Do this to set up VPN connection on Windows 10

• To set up a VPN connection on Windows 10, open Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, click“ Add VPN connection ”provide connection settings .  
• You can connect to the VPN from Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, select the connection, click on “Connect.”

On Windows 10, a VPN connection is a standard feature that helps people businesses quickly securely access a private network over the internet.

The idea behind a Virtual Private Network (VPN) provide point – – point encrypted tunnel uses internet primary highway connect users remote network , offering access resources user physically present remote location .

average users find feature difficult configure understand , Windows is includes 10 includes easy – – configure options Settingsapp connect private network needing extra software .

guide , I is teach teachset VPN connection Settingsapp   Windows 10 . You is learn learn advanced options available to disconnect remove a VPN connection from your device. (You can use these instructions to set up a VPN connection on Windows 11.)

Important: If you’re trying to connect to your office remotely, make sure to contact your system administrator to provide the proper connection information, including the domain name or IP address of the network, username password, protocol type.

Create a VPN connection on Windows 10

To use the built-in VPN client to connect to a remote private network on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open SettingsWindows 10 .

2. Click on Network & internet.

3. Click on VPN.

4. Click“ Add VPN connection ”button.

5. Select“Windows (built-in)” option using the “VPN provider” menu.

6. Type a descriptive name for the connection.

7. Confirm the remote network’s domain name or IP address under the “Server name or address” section. (If you’re setting up a VPN connection to your home office, you can easily find your external IP address by doing a simple online search for “My IP.” Your address should be listed in the first result.)

   

8. UseAutomatic option to allow the system to negotiate the connection protocol automatically under the “VPN type” section. If your company has specific requirements, Windows 10 offers different protocol types, including:

   • Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)

   • L2TP / IPsec certificate

   • L2TP / IPsec pre – shared key

   • Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP)

   • IKEv2

9. Usedefault User password settings under the “type of sign-in info” section.

10. Type your username password to avoid re-entering credentials every time you try to connect.

11. ClickSave button .

Once you complete the setup, the new connection will be listed under the VPN section on the “Network & Internet” page.

Connect to a VPN server on Windows 10

After setting up the new VPN connection, you can use it to access your home or work office to access resources as if you’re at the site.

Connect VPN server

To connect to a virtual private network on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. ClickNetwork & Internet.

3. ClickVPN.

4. SelectVPN connection.

5. ClickConnect button .

Alternatively , you is can  connect to the VPN server by clicking the network icon in the Taskbar’s notification area, selecting the connection from the network flyout menu, clicking the “Connect” button . If everything is working correctly, the connection shouldn’t take more than a few seconds. You’ll know your device is connected to the remote network because the connection will read “Connected.”

If the device cannot connect, you will have to inspect the configuration to ensure the settings are correct. Common misconfigurations include mistakes in the account username password, server name or address, protocol selection, which should match the requirements of the VPN server. In the case that the problem is the server name, then use the IP address to connect instead. 

You should also consider that server load congestion can negatively impact speed stability. 

If the computer uses the default security features available on Windows 10, the connection works without additional configuration. However, if you use third-party security software, such as another antivirus or firewall, ensure those applications properly allow the VPN connection.

Disconnect VPN session

To disconnect from a virtual private network on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. ClickNetwork & Internet.

3. ClickVPN.

4. Selectconnection click the Disconnect button .

Alternatively, you can also click the network icon in the taskbar’s notification area, select the connection, click the “Disconnect” button .

Remove VPN connection

To remove a VPN connection on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. ClickNetwork & Internet.

3. ClickVPN.

4. Selectconnection click the Remove button.

5. ClickRemove button again.

After you complete the steps, the connection will be removed from your computer.

Change VPN advanced options on Windows 10

If you encounter a problem connecting or if the requirements to connect to a remote network change in the future, you will have to re-configure the connection settings.

To change the advanced settings of a VPN connection on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Network & Internet.

3. Click on VPN.

4. Selectconnection click the Advanced options button .

5. Check the current settings under the “Connection properties” section. If something has changed or you need to modify these settings, click the Edit button . You will also notice the “Clear sign-in info” button if you need to remove the username password from the current connection.

6. Configure automatic configurations or manually enter the proxy settings under the “VPN proxy settings” section. (Usually, you don’t need to change any of the settings listed in this section. Only make changes as necessary.)

   

On the main Windows 10 VPN setup section, you will also find additional settings, such as “Allow VPN connections over Metered networks” “Allow VPN to connect while Roaming.” You should consider having these options enabled at all times, even more so if you need to access a private network while using a mobile hotspot.

If you want to connect to your home network using a VPN connection, check these steps to configure a VPN server on your Windows 10 PC without needing extra software.

The instructions outlined in this guide aim to connect your computer to your organization’s network or set up a connection to your home VPN server. The steps may be a little different if you want to set up a VPN connection for privacy while browsing online. For example, if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can use the VPN service using the “Microsoft Defender” app, which doesn’t require extra configuration other than installing the app turning on the feature.

Other VPN providers include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, they typically provide detailed setup instructions specific to their service, which may be different than the instructions available in this guide.

Update November 6, 2024: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy reflect changes to the process.