How to Connect to a VPN in Windows

We have covered virtual private network and when to use them before. It is simple to connect to a VPN, since Windows and many other operating systems have built-in VPN support.

The Simple Way: Use a VPN client

You will not need to follow this guide if you have your own VPN provider's desktop client. All of the top VPNs--including download free VPN, which is our top choice--offer their desktop applications for connecting to VPNs and choosing VPN server locations.

Windows 10

Windows 10 supports PPTP and L2TP/IPsec without third-party software.

Connect to a VPN using Windows 10 by going to Settings > Network and Internet > VPN. To create a new VPN connection, click the "Add VPN Connection" button.

Enter the VPN connection details. Under "Connection Name", you can type any name that you wish. This name is used to identify your VPN connection on your computer.

These details should be provided by your VPN provider. If your employer provides VPN services, the IT department of your employer should be able to provide the information you need.

Once you have set up VPN, it will be displayed in the popup menu beside any Wi-Fi networks.

Windows will open Settings > Network and Internet > VPN for you by clicking the network name from the popup menu. To connect to the free VPN for PC, select it and click "Connect". Here you can also set up or delete VPN connections.

Windows 7 and Windows 8

Windows 7 allows you to connect to a VPN by pressing the Windows key. Type VPN and hit Enter. Note: Although the process is identical if you are using Windows 8, some windows might look slightly different.

In the Internet Address box, enter the address of your VPN provider. You can type in an address such as vpn.example.com, or a numerical IP address depending on which server information was provided by your VPN provider.

A Destination name should be entered as well. This can be any name you want. It is only used to help you remember which VPN connections are which.

Next, enter your login credentials. Enter the username and password that your VPN provider has given you.

Windows will connect to the VPN that you have configured. Windows will save your VPN connection if you have checked the box "Don't Connect Now" on the first screen.

To view your VPN connections, click on the network icon from your system tray once you have connected. All your network traffic will be transmitted over the VPN while you are connected.

Click the Sonics VPN icon and select "Disconnect" to disconnect. Click it again and select Connect. You can switch between multiple VPNs at once.

To delete a VPN connection that has been saved, press the Windows key and type "Network Connections" before pressing Enter. Click on a VPN connection to delete it.