A VPN is one of the most effective tools for keeping your device secure and your data safe.
Installation is very easy: all the user has to do is follow the instructions. You can either use one of the dedicated apps (for Win, Mac, or iOS, to name a few) or the Microsoft built-in VPN client.
Virtual Private Networks are a relatively new piece of tech. However, to stay secure and private online, every single user on the Internet needs one.
In this post, we’ll talk about the very essence of this technology and the more advanced settings. Besides, we’ve prepared a user-friendly step-by-step how to set up a VPN Windows 10 guide.
Along with keeping you protected 24/7, a VPN can also be used for accessing streaming services like Netflix. Its geo-restricting policies won’t let you watch the shows, unless you’re in the US. Same goes for, say, Hulu and HBO.
With a VPN, that can be fixed within seconds. Hassle-free torrenting is another reason to consider purchasing a robust VPN service.
HTTPS is doing an excellent job of protecting personal information. But, it’s not enough in 2019; besides, it doesn’t keep the ISPs from spying on you.
Yes, Internet Service Providers are continually monitoring user activity and handing over their data to advertisers and even government agencies. With a VPN, none of that will be a problem for you anymore.
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How to Set up A VPN In Windows 10?
The vast majority of VPN services come with dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Furthermore, there are apps for Linux, routers, and even browser extensions (for Google and Firefox, for example).
The leaders in the industry – ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost have some of the best apps/clients. However, some VPN providers don’t have their own clients.
That’s when Microsoft’s built-in VPN client comes to aid. It’s also very handy when a user wants to switch to a different protocol, one that’s not supported by the VPN.
The biggest downside to this approach – you will have to pick one server and stick with it, as opposed to quickly switching between dozens of locations around the globe. Here’s our step-by-step guide:
- Step 1 – Click on the Cortana button/search bar and enter “VPN”
- Step 2 – Change Virtual Private Networks will be the first option. But, you can also go to Settings – Network & Internet – VPN
- Step 3 – Next, select Add A VPN Connection.
- Step 4 – A screen will appear. In the “VPN Provider” drop-down menu, select the built-in Microsoft provider. Once you do that, you’ll see Automatic under “VPN Type.” Plus, User Name And Password will appear in “Type Of Sign-In Info.”
- Step 5 – Connection Name and Server Name Or Address should be filled out next. These will be different, depending on your VPN service.
- Step 6 – Use your mouse to scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Enter the username and password that you got from the VPN provider.
- Step 7 – Hit Save, and close the Settings menu.
- Step 8 – See the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar? Click on it and select the VPN connection we just created.
- Step 9 – The system will automatically launch it.
This is how you install a VPN on Windows 10. This method works with PPTP, L2TP, and other protocols, but not IKEv2. It’s a bit more complicated:
- Download your VPN’s IKEv2 certificate from the official website
- Then, double-click on the file to open it (don’t pay attention to the system warning).
- Once you hit “Install Certificate,” the CIW (Certificate Import Wizard) will appear on the screen.
- Click on Local Machine and hit next.
- Select “Place all certificates in the following store” and Browse.
- In the tiny window that opens, go with “Trusted Root Certification Authorities.” Click Ok.
- This is it for the first part! All you’ll have to do to complete installation is click OK, Next, and Finish.
- Once the certificate is installed on your device, repeat the steps from the previous guide. This is important: you’ll need to select IKEv2 in “VPN Type” this time around.
What You Need to Know About Using A VPN
The Internet has taken over the world, and today, it’s available in almost every single part of the globe. Compared to a decade ago, modern-day users have access to ten times more information online. Sadly, the bigger the World Wide Web gets, the harder it becomes to control it. There are numerous types of malware out there, and without proper protection, you will be vulnerable to attacks.
People exchange personal data through non-secured servers every day, not to mention sensitive business information. Bank accounts, passwords, logins – everything can be traced and stolen, unless you have a VPN to hide your activities online. Identity theft is a real threat, and hackers have more sophisticated tools for stealing personal data than ever before.
Most users don’t even know about these dangers and keep surfing the Internet without any protection. Antiviruses are excellent tools, but a VPN is still a must, especially if you want to turn into a digital shadow.
With it, your activity will be encrypted, and your traffic will be routed through a secure server. And even when the criminals find a way to monitor your actions online, they’ll also see encrypted data.
Advanced VPN Settings
The list of available settings and features is always different, depending on the VPN. This is why we’ll focus on the most general options that you will, most likely, see in your software.
We highly recommend going through the official manuals and pushing some buttons on your own to learn more about the apps. After all, it is one of the best ways to figure out what a particular product can do.
Most аdecent VPNs come with a feature called Kill Switch. When it’s on, your Internet connection will be shut down the second the VPN goes off. Without a Kill Switch, your computer/mobile device will become vulnerable to outside threats.
And, nothing will happen until you notice the VPN is disconnected and connect it again.
A choice between several VPN protocols is also something most services provide. For the regular users, this can be a bit intimidating, as there are usually no explanations as to what each protocol is capable of.
Therefore, if you don’t know your way around this topic, it would be best to leave everything the way it is. The default protocols are, in most cases, the most suitable ones.
On the other hand, if you do want to experiment a bit with the protocols, OpenVPN should be your choice. The experts call it the most user-friendly and popular offer on the market.
This is an open-source product, which means people can access it from their devices, detect, and report vulnerabilities in the code.
IKEv2 is also a highly capable protocol. It’s more complicated than OpenVPN and doesn’t work with Linux.
Keep in mind that while OpenVPN is, indeed, very popular, it is not always compatible with iOS and macOS. PPTP, SSTP and L2TP/IPSec are also available, but they can’t compare to the ones we mentioned.
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This is it for our How To Setup A VPN guide. As you can see, it’s not that hard to install a VPN on Win 10. Just make sure to follow our manual carefully, and you’ll be done in no time.
Thanks to stiff competition, Virtual Private Networks won’t cost you much in 2019, and most of us can afford them.
Don’t forget that you can always take advantage of discounts and free trials. Besides, if you commit for a year or for longer, that will allow you to save a significant amount of money.
The best thing about VPNs – you don’t need a science degree to make them work.
All the user is required to do is launch the client, switch it on, choose a server to connect to, and that’s it! Summing up: right now, a VPN is your best protector against, well, most online threats.
