Best Windows VPN

There are an infinite number of Windows 10 VPN services to choose from, owing to its popularity. From the premium services highlighted in our guide to the questionable free services, choosing the right VPN for your Windows computer or laptop can be quite hard. Want to know more about this? Then read our in-depth guide explaining everything, we are quite sure that you will find the best Windows VPN that will suit your needs.

Ben Grindlow

Ben Grindlow is the founder of ProXPN, a company that provides reviews about VPN products and services. Ben's interest in cybersecurity and privacy led him to start ProXPN, which has become one of the most well-respected VPN providers in the world. Ben is passionate about his work, and he is constantly exploring new ways to improve ProXPN's in-depth guides.

Last updated: 16:16PM 6/30/2022

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Table of Contents

Windows 10 is very popular, and it is far more secure than previous versions of the operating system. However, there are still certain vulnerabilities to be addressed, and a virtual private network should not be neglected. But how do you set up a Windows VPN on your computer? And what additional dangers does using a PC with Windows pose?

Windows 10 and VPN, How Does It Work?

Because Windows 10 is the most popular consumer operating system, chances are that one or more of your home's devices is running it: for example, your gaming PC or your Windows laptop. It's not ideal if everyone in the neighborhood can watch what you're doing with your Windows 10 device when you want to go online.

It is critical to protect your connections while downloading via bittorrent if you use your desktop PC. It's illegal to download copyrighted material these days, and without protection, your online actions can be traced back to your home.

Even if you use public Wi-Fi hotspots with your Windows 10 laptop while traveling, it's critical to avoid prying eyes. VPNs are the solution.

Top 5 VPN services for Windows 10

At the moment we can recommend the following VPN providers for Windows 10:

  1. NordVPN
  2. Surfshark
  3. PIA
  4. CyberGhost
  5. ExpressVPN

Choosing a security plan is a personal decision, and there are many factors to consider. Some of these options, such as Private Internet Access, offer superior levels of protection while some others like Cyberghost VPN were designed first and foremost for Android devices. Keep in mind that you may need to download any third-party software on your device before signing

1. NordVPN

Based on our testing, NordVPN delivers the best performance. With up to six connections per user, you may use the service from anywhere in the world. The large number of servers allows for quick and stable connections. The app has a unique Windows 10 design that makes connecting simple and intuitive. You may see which servers are available on a global map,

2. Surfshark

The major benefit of Surfshark is that it provides a great service at a low price. You can use the same VPN subscription on an unlimited number of devices at once, in addition to access to 3000+ servers. Of course, there is also a Windows 10 app that enables you to view 15 distinct foreign Netflix catalogs.

The app has a simple, uncluttered appearance. You may instantly link to the quickest server with just one click. Of course, you can always manually select a server in any country you choose. The app also includes a night mode, which makes it look more attractive at night.

3. Private Internet Access

If seclusion is your main concern, you'll want to choose this VPN. IPSec, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, OpenSSH, PPTP, and SSL are all supported. The service does not include access to foreign Netflix libraries. Private Internet Access also has its own Windows 10 app that by default does not become active

You can manually or automatically choose a server, and the software keeps track of how much data you've used and what your connection's speed is. Home users aren't concerned about data usage, but if you're on the road with your mobile plan, it's good to be able to view. It's also possible to set a snooze option.

4. CyberGhost

Where CyberGhost VPN shines is in terms of simplicity of use. The app itself is very user-friendly, allowing you to see immediately which server is the finest for you to connect to at any given moment. It also lets you utilize various overseas streaming services like Netflix, and with 6300 servers across 94 countries, the speeds are excellent. It takes

Go to “My accounts” after signing in. The download options will be found under ‘My devices,' where you may get the Windows 10 app. The English-language software automatically connects to the most appropriate server. You can manually pick a server if you have specific requirements, such as streaming or bittorrent downloading. The application immediately displays which server is best for you.

5. ExpressVPN

Despite being one of the finest and most comprehensive VPN services in the world, it ranks fifth with us. This is due to its high price. Everything works properly and efficiently, with 3,000 servers accessible at once, as well as access to American Netflix.

However, a service like NordVPN provides the same features for a fraction of the cost. Of course, you have to make your own decision. ExpressVPN is simply an excellent provider. The ExpressVPN app is rather basic in design. You'll find an on/off switch and a button to toggle the VPN connection on or off after that.

Why is installing a VPN on Windows a good idea?

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a tool that secures your internet connection. A VPN prevents external servers (such as websites or streaming services) from determining your location. Furthermore, a good VPN encrypts all of your data to ensure privacy and security. This implies that hackers won't be able to access your sensitive information from your Windows computer.

The second is crucial if you connect to your work computer from a public Wi-Fi hotspot (such as a café), or if you wish to use telebanking. You must be certain that no one is listening in on your conversations.

In addition, the finest VPN services let you get around “geoblocks,” which are restrictions on what you can and cannot do because of your location. A geo-blockade is a service that sees your country of origin and, based on that information, determines what you can or cannot do. Netflix is perhaps the most well-known example.

How do you set up a VPN on Windows 10?

There are three ways to connect your Windows 10 PC to a virtual private network (VPN). The most straightforward is to use the VPN provider's software. All of the VPNs in our top five have “dashboard” applications that you install on your computer and use as your dashboard.

The program is ideal for those who want to use their computer as a tool to access the internet from anywhere in the world. It has several advantages, like allowing you to connect with any Wi-Fi network and access the internet via proxy servers or VPNs if necessary. This software provides a lot of useful options. For example, it's very simple to turn the VPN on or off with a single click.

