Surfshark is one of the most versatile VPNs on the market, offering unlimited device connections, a wide server network, and advanced privacy features like MultiHop and CleanWeb. If you’re a Windows user, setting up Surfshark is straightforward—but doing it right means more than just installing the app.

In this guide, we’ll go step-by-step through downloading, installing, and configuring Surfshark on Windows. We’ll also cover advanced setup options, protocol selection, and troubleshooting tips so you can get the most out of your VPN from day one.

1. Check Windows Compatibility

Before you begin, make sure your system meets Surfshark’s requirements:

• Supported Windows versions: Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 (both 32-bit and 64-bit).

• Admin rights required: You need administrator privileges to install the VPN.

• Disk space: At least 50 MB free for installation.

• Internet connection: Stable broadband or Wi-Fi access.
  
  

Tip: If you’re on Windows 7, make sure you have the latest Service Pack updates installed to avoid driver compatibility issues.

2. Download the Surfshark Windows App

1. Go to the official Surfshark website
   
   

2. Navigate to Apps → Windows.
   
   

3. Click Download to get the latest installer file (SurfsharkSetup.exe).
   
   

Why not use third-party download sites?
Only download from Surfshark’s official site to avoid tampered versions that could compromise security.

3. Install Surfshark on Your Windows PC

1. Locate the downloaded SurfsharkSetup.exe file.
   
   

2. Double-click to run the installer.
   
   

3. Click Yes if prompted by Windows User Account Control (UAC).
   
   

4. Follow the on-screen wizard:
   
   

   • Accept the License Agreement.

   • Choose the installation folder (default is fine for most users).

   • Wait for the setup to complete.
     
     

When done, you’ll see a shortcut icon for Surfshark on your desktop.

4. Log In to Your Account

1. Open the Surfshark app from the Start Menu or desktop.

2. Click Log In.

3. Enter your registered email and password.

4. Optionally, use login via code from your account dashboard if you prefer not to type your password on the device.
   
   

5. Choose a VPN Protocol

Surfshark supports several VPN protocols on Windows:

• WireGuard – Fastest speeds with modern encryption (recommended for most users).

• OpenVPN (UDP) – Balanced speed and reliability, good for streaming.

• OpenVPN (TCP) – Slower but more stable, ideal for poor networks.

• IKEv2/IPsec – Quick reconnections, useful for switching networks.
  
  

To change the protocol:

1. Go to Settings → VPN Settings → Protocol.
   
   

2. Select your preferred option.
   
   

Tip: WireGuard is the best choice for everyday use unless you encounter restrictions.

6. Connect to a VPN Server

• Quick Connect – Automatically picks the fastest server based on your location.

• All Locations – Manually select from 100+ countries.

• Static IP Servers – Use the same IP every time (good for whitelisting).

• MultiHop Servers – Route traffic through two VPN locations for extra privacy.
  
  

Simply click a location to connect. A green shield icon will indicate when the VPN is active.

7. Enable Key Surfshark Features

Surfshark for Windows comes with several features that can enhance privacy and usability:

CleanWeb

Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.

• Go to Features → CleanWeb and toggle it on.
  
  

Kill Switch

Cuts internet access if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly.

• Go to VPN Settings → Kill Switch and enable it.
  
  

Bypasser (Split Tunneling)

Choose which apps bypass the VPN.

• Go to Features → Bypasser to configure.
  
  

MultiHop

Encrypts traffic through two VPN servers for extra anonymity.

• Available under All Locations → MultiHop.
  
  

8. Configure Auto-Start and Auto-Connect

To make sure you’re always protected:

1. Go to App Settings.

2. Enable Launch on startup so Surfshark opens automatically when Windows boots.

3. Turn on Auto-connect and set a preferred server for instant VPN activation.
   
   

9. Test Your VPN Connection

After connecting, verify that Surfshark is working properly:

• Visit https://whatismyipaddress.com to confirm your IP and location have changed.

• Use a DNS leak test (e.g., dnsleaktest.com) to ensure your ISP DNS isn’t exposed.

• Run a WebRTC leak test if you use browsers that support real-time communication.
  
  

10. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a smooth installation, you might run into occasional problems:

• Can’t connect to a server – Switch to a different protocol (WireGuard ↔ OpenVPN).

• Slow speeds – Connect to a closer server or disable MultiHop for faster routing.

• Blocked websites – Use NoBorders mode (found under Settings → VPN Settings) to bypass VPN restrictions.

• App crashes – Update the app to the latest version or reinstall.
  
  

11. Advanced Manual Setup (Optional)

If you don’t want to use the Surfshark app, you can set up the VPN manually via OpenVPN GUI or Windows built-in VPN client.

Manual OpenVPN setup steps:

1. Download OpenVPN from openvpn.net.

2. Get Surfshark’s configuration files from your account dashboard.

3. Import .ovpn files into OpenVPN GUI.

4. Connect using your Surfshark credentials.
   
   

This method uses fewer resources but requires manual server switching.

12. Keep Surfshark Updated

Surfshark frequently updates its Windows app to patch vulnerabilities, add new features, and improve performance.

• Enable Auto-update in Windows settings.

• Check Surfshark’s blog or update notifications for new versions.

Final Thoughts

Installing Surfshark on Windows is quick and easy, but maximizing its benefits requires some fine-tuning. Choosing the right protocol, enabling CleanWeb and Kill Switch, and setting auto-connect ensures you’re always protected without sacrificing speed.

If you want more control, explore advanced features like MultiHop, Static IP, and Bypasser for a customized VPN experience. And remember—Surfshark’s unlimited device policy means you can secure every Windows laptop, desktop, and secondary PC you own, all with the same account.

With the right setup, Surfshark isn’t just another app on your PC—it becomes a constant, silent guardian for your online activity.