VPN Clients for Windows 10 [Your Options]

In Windows 10, there is a built-in Virtual Private Network (VPN) client which you can configure to connect to a VPN service. This feature allows you to connect to the internet in a secure manner, especially when you’re using public Wi-Fi networks.

Here’s how to setup a VPN connection in Windows 10:

1. Open the Windows Settings Menu: Click on the Start button (Windows logo), then click on the gear icon for Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet: In the Settings window, click on “Network & Internet.”
3. VPN: From the menu on the left, select “VPN.”
4. Add a VPN connection: Click on the “+ Add a VPN connection” button.
5. Fill out the form: In the form that appears:
   • For “VPN provider,” choose “Windows (built-in).”
   • For “Connection name,” you can choose any name that helps you identify this connection.
   • For “Server name or address,” input the address provided by your VPN provider.
   • For “VPN Type,” select the type of VPN connection your VPN service uses (like PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP, IKEv2). If you’re unsure, check with your VPN provider.
   • For “Type of sign-in info,” choose how you want to sign in to your VPN (like Username and password, Smart Card, One-time password, Certificate, etc.). Input your username and password if necessary.
6. Save: Click on the “Save” button.

You’ve now set up a VPN connection in Windows 10. To connect, go back to the VPN page in the Settings menu, select the VPN connection you set up, and click “Connect.”

 

Common problems

1. VPN Won’t Connect: If your VPN refuses to connect, try changing the server you’re connecting to. It could be that the server you’re trying to reach is currently down. You could also try restarting your device or reinstalling the VPN client.
2. Slow Internet Speed: VPNs can slow down your internet speed due to encryption overhead and longer paths to the destination server. Try changing the VPN server, choosing one closer to your location. Also, some VPN providers offer different protocols – changing the protocol might improve the speed.
3. Lost VPN Connection: If you’re frequently losing your VPN connection, it could be a problem with your internet connection or the VPN server. Try connecting to a different server or check with your internet service provider to see if there are issues with your internet.
4. Can’t Access Certain Websites: Some websites might block traffic from known VPN servers. If you can’t access a website while your VPN is on, this could be the problem. Try changing your VPN server to see if that helps.
5. Error Messages: If you’re seeing an error message when you try to connect to your VPN, the best thing to do is look up that specific error. The message is often quite specific and can guide you to the appropriate solution.
6. Leak Issues: If your VPN is not configured correctly, it might leak your DNS requests or IP address. You can use online tools to check for DNS and IP leaks. If you detect a leak, consider switching to a more reliable VPN provider.

 

Tips

Now that you’re all set up with your VPN, here are some tips and tricks to make the most of it:

1. Always-On VPN: If you want to ensure your connection is always private, you can set your VPN connection to be always on. Just go back into your VPN settings and look for an option that says something like “Connect automatically.” This means your VPN will reconnect if it ever disconnects, ensuring a constant private connection.
2. Choose the right server location: If you have the option to select server locations (which many VPN providers offer), think about what you need. If you’re looking to access content from a specific country, make sure to connect to a server in that country. If you’re just browsing and want the fastest connection, usually, servers closer to you geographically will provide a quicker connection.
3. Use split tunneling: This is a feature that some VPN providers offer. It allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which ones connect to the internet normally. This can be useful if certain apps don’t play nicely with VPNs or if you have specific apps you don’t need to secure.
4. Kill switch: This is another feature that some VPN services provide. A kill switch is a security feature that disconnects your device from the internet if your VPN connection drops. It helps to prevent your data from being exposed.
5. Watch for slow connection speeds: VPNs can sometimes slow down your connection. If you notice a significant slowdown, try switching to a different server or protocol if your VPN service allows. You can also try disconnecting and reconnecting.
6. Don’t forget about your smartphone: Many VPN services offer mobile apps. If you’re concerned about security and privacy on your smartphone, consider installing the VPN there as well. Your mobile device is just as susceptible to security breaches as your desktop, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi.
7. Don’t rely solely on your VPN for security: While a VPN provides a good layer of security, it doesn’t protect against all threats. Always keep your antivirus up to date, use strong, unique passwords, and keep your system updated.

FAQ

1. Q: What does a VPN hide?A: A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your online activity. So, if you’re planning to become the next superhero who surfs the internet without anyone knowing, this is your invisibility cloak!
2. Q: Will a VPN make my internet connection slower?A: It might. Running your connection through extra servers isn’t exactly the formula for speed. It’s like taking the scenic route instead of a highway. But hey, who’s in a rush? Life’s too short not to enjoy the detours!
3. Q: Is a VPN like the “incognito” mode on my browser?A: Well, it’s like incognito mode after a triple espresso shot! While incognito mode just hides your activity from being saved on your device, a VPN hides your activity from your ISP, government, and any nosy people trying to peek into your business.
4. Q: Can I watch region-blocked content with a VPN?A: You bet! A VPN can geographically teleport you to another region (not literally, of course!). So, you can finally watch that specific country Netflix library you’ve been dying to see. Time to bring out the popcorn!
5. Q: Can a VPN protect me from all online threats?A: If only that were true, my friend! Using a VPN is like wearing a helmet when riding a bike – it’s essential and protects your head, but it won’t protect you if you decide to juggle chainsaws on the ride. You still need to be careful where you browse and what you download.
6. Q: Why do some websites block me when I use a VPN?A: Some websites just don’t appreciate the mystique! They like to know where their visitors are coming from, or they have region-specific content. When you show up masked with your VPN, they get a bit nervous. It’s nothing personal!

Providers

Popular VPN services that are compatible with Windows:

1. ExpressVPN: Known for its high speeds, strong security, and ease-of-use. It’s a bit pricier than some options, but it has a lot of server locations and is reliable.
2. NordVPN: Offers a good balance between cost and performance. NordVPN has a large network of servers, solid security practices, and is user-friendly.
3. CyberGhost: Known for its user-friendly interface, strong security, and great performance. CyberGhost has a very large number of servers and a competitive price.
4. Surfshark: Offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it on as many devices as you like at the same time. Surfshark is budget-friendly and provides a strong set of security features.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Offers a lot of customization options for advanced users, and it has a large network of servers. It’s a good balance between price and features.