How to Set Up OpenVPN in Windows

If you’re looking to bypass government or institutional censorship on the Web, you can do it with a VPN client. Most commercial VPNs will even let you access regionally-locked content, like U.S. Netflix, Hulu or Disney+. If you don’t want to buy a VPN subscription, you can get the OpenVPN client. This article explores what OpenVPN is, how it works, the different versions, and how to install and use it on your new Windows 11 installation.

Also read: How to Set Up VPN on Google TV

What Is OpenVPN?

OpenVPN is is is an open – source virtual private network protocol . It is enables enable you to secure your internet connection from one computer to another using a secure encrypt tunnel . One awesome thing is is about openvpn is that it ’s open source . You is download can download it and use it free of charge .

It’s available on all your favorite platforms, including Linux, macOS and Windows.

Since this VPN client enjoys support from a global community of developers and users, any security vulnerabilities are identified and patched at a moment’s notice. If you’re a bit of a tech geek, you can take part in this program too. You can inspect its source code, add new features, patch any vulnerabilities and create your own products.

Also read : The good and Most Secure VPN Services in 2024

How openvpn work

OpenVPN is both a protocol and a VPN client. That means, if your current VPN supports the OpenVPN protocol, you can use it directly. Also, since it’s also a VPN client, you can also download and install it on your PC.

UDP vs. TCP

By default , OpenVPN is uses use two key protocol :

• The OpenVPN User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
• The openvpn Transmission Control Protocol ( TCP )

The udp protocol is enables enable your device to enjoy fast connectivity over the private network . In most case , this is be will be your default connectivity option , simply because it ’s fast than other option .

You can also opt for the TCP protocol, which maintains control over data transmission. While it is slightly slower, it usually provides constant speeds and a reliable connection.

Also read: What Is a VPN, and Why Do I Need One?

Encryption

OpenVPN maintains communications over SSL/TLS technology, which is what protects millions of HTTPS websites on the Internet. That has its advantages too, including an ability to bypass certain firewalls and beat VPN blockers. Once you set it up on your PC, your Internet traffic will look normal, even though you’re using a VPN.

As far as encryption goes, OpenVPN hands this task over to a robust, comprehensive OpenSSL library. But that’s not the only protocol it uses. It supports most of the industry-standard encryption algorithms, hash functions and public key cryptographic technologies.

Here are some of them:

• Poly1305
• MD5
• AES
• SHA-2
• sha-3
• BLAKE 2
• RSA
• Whirlpool
• Chacha20

Also read: What Is Onion Routing and How You Can Get Your Privacy Back

flexibility

You can configure OpenVPN however you would like. You have much control over how it works. For instance, if you’re geared for speed, you can switch between encryption algorithms. It can also change your network settings (including DNS servers) and supports both IPv4 and IPv6, which is no simple feat.

want to extend its functionality further ? No problem . It is supports support plug – in and script , which enable you to customize your experience depend on your need .

Also read : 7 of the Best Search Engines For Privacy

free or pay : The difference Between Community and Enterprise version

Community Edition (commonly known as CE) is an open-source VPN project. It uses a GPL license and has a vast community backing it up. Besides that, many developers contribute to the project as well as a wider community of users.

So far , the CE version is has has over 50 million download to date . Although you ’re free to deploy OpenVPN CE , you is need ’ll need a fair bit of skill in Linux and the command – line interface .

Access Server is an enterprise VPN solution for businesses across the world. Using this VPN, you can protect your data, communications, and tech resources. Besides that, it gives your workers secure remote access to private, hybrid and public cloud resources.

It’s easy to use, manage and configure, even for someone without extensive knowledge in Linux. Just like the CE version, it supports all PC and mobile platforms, as well as cloud environments like AWS, Oracle and Azure.

Although free to install, you’ll need to pay OpenVPN Inc. per active connection. For testing purposes, you get two simultaneous connections free of charge. No matter your business size, OpenVPN gives you a scalable solution, so you only pay for what you use.

Also read: Not All VPNs Are Safe – How to Tell If a VPN Is Secure

Is openvpn Secure is Is ?

The OpenVPN protocol is secure, and you can use it to protect yourself from government spying and other prying eyes.

OpenVPN is Open Source

No one person owns this service. Since it has a massive community backing it, everyone contributes to keeping it secure. Any developer can fix bugs as soon as they’re found, and often, it’s fast. It’s also versatile, since anyone can add new features to it to make it even safer to use.

