- Make sure you have the right login details for your VPN account. If you’re still looking for a VPN provider, you might want to try out NordVPN:
- Add the VPN connection by clicking “Add a VPN connection.” Enter the correct login information and click “Save.”
- Select the connection within the VPN Settings screen and connect. If you run into problems while trying to set up your VPN, or you simply want more information, you can read our full article below. Many VPN service providers provide special software that allows you to easily and quickly connect to one of their many VPN servers. However, some VPNs, including many corporate networks, don’t come with their own software. Fortunately, Windows has a feature that allows you to set up a VPN manually. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain how you can set up a VPN connection in Windows 10. Do you have a VPN service that offers its own software, such as NordVPN or Surfshark? Scroll down for a quick guide explaining how to set up your VPN with this software.
Step 1: Get the Right Login Details
To set up a VPN connection with Windows 10, you need the right login details. Otherwise, you won’t be able to access the VPN server. If your VPN connection is arranged through your work, you’ll need to ask your boss for the correct login information. Do you work with a VPN for private use? Then you created these details yourself when setting up your account. With this information, often consisting of a username and password and possibly a specific server address to connect to, you can follow the three steps below to connect to the VPN. If you don’t have a VPN account and sign-in info yet and are looking for a good VPN app to protect your internet connection, you could always try NordVPN. This provider is very cheap, but still of great quality. Moreover, they have a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try out the service first.
Step 2: Open VPN Settings in Windows
Do you want to install a VPN on Windows 10? First of all, you need to make sure you’re using a Windows account with administrator rights. Usually, the owner of the computer has these rights. He or she can also distribute them to others. If you only have one user account on the device you’re working with, you’ll automatically have these rights. Go to the start menu (by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your screen) and click Settings. This button often looks like a small cogwheel. Once the “Settings” screen opens, click Network and Internet from the menu. Then choose VPN from the list on the left side of the screen. The image on the right of this text shows what this looks like. You’ve now found the VPN settings screen on Windows and are ready to add a VPN connection to your operating system.
Step 3: Adding a VPN Connection
It’s time to add a VPN connection. First, click on the button at the top that says Add a VPN connection.
A blue screen will appear. Here you can enter the details of your VPN provider. In some countries, you can choose a VPN provider from a number of standard providers, but this step-by-step guide focuses only on the Windows (built-in) option. Give the VPN connection a recognizable name under Connection name. You could, for example, opt for “VPN connection work” if you only need it for work-related activities. Under Server name or address, enter the IP address or server URL of the VPN server. This information is provided by the provider of the connection, e.g. your boss. Under VPN type, choose the VPN protocol you wish to use. In most cases, you’ll be able to select the Automatic option from the drop-down menu. For more information about VPN protocols, please read our article on this topic. Under Type of sign-in info you can specify the way you wish to log in. In most cases, this involves using a user name and password. Alternatives include logging in with a smartcard or certificate. Under User name and Password, fill in the necessary login details. Note: it is safest not to make the computer remember your sign-in info if you’re using a public computer. Only choose to save the data if your computer can’t be used by strangers and is well protected! Once you’ve finished entering all the necessary data, click Save.
Step 4: Connecting to the VPN Server
Using the VPN menu in Settings (as described in step 1) you can now select the added VPN connection from the list shown and connect to that VPN server. Now you are securely connected and can access the internet safely and privately.
Advanced Settings
After adding a VPN connection, you’ll have extra options besides switching your VPN off and on. You could, for example, set up a proxy server. To do this, go to the advanced menu. This can be done by following step 2 again, clicking the VPN connection you wish to change and choosing Advanced options. Only change these settings if you’re absolutely sure of what you are doing. Windows and your VPN provider are already working together to provide you with a secure connection. So, you don’t have to change any advanced settings in order to be protected online, especially as a beginner.
To access the VPN section in your settings quickly and easily, you can follow the instructions laid out in step 2, but you can also click Notifications (the information balloon) in the bottom right corner of the taskbar. The screenshot above shows what that screen looks like. Click VPN and you’ll be taken directly to the VPN Settings screen.
VPN Software on Windows 10
Using your VPN via your settings in Windows 10 can be very useful. After all, Windows automatically connects you to the VPN server, so you won’t have to manually turn the VPN on every time. Moreover, it gives you the opportunity to connect to a private network remotely and securely. Think, for example, of people working from home using a VPN server to give them access to all documents and other files within the company network. However, it isn’t always convenient to link your VPN to your operating system. If you use a paid VPN provider such as NordVPN or Surfshark, we recommend you use the included software. These programs often support additional VPN protocols, use their own DNS servers to prevent DNS leaks, and have a kill switch that automatically intervenes if your VPN connection drops. In other words, you’ll be more secure if you use the VPN software instead of logging into your VPN server through Windows.
Setting up a VPN on Windows with VPN software: a step-by-step guide
Installing a VPN on Windows 10 using official VPN software is very easy and goes as follows:
Why Use a VPN on Windows 10?
There are many reasons for people to use a VPN. These are the most common ones:
Data encryption for extra protection against hackers and cybercriminals (as well as other eavesdroppers, such as governments and businesses); Secure use of public networks; Access to services that can only be used within a company or institution’s network; Hiding your real location and IP address; Anonymously downloading torrents; Bypassing regional blockades of, for example, certain film services (Netflix) or social media networks; Bypassing censorship in a country; Increasing the speed of a connection to another server.
Setting up a VPN on your Windows 10 computer is always a good idea. You probably use your device for many of your daily Internet activities. With a VPN, you’ll be protected during all these activities while also increasing your online privacy and freedom. Just make sure the VPN you get has a good privacy policy, a kill switch, and a proven track record at respecting user privacy. If you don’t already have a VPN and would like to use one to secure your private network, you have several options. You might want a private VPN provider. If you have no idea where to start, take a look at our top 5 best VPN providers. This list might help when you’re trying to make your choice.
