We've covered virtual private networks and when you lot might want to use them before. Connecting to a VPN is like shooting fish in a barrel, as Windows and about other operating systems offer congenital-in VPN support.

The Like shooting fish in a barrel Manner: Use a VPN Client

Note that some VPN providers offer their own desktop clients, which means y'all won't need the setup process described in this guide. All of our favorite VPNs—including ExpressVPN, our top pick—offer their own desktop application for connecting to their VPNs and selecting VPN server locations.

ExpressVPN main screen

The Best VPN Services of 2022

ExpressVPN

SurfShark

Windscribe

ProtonVPN

Hide.me

ExpressVPN

Individual Cyberspace Access

NordVPN

CyberGhost

VyprVPN

Mullvad VPN

Windows x

Windows 10 supports PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP, and IKEv2 connections without any third-party software.

To connect to a VPN on Windows ten, head to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN. Click the "Add together a VPN connection" push to set up a new VPN connection.

Provide the connectedness details for your VPN. You tin enter any proper noun you like under "Connexion Name". This name is just used on your computer to assist you place the VPN connexion.

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

Once yous've set a VPN, you'll come across it in the network popup menu side by side to any nearby Wi-Fi networks.

Click the network name in the popup menu and Windows will open the Settings > Network & Net > VPN window for you. Select the VPN and click "Connect" to connect to it. Y'all can likewise configure or remove VPN connections from here.

RELATED: What Is a VPN, and Why Would I Need One?

Windows seven and eight

To connect to a VPN on Windows 7, printing the Windows key and, blazon VPN, and press Enter. (Note: If you're using Windows eight, the process will exist very similar, but some of the windows may wait a little different.)

Enter the address of your VPN provider in the Internet Address box. You tin can enter an accost like vpn.example.com or a numerical IP accost, depending on the server data your VPN provider gave y'all.

Y'all should also enter a Destination name—this can be anything you like. Information technology's only used to assistance you call back which VPN connection is which.

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

Windows volition connect y'all to the VPN you configured. If you checked the "Don't connect now" checkbox on the first screen, Windows will save the VPN connexion so you tin easily connect later.

Once connected, yous tin click the network icon in your organisation tray to view your VPN connections. While connected to a VPN, all your network traffic will exist sent over it.

To disconnect from a VPN, click it and click "Disconnect". You tin and so reconnect to information technology afterward by clicking it and selecting Connect. You can 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. Correct-click a VPN connection and use the Delete option.