ovpn config file for the server you requireĭownload and install the latest OpenVPN software for Windows from OpenVPN. If, for some reason, you prefer to connect to your VPN service using the official third party OpenVPN client, please follow the steps below:Ĭontact your VPN provider and download the. Setting up a Windows VPN in the OpenVPN Client Now select either OpenVPN TCP or OpenVPN UDP (we recommend the latter because it is faster).
To make sure OpenVPN is the selected encryption protocol: Most VPNs provide OpenVPN from inside their custom Windows clients. The easiest way to connect to your VPN using OpenVPN is to use the VPN’s custom client for Windows.
This is because it has been audited regularly and is known to be secure against eavesdroppers. OpenVPN is widely regarded as the most secure VPN encryption protocol. The VPN will now connect to the server that you set up.
You will now be taken back to the VPN set up screen, where your manual set up will now be present in the list. With everything now filed correctly, ensure that the Remember my sign-in info box is ticked and click Save in the bottom right. In the Type of sign-in info box select Username and password.Įnter your username and password you used when signing up to your VPN. If the VPN does not work after you set up, try again and opt for Automatic at this stage instead. P lease note: Selecting the wrong encryption type can cause issues. If possible, we recommend that you opt for L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, or OpenVPN. This is your choice but depends on what options are available to you with your VPN provider. Under VPN type, select the protocol that you are currently setting up. In Windows 10, it is impossible to set up a VPN connection without the URL or IP address of your VPN’s server. In the Server name or address box, type in the address that your VPN has given you. Please note: If your VPN provider requires you to connect using a particular name, you will need to use that to continue. In the Connection name box, give your VPN connection a name. In the VPN provider box, select Windows (built-in) Navigate to Settings > Network & InternetĬlick VPN on the left to open the setup menu Once you have this information, you are ready to set up the VPN: These details are specific to your VPN, which means that you will need to contact your VPN to ensure that you have everything you need - before you start setting up your VPN manually in Windows.
How to configure a VPN manually on Windows Once you have the above, you're ready to start following the steps below. For more info, check out our guide to VPN encryption. We recommend that you opt for L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, or OpenVPN. If you prefer to install a VPN manually, you will need to obtain a few things from your VPN provider first, including: What do you need to set up a VPN on Windows manually? Once logged in, you are ready to start using the VPN. What you need to install will depend on your VPN provider but could include things like TAP drivers, for example.ĭouble click the icon on your desktop and log in using the credentials you created when subscribing.
exe installation file to install the VPN on your machine.Īgree to install any required components. Go to your Downloads folder and double-click the VPN. Subscribe to the VPN and set up a password.ĭownload the Windows VPN software from the provider’s website.
We recommend NordVPN because it has outstanding software for Windows machines at an extremely affordable rate. To install this kind of VPN software, follow these steps:Ĭhoose a provider that has VPN software for Windows.
An off-the-shelf VPN client is typically designed to work on Windows 10 PCs and will usually be backward compatible with older machines running Windows 8.1 or Windows 7. This is by far the easiest method to set up a VPN on Windows. How to set up a VPN on Windows using a VPNs software Providing you have this, you can follow the steps below. To get a subscription with this kind of service, all you require is: The best and easiest way to set up a VPN on Windows is to subscribe to a service that provides Windows VPN software. What do you need to set up a VPN on Windows?