Mullvad VPN: OpenVPN Connect Setup Guide For Windows
Mullvad VPN: OpenVPN Connect Setup Guide For Windows
To configure Mullvad VPN using OpenVPN Connect on Windows, begin by downloading the OpenVPN Connect client directly from the OpenVPN website. Ensure you obtain the latest version compatible with your Windows operating system. Once downloaded, execute the installer, accepting the default installation settings. During the installation, you may be prompted to install the TAP adapter; this is crucial for establishing the VPN connection, so grant the necessary permissions. After installation, launch the OpenVPN Connect application.
Next, you will need the OpenVPN configuration files specific to Mullvad VPN. These files contain the server addresses, encryption settings, and authentication parameters required to connect to Mullvad's servers. Download the appropriate configuration files from the Mullvad website. Mullvad provides separate configuration files for each of its server locations. Choose the server location closest to you for optimal performance. Within OpenVPN Connect, import the downloaded .conf file by clicking the "Import Profile" button. You may need to browse to the directory where you saved the configuration file.
After importing the configuration file, OpenVPN Connect will prompt you for your Mullvad account number. This number serves as your username for authentication. Leave the password field blank, as Mullvad uses key-based authentication. Click the "Connect" button to establish the VPN connection. A notification will appear in the system tray indicating the connection status. If the connection fails, double-check your Mullvad account number and ensure that the TAP adapter is properly installed and enabled.
Once connected to Mullvad VPN through OpenVPN Connect, verify that all traffic is being routed through the VPN interface. You can use online tools to check your public IP address and confirm that it matches the Mullvad VPN server's IP address. To prevent DNS leaks, it is recommended to configure your system to use Mullvad's DNS servers. This can be achieved by manually setting the DNS servers in your network adapter settings to 193.138.218.74 and 193.138.218.75. Alternatively, you can configure OpenVPN Connect to automatically push these DNS settings. Edit the imported .conf file and add the lines dhcp-option DNS 193.138.218.74 and dhcp-option DNS 193.138.218.75.
Windows Firewall, or any third-party firewall you may be using, should be configured to allow OpenVPN Connect to communicate through the network. Ensure that the openvpn-connect.exe application is allowed through the firewall. Furthermore, verify that your firewall rules do not interfere with the TAP adapter's operation. Incorrect firewall settings can prevent the VPN connection from being established or cause intermittent connectivity issues.
After connecting to Mullvad VPN via OpenVPN Connect, thoroughly verify the connection's integrity. Visit Mullvad's connection check page in your web browser. This page confirms whether your traffic is being routed through the VPN and that DNS leaks are not present. If any issues are detected, review the configuration steps and double-check your firewall settings. Periodic verification is recommended to ensure ongoing security and privacy.