How to Set Up a VPN Connection on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

• To establish a VPN connection on Windows 10, navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, then click on “Add a VPN connection” and enter your connection details.
• You can initiate the VPN connection by heading to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, selecting your connection, and clicking on “Connect.”

Windows 10 features a built-in VPN connection capability that grants individuals and organizations a safe and swift way to connect to a private network via the internet.

The primary function of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is to create an encrypted point-to-point tunnel, utilizing the internet as a pathway to connect users to a distant network, thus allowing them to access the same resources available as if they were physically located at that remote site.

Though the setup process may seem complex for average users, Windows 10 simplifies this with user-friendly settings in the app, enabling connection to a private network without requiring additional software.

This article will guide you through the process of configuring a VPN connection using the Settings application on Windows 10. (These instructions also apply to setting up a VPN on Windows 11.)

• Create a VPN connection on Windows 10
• Connect to a VPN server on Windows 10
• Modify VPN advanced options on Windows 10

Establish a VPN Connection on Windows 10

To access a remote private network using Windows 10’s integrated VPN client, follow these steps:

1. Access Settings on your device.

2. Then select Network & Internet.

3. Next, click on VPN.

4. Click on the “Add a VPN connection” button.

   

5. Select “Windows (built-in)” from the “VPN provider” dropdown menu.

6. Input a meaningful name for your connection.

7. Verify the domain name or IP address of the remote network in the “Server name or address” field. (For instance, if you’re configuring a VPN for your home office, a quick web search for “My IP” will reveal your external IP address in the top result.)

   

8. Choose the Automatic option to let the system determine the connection protocol by default in the “VPN type” section. If your organization has specific requirements, Windows 10 supports various protocol types, including:

   • Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)
   • L2TP/IPsec with certificate
   • L2TP/IPsec with pre-shared key
   • Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP)
   • IKEv2

9. Under “type of sign-in info,” retain the default User name and password settings.

10. To avoid entering your credentials every time you connect, enter your username and password here.

11. Finally, press the Save button.

Upon completion of these steps, the new VPN connection will be viewable under the VPN section of the “Network & Internet” settings.

Connecting to a VPN Server on Windows 10

After configuring the VPN connection, you can use it to access your office network or home network as if you were physically present there.

Establish VPN Connection

Utilize the following steps to connect to your virtual private network on Windows 10:

1. Open Settings.

2. Select Network & Internet.

3. Click on VPN.

4. Choose the VPN connection you created.

5. Press the Connect button.

   

You may also connect to the VPN by clicking the network icon located in the Taskbar’s notification area, selecting the connection from the menu that appears, and then clicking the “Connect” button. If everything is set up properly, the connection will establish in a matter of seconds, indicated by the status showing as “Connected.”

If you experience connection issues, check your settings to ensure accuracy. Common sources of error include incorrect username and password entries, discrepancies in the server name or address, and issues with protocol selection. If the server name is problematic, try connecting using the IP address instead.

Keep in mind that server traffic and congestion could also affect your connection speed and stability.

If you rely on Windows 10’s default security features, the connection should work seamlessly without additional configuration. However, if you have third-party security solutions like antivirus or firewalls in place, verify that they allow the VPN connection to function correctly.

Disconnecting from VPN Session

To disconnect from the VPN on Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Access Settings.

2. Select Network & Internet.

3. Click on VPN.

4. Choose the connection and click the Disconnect button.

You can also disconnect by clicking the network icon in the taskbar’s notification area, choosing the connection, and hitting the “Disconnect” button.

Remove VPN Connection

To eliminate a VPN connection on Windows 10, follow these instructions:

1. Open Settings.

2. Navigate to Network & Internet.

3. Select VPN.

4. Pick the connection and click on the Remove button.

   

5. Confirm by clicking Remove again.

Once these steps are complete, the VPN connection will be deleted from your device.

Modify Advanced VPN Options on Windows 10

If you face challenges while connecting or if the connection requirements change, you may need to adjust the settings of your connection.

To modify advanced VPN settings on Windows 10, execute these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Navigate to Network & Internet.

3. Select VPN.

4. Choose the connection and click the Advanced options button.

   

5. Review the settings under “Connection properties.” If adjustments are necessary, click the Edit button. The “Clear sign-in info” option will be visible if you wish to delete your current username and password.

6. Either set up automatic configurations or manually input proxy settings under the “VPN proxy settings” section. Generally, these settings do not require alteration; only modify them if necessary.

   

In the primary VPN setup area in Windows 10, there are additional settings like “Allow VPN connections over Metered networks” and “Allow VPN to connect while Roaming.” It is advisable to keep these options enabled, particularly if you might need to access a private network via a mobile hotspot.

If you wish to connect to your home network using VPN, refer to these steps to set up a VPN server on your Windows 10 PC without utilizing additional software.

The instructions presented here are designed to assist users in connecting their computers to their organization’s network or establishing a connection to a home VPN server. The process might vary slightly if you’re setting up a VPN merely for online privacy. For example, users with a Microsoft 365 subscription can utilize the VPN capabilities through the “Microsoft Defender” app, requiring only installation and activation of a feature without any further configuration.

Other popular VPN services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark generally provide specific setup instructions related to their services, which may differ from the guidelines shared here.

Update November 6, 2024: This guide has been revised for precision and relevance regarding any updates in the setup process.

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