We've covered virtual private networks and when you might want to use them before. Connecting to a VPN is easy, equally Windows and nigh other operating systems offering built-in VPN support.

The Easy Way: Use a VPN Customer

Note that some VPN providers offering their own desktop clients, which means yous won't demand the setup procedure described in this guide. All of our favorite VPNs—StrongVPN for advanced users, and ExpressVPN and TunnelBear for basic users—offer their own desktop application for connecting to their VPNs and selecting VPN server locations.

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Windows 10

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Windows x supports PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP, and IKEv2 connections without whatever third-party software.

To connect to a VPN on Windows 10, caput to Settings > Network & Cyberspace > VPN. Click the "Add a VPN connexion" button to prepare upward a new VPN connection.

Provide the connexion details for your VPN. You can enter any name you similar under "Connection Proper name". This name is just used on your figurer to help yous identify the VPN connection.

Your VPN provider should be able to provide you with these details. If the VPN is provided by your employer, your employer'southward IT department should provide you with the details you lot'll need to connect.

In one case you lot've prepare a VPN, you'll see it in the network popup carte du jour next to whatever nearby Wi-Fi networks.

Click the network name in the popup menu and Windows will open the Settings > Network & Internet > VPN window for you. Select the VPN and click "Connect" to connect to it. You tin can too configure or remove VPN connections from here.

Windows vii and 8

To connect to a VPN on Windows vii, press the Windows cardinal and, type VPN, and press Enter. (Note: If y'all're using Windows 8, the process will be very like, merely some of the windows may look a little different.)

Enter the address of your VPN provider in the Cyberspace Address box. You can enter an address similar vpn.example.com or a numerical IP address, depending on the server information your VPN provider gave you.

You should also enter a Destination name—this can exist anything you like. Information technology'south only used to assist you remember which VPN connection is which.

Enter your login credentials on the next screen. Use the username and password your VPN provider gave you lot.

Windows will connect you to the VPN you configured. If you lot checked the "Don't connect at present" checkbox on the first screen, Windows will save the VPN connexion then you can easily connect after.

Once continued, y'all tin can click the network icon in your system tray to view your VPN connections. While continued to a VPN, all your network traffic volition be sent over it.

To disconnect from a VPN, click information technology and click "Disconnect". You tin then reconnect to it later by clicking it and selecting Connect. Yous tin have multiple VPNs configured and switch between them in this way.

To delete a saved VPN connection, press the Windows key, type "Network Connections", and press Enter. Right-click a VPN connection and employ the Delete pick.

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