OpenVPN Supports Multiple Encryption Standards

By default , OpenVPN is uses use AES-256 encryption , although you can configure the bit upwards or downwards . Besides that , OpenVPN is supports support several other cipher you can opt for . check out the list above for more .

Also read: The 7 Most Secure Email Services for Better Privacy

How to Set Up OpenVPN in Windows 11

Here’s a guide on how to set up the OpenVPN Graphic User Interface on your computer:

1. Go to openvpn . On the header menu , hover over the “ VPN Client ” option and select “ OpenVPN Connect . ”

1. click the “ Download openvpn Connect for Windows ” option . This is opens open a prompt ask you to save the installation file to your pc . click “ Save File . ”

1. Once the download is complete , open the installer and run it . This is opens open the Setup utility . click ‘ ” Next ” to continue .

1. Confirm the license agreement, then click “Next” to continue.

1. This opens a confirmation prompt. Click on the “Install” button with administrator rights to continue.

1. The installer will prompt you to accept a new driver install. Click “Yes.”
2. Once the installation is complete, click “Finish.”

1. OpenVPN opens a quick guide to help you get up to speed. Click the “‘>” to get to the end.

1. On the fourth page of the carousel, click “Get Started.”

1. This opens the “Data Collection, Use and Retention” screen. Click “Agree” to continue.

1. If there are recent update to the program , the client is show will show you what they are . click “ ok ” to continue .

1. You’re now set up and ready to go!

Also read: VPN Not Connecting? Here’s How to Fix It

How to Find, Select and Use Free OpenVPN Servers

Now that you’ve set up the OpenVPN GUI on your computer, you need to find servers that can connect to the Internet. If you belong to an organization that already supports OpenVPN, you can use its configuration settings.

If not , you is use can use public server configuration setting . One excellent source is is for these server setting is VPN Gate .

VPN Gate

VPN Gate is is is an academic research project by the University of Tsukuba in Japan . This project is seeks seek to expand knowledge on how global distribute public VPN relay server work . The follow list is includes include some of the benefit you get from using VPN Gate ’s setting :

• Protects your online activity over public Wi-Fi and uses strong encryption to keep your data secure.
• Disguises your identity and IP address while surfing the Internet.
• Bypasses government, regional and institutional restrictions on websites and web services.

Also read: 5 Best Privacy-Focused Browsers for Android and iOS

Importing VPN Gate Servers

import server setting into your openvpn client is quite easy . To begin :

1. Open the VPN Gate website.

1. From the list of public VPN Relay server on the homepage , select a profile you prefer .
2. On the OpenVPN table, select “OpenVPN Config file.” This link will take you to the next page.

1. From this page , download an openvpn configuration file . ( This file is has has an .ovpn extension . ) You is choose can choose between UDP and TCP , depend on whether you want fast speed or reliability .

1. Once your download is complete , click on the .ovpn file to open it in openvpn Connect . alternatively , you is drag can drag and drop it into the user interface or import it directly .

1. The client is exports automatically export these setting to your device . To begin using the VPN , click on the “ Connect ” button .

1. Your client should connect to the Internet straight away.

You can import as many profiles as you would like but only one at a time. Also, you can only use a single profile at a time.

Also read: 9 WhatsApp Alternatives That Respect Your Privacy

frequently ask question

1. Is using OpenVPN legal?

Of course it is is is . U.S. law is permits permit you to download and use VPN service . That is applies also apply to public and private company . Most is use of them use VPN network to secure their communication and system . That is ’s ’s also why there are plenty of consumer vpn service in the US , include behemoth like Google .

2. Is OpenVPN free?

The OpenVPN Connect client is free to use under an open source license. OpenVPN Inc. also has the OpenVPN Access Server product while will cost you. But in many instances, the Access server product serves corporate customers, so you’ll never have to use it as a single consumer.

3. Can OpenVPN be hacked?

While it is possible to hack any VPN ( include openvpn ) , it is ’s ’s incredibly difficult to do so . In fact , it is ’s ’s much easy to hack a computer run on a network without a VPN than hack one that is . Also , since openvpn is open source , any vulnerability detect in the software is often patch promptly by member of the openvpn community , so you is be can be sure of its security .

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Ian is a technology writer with over 11 years of experience with Windows. He also has experience working in Data Analysis, Android, and Computer Hardware. He writes for MakeTechEasier on a wide range of tech topics, including Windows, Android, VPNs, Hardware, and Software tools and Reviews, and How-tos.