Another benefit is that the program allows you to quickly customize your VPN connection to your preference. For example, you may pick a bittorrent-friendly VPN server. Alternatively, you may choose a server that allows access to a certain nation's Netflix library.

VPN software also keep an eye on your connection for safety. If the connection to the VPN server is lost for whatever reason, the program can temporarily block the complete connection to prevent you from being online insecurely. This ‘killswitch' function adds another layer of protection.

Why choose a paid Windows VPN service?

It's not difficult to set up a VPN on your Windows 10 system, therefore no need to panic. This does raise the question: which provider should you go with? And why pay for a premium service when there are free VPN services for Windows?

There are several benefits of choosing a paid VPN service rather than one of the free ones. For one thing, a premium VPN provides a quicker connection. When you use a VPN, all of your data goes through the VPN's server. The greater the number of servers it has, the better your connection will be. Free services do not have as many servers as premium ones, so your connection is likely to be slower.

A premium VPN also encrypts all of your data with military grade encryption. This means that no one will be able to access your data, not even your ISP. Furthermore, a paid VPN service keeps no logs of your activity, ensuring that your privacy is protected at all times.

Paid services also provide increased protection. We've subjected several free services to a so-called “leak test,” and we regret to inform you that the connection via the free service was still traceable to our own IP address in many cases.

How do you set up a VPN profile on Windows 10?

Windows 10 lets you set up a VPN service manually if desired. This implies that no additional software is required and that your computer will automatically use the secure connection at all times. If, for example, you frequently use your laptop on the road at public Wi-Fi hotspots, this may be quite convenient.

Adding a VPN connection to Windows 10

To set it up, do as follows:

  1. Click on the Windows START button. Select “Settings”.
  2. Select Network and Internet, VPN, Add a VPN Connection.
  3. Under VPN Provider, select Windows.
  4. In the Connection Name box, enter a name for your VPN connection. This name is mostly for your own benefit, it can be anything. It is convenient to enter the name of the VPN provider here.
  5. In the Server name or address box you enter the address of the VPN server. You can find this on the information pages of your chosen VPN service.
  6. At VPN type you choose the type of VPV connection that your VPN provider offers. Again, refer to the documentation of the service of your choice.
  7. Under Type of login details, you choose the way you will log in to the VPN service. This is usually a username and password, which you received when you signed up for your VPN subscription.
  8. Select ‘SAVE

Click on the network icon in the taskbar, at the bottom right of your screen, to use the VPN. This symbol is a “rainbow” if you're using Wifi, and a “square with a foot” if you're connected via a cable connection. Connect to the VPN (the name you selected in point 4) by selecting the provider you added.

Can a VPN on Windows protect me from hackers?

Because a hacker is attempting to access your devices from the outside, he or she will need your IP address. If you connect your smart gadgets via a virtual private network (VPN), they are untraceable by others. The VPN service masks your IP address and encrypts all data. Malicious individuals have a harder time obtaining access to your computer, which makes it harder for hackers to access your data.

Does Windows Firewall protect my connection as well as a VPN?

Windows Defender protects you against not only viruses but also external hacks thanks to its built-in Firewall. A firewall is software that restricts incoming connections. It would be simple for an outsider to connect to your computer, install untrusted applications, or examine the data on your hard drive without a firewall. The Windows Firewall prevents such unpleasant guests from accessing your computer.

A VPN is an additional layer of security on top of the firewall. It encrypts all data that is send through the network, making it unreadable for outsiders. This means that even if someone were to intercept your data, they would not be able to read it.

A firewall, on the other hand, is not the same as a virtual private network (VPN)! Windows Defender's role is similar to that of a guard at the entrance who prevents unwanted visitors from entering. The security guard isn't concerned with what happens beyond the door. A bodyguard that goes with you and protects you from attacks outside the door.

How secure is Windows 10 currently without additional software?

As previously said, Windows 10 is extremely secure against external attacks. With a VPN, your online activities are also protected from hackers. So the greatest threats you face on the internet aren't so much linked to your PC itself, but rather to your own actions.

The most serious danger you face online is identity theft. This implies that hackers get access to your password and username, allowing them to make purchases in your name or misuse your data in some other way.

The weakest link in your security is, unfortunately, usually your own conduct. People continue to use the same password on numerous sites, which means they are vulnerable if one of them is hacked.

Frequently asked questions

CNET gave ExpressVPN an Editors' Choice award for the best overall VPN. We assess VPNs based on their overall performance in three key areas: speed, security, and price. Although Express isn't the cheapest, it is one of the fastest and so far the most secure.

  • ExpressVPN – #1 Best Windows 10 VPN for PC. ExpressVPN is a fantastic match for your Windows 10 computer.
  • NordVPN – Focus on Windows security.
  • Surfshark – Affordable Windows 10 VPN.
  • Get best Windows VPN 2022: 30-day trial and 3 months FREE.

For those who just want something that works without hassle, the Windows VPN software has the fastest average download speed of any VPN we've evaluated so far—perfect for P2P file sharing and streaming.

However, most VPNs from respectable vendors are extremely secure, and Windows arguably has access to the safest VPNs of any operating system. A secure VPN will provide a variety of protocols as well as an automatic kill switch.

Yes, the Windows 10 VPN is completely free. Although the Windows 10 built-in VPN merely acts as a client, you will need to acquire VPN connection information from somewhere else because it does not provide an end-to-end encrypted network.

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