How To Set Up a Windows VPN Connection

It can be difficult to protect your privacy and secure your data online. That’s why a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be created to guard your online data and privacy.

It’s easy to set up and creates a protected tunnel between your device and every site that you visit. Follow these steps to set up VPN on your Windows OS.

Pros & Cons of Using a VPN

While a need for a VPN, especially when it comes to cybersecurity, increases daily, the software itself is not without any drawbacks. There are several features online that you will not be able to access by using a VPN.

Additionally, while premium VPN providers will ensure both security and internet speed, using a free VPN might be even less safe than not using a VPN at all.

You can buy a NordVPN subscription from Amazon and connect to their VPN server right away.

Using an App to Connect to a VPN

If you are using a premium VPN provider you will usually have to install their own app. This will serve as an easy way to connect to any server owned by that provider, as well as provide some additional features such as a kill-switch or a SmartDNS option.

In these cases, you won’t need to make any changes to your device or use the native Windows 10 VPN feature.

The quality and security of these connections will depend severely on the quality of the provider and the app. If you are using a reputable provider such as Nord VPN, Le VPN, or VPN Shield you will be even safer than with the Win10 native option.

But, if you are downloading some bootleg free app from the internet, there is a good chance that you are putting yourself in danger.

Set Up Windows 10 VPN:

As a VPN connection became something everyone needs, especially those in regions that have internet censorship, it is a good thing that connecting to a VPN server on Windows 10 is so easy.

There are just a few steps you need to take, most of which are done straight from the desktop.

Step 1 – Find the Server

Before you start connecting to a VPN you will need to know the data of that server, including their DNS name and IP address. There are multiple lists of safe and secure VPN connections on websites such as vpngate.net or similar.

Step 2 – Open Windows VPN

This option can be accessed directly from the action center with literally two clicks, which is even easier than it was for Windows 7. You could also select “Start”, type “VPN” to bring up the option.

Step 3 – Add a VPN Connection

Provided that you have chosen a server from a list, you can connect to it easily from the screen you will see next.

Step 4 – Enter the Data

Write in, or copy/paste, all of the data you have and connect to the service.

Step 5 – Profit!

You are connected.

In this particular case, you have moved your device to connect to a server in Japan, allowing you to hide your IP from the websites you frequent, as well as access the biggest Netflix catalog in the world, although most of it being anime.

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Set Up Windows 7 VPN:

To Setup VPN in Windows 7 follow these steps:

1. Click “Start” button and then type VPN in the search bar, then choose to set up a VPN or virtual private network connection.

2. Type your domain name or IP address of a server that you want to connect to. If you are going to connect with your work network, your IT Admin can give you the appropriate address.

3. If you would like to just set up a connection and don’t want to connect it then select the “Don’t connect now” option, otherwise you can leave it blank and hit the “Next” Button.

4. Next step is to put your username or password, if not then leave it as it is. On the actual connection, you will see this again. Click on “Connect”.

5. On the lower right part of the screen click on the “Windows network logo”, then under the “VPN Connection” select the “Connect” Option.

6. In a box of “Connect VPN Connection”, enter a domain and your login credentials, and click “Connect”.

7. If you are unable to connect then there may be an issue with server configuration. Check with your network admin because there are various types of VPNs. Next on the screen “Connect VPN Connection” select “Properties”.

8. Now navigate to Security tab and choose a specific “Type of VPN” by clicking on the drop-down list. Under the options tab, you can also unselect the Windows login domain. Click “OK” and “Connect”.