It may seem difficult to set up a VPN on Windows 10 at first, but when you figure out how to use Windows’ built in VPN provider, it’s super easy!
With the rate at which cyber attacks are increasing, you may be interested in setting up a VPN on your computer. For those unfamiliar, VPN stands for virtual private network, and they’re used by people who don’t want their IP to be tracked. First and foremost we want to say that the easiest way to run a VPN on Windows 10 is to download and install it from the Windows Store. The same route you would take for all the previous versions of Windows. However, it’s not all that effective compared to the built-in VPN client that Windows 10 provides.
Keep in mind that VPNs provide multiple benefits. All of which are worth the small hassle of this process. Benefits including IP protection, ad blocking, and more. Below you’re going to find a complete guide that will teach you how to set up and use Microsoft’s built-in VPN client for Windows 10.
Prerequisites
Before following our guide, you’ll need to select a VPN service. There are dozens out there, along with easily accessible rankings so you’ll know which ones are best. Keep in mind that you need to use this because Microsoft provides a VPN client, not an actual VPN. This client is what will manage the VPN you choose.
During the set up process you’ll need to have your VPN protocol on hand. In simple terms, a VPN protocol essentially describes the level of security the VPN provides. Some examples are SSTP, OpenVPN, and PPTP. The VPN you choose will have its protocols listed, so all you have to do is input your protocol when Windows asks for it. But don’t worry about that right now. We’ve still got to go through the early steps! Let’s get into it.
Creating and Connecting to Your VPN Profile
- First thing you’ll need to do is open up your Windows 10 computer. Click the Start button in the bottom left hand corner, and choose Settings.
- By choosing settings you’ll have opened up an entirely new window. A menu will be present. On this menu, select Network & Internet.
- In the following menu, select VPN.
- Choose the Add a VPN connection option. .
- You should now be on a configuration screen of sorts. On this screen, select VPN Provider, and choose the option that says Windows (built-in).
- Move towards the Connection Name input box. In this box, input the name of that you’ll be giving to this connection. This is particularly important for people who have multiple connections. You don’t want to mix them up!
- Move towards the server name or address box. In this box you’ll want to input the address of the server you’re connecting. It needs to be the exact address. The actual VPN service you are using should have this information. The address will look somewhat like a URL.
- Select the VPN protocol button. This is where you need to reflect back upon our note in prerequisites. Select the VPN protocol that your VPN service uses on the drop down menu. Your VPN service will have their protocol listed clearly on one of their first pages and/or tabs.
- You’re now going to need to sign in or sign up for a VPN profile with your VPN service. This means you can password protect the connection. Choose the Save option when you’re all good to go.
- Go back to your Network & Internet settings page (as listed out in the previous few steps). Choose VPN, and you’ll have your list of connections. The one you added will be present in that list. If you want to connect it right away, all you have to do is click it, and choose connect!
Congratulations! You’ve connected your very first VPN! You can now bask in the convenience of a protected IP, and no advertisements! For more information on how to use Microsoft’s built-in Windows 10 VPN provider, feel free to leave a comment. Cheers!