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 providers offer OpenVPN as an option, though there are some who choose to go with WireGuard or IKEv2 instead. The easiest way to connect to your VPN using OpenVPN is to use the provider's specific 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 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 listed. With everything now filed correctly, make sure to tick the Remember my sign-in info before you click the Save button on the bottom right. In the Type of sign-in info box select Username and password.Įnter the username and password you created when you signed up to your VPN. If the VPN does not work after you finish setting it up, try again and choose 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 as these are the most secure options. This is your choice but depends on what options are available to you with your particular provider. Under VPN type, select the protocol that you wish to use. 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 name/IP address your VPN has given you. Check with your specific provider before you begin this process. 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 the necessary information, we're ready to get started! These details are specific to each VPN provider, which means that you will need to contact your VPN's support team, or check their knowledge base to ensure that you have everything you need before you start the manual setup process.
How to configure a VPN manually on Windows Once you have these details, you're ready to follow the steps below. For more info, check out our guide to VPN encryption.
We recommend that you opt for L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, or OpenVPN encryption.
If you prefer to install a VPN manually, or you've chosen one that doesn't offer a GUI client, you will need to obtain a few things from your provider first, including: What do you need to set up a VPN on Windows manually? Once logged in, you are ready to connect to a server in the country of your choice and start using the VPN. What you need to install will depend on your VPN provider but could include things like TAP drivers, antivirus and so on.ĭouble click the VPN icon on your desktop and log in using the username/password you chose when you subscribed.
exe file to begin installing the VPN on your machine.Īgree to install any required components. Locate the downloaded file (Probably in your Downloads folder, but could be somewhere else) and double-click the. Subscribe to the VPN and set up a password for your account.ĭownload the Windows VPN software from the provider’s website. We recommend NordVPN because it has a great app for Windows machines and an affordable subscription package. To install this kind of VPN software, follow these steps:Ĭhoose a provider that has VPN software for Windows (which is most of them these days).
An off-the-shelf VPN client will be specifically 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.