end point that redirects http traffic to the proxy or use of auto discovery of proxy..

Others raised, info on type of VPN ....

Thank you all, I will have to schedule time to try your suggestions.

I am using Cisco AnyConnect for a VPN software.

Sounds like your remote VPN connection is secure all, meaning when the VPN is established the VPN ip is set as the default gateway.

One option, is for you to configure your browser to use the proxy on the VPN LANs. When disconnecting, uncheck the proxy in the browser config.

The other option is to configure the remote VPN with the specific ip segments available via the VPN
This is referred to as splittunnel meaning only traffic for segments available on the VPN will go through the VPN, while everything else will go through your regular connection.

Just unsellect option on IPv4 properties like I;ve suggested before and test it.,
It should work

Cisco AnyConnect does not allow to modify any setting on the client, it is controlled by the Cisco device terminating the VPN. Changes on routes or default gateway are reversed within seconds.
So arnold's suggestions are the only options.
There might be better options to switch the proxy settings than doing it manually (if needed), though.

I selected the "Allow local access check box in Cisco AnyConnect, see https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security/asa-5500-x-series-next-generation-firewalls/70847-local-lan-pix-asa.html for more details.

The next step would be to replace the XML file with one from a working system.