How to Download a VPN in PC and Laptop? A few years ago, when we met up at a coffee shop on a Sunday to get some work done, we sat down, connected to the internet with our computers, and realized that we didn’t know about the security of our connection. While Mac computers are known for their built-in security features and robust virus protection, Windows computers don’t enjoy the same luxury.

That’s why when we use a Windows Vivobook on the go, we need to connect to a computer VPN to protect our browsing history and enable access to geo-restricted websites. Indeed, even with all the computer VPN options available, they’re not one-size-fits-all, which is why we took the time to find the best computer VPN recommendations for every Windows user and price point.

Windows 10 is the most widely used desktop operating system to date, and almost every provider offers decent Windows VPN applications. It makes sense because the best VPN for Windows will hide your real IP address and encrypt your data, ensuring your online activities are secure and anonymous, making it impossible to trace anything back to you.

However, due to the plethora of choices available, selecting the right Windows VPN for you can be tricky. We compared dozens of VPNs for their ease of use and setup, speed, security, unblocking capabilities, and value for money. If you want to protect your Windows device, read on to discover which VPNs are worth considering. But if you’re in a hurry, here are our top 3 recommended VPNs right now.

Highly-rated NordVPN offers fast and secure servers that can unblock geo-restricted video platforms like Netflix, AbemaTV, Prime Video, and more streaming services. Plus, you get a NordVPN free trial with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

If you’re looking to save money, we recommend Surfshark. for less than $2.50 per month, you’ll have unlimited data and simultaneous connections, rock-solid security, and in-depth features that free VPNs don’t have. Access is fast and all major streaming sites are unlocked. Surfshark is the best value for money.

How to get a free VPN for 30 days:
If you need a VPN for a short period of time while traveling abroad, get our top-ranked VPN for free. NordVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee, which is real. You’ll need to pay upfront to use the subscription, but the subscription allows full access for 30 days. If you don’t like it you can cancel at any time and get a full refund, so you can try it with confidence.

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Why Do I Need a VPN for Windows?

Using the best VPN for Windows can bring many positive changes to your life. Let’s explore what you can do when connected to a VPN:

How to Choose the Right Windows VPN for Your PC

Selecting the ideal Windows VPN for your PC involves evaluating various factors to find the perfect balance between privacy, performance, and ease of use. As you explore your options, remember your unique needs and objectives, as well as essential VPN features, device compatibility, versatility, cost, and customer service.

Assess Your Needs and Objectives

When picking the best Windows VPN for your PC, ask yourself the following questions to determine your personal needs and objectives:

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Basic VPN Features

While most basic features are standard across most VPN providers, you may need to pay extra for advanced features.

Basic features include:

Advanced Features

Device Compatibility and Versatility

If you need a VPN that can be used on multiple devices, make sure the VPN you choose can be installed on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and possibly even routers. You also need to ensure the VPN has a wide range of servers so you can unlock content from around the world.

Cost of Use

Typically, VPNs offer subscription-based plans that can be billed monthly, yearly, or sometimes even every two years. The longer the subscription plan, the lower the monthly cost. Prices can range from $5 to $12 per month, depending on the plan, your commitment, and the VPN provider.

Getting a VPN for your Windows computer won’t have a significant impact on your budget compared to other platforms like Android or Mac because many providers offer support for multiple devices under a single subscription. Some providers may even offer one-time lifetime subscriptions, although these are less common and may come with certain limitations.

To lower your VPN costs, consider:

Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best, as it may lack essential features, performance, or security. Balancing the cost of VPN service with quality and features is crucial.

Customer Service

If you encounter any issues while using a VPN, you’ll need to contact customer service. Ensure the VPN you choose offers 24/7 customer support through live chat or email (most don’t provide phone support). You should also be able to find helpful guides and FAQs on the VPN’s website.

Download a VPN in PC and Laptop – Step by Step

Unlike Linux, the Windows operating system is highly user-oriented, which means you won’t encounter any issues when installing and configuring your chosen VPN on your computer, especially if you intend to use the default application. In short, to activate and run a Windows VPN application, you need to follow these steps:

Start by creating a VPN account:

Choose a reliable VPN, and we recommend NordVPN. Download the Windows VPN application.

Allow the application to make changes to your device, and follow the instructions in the installation wizard.

If you’re a new user, log in to your account or register.

Select a server and connect to the country/region of your choice.

However, if you prefer to manually set up a VPN connection on Windows, please refer to our guide, which provides detailed instructions on how to do so.

Best VPNs in PC – 2023 Oct

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1. NordVPN – The most secure VPN available

NordVPN boasts a vast global network with over 5,600 servers in 60 countries/regions, including multiple server locations in many popular places. This means you won’t have to struggle to connect, and you won’t experience slow speeds due to server congestion. The Windows client is fast to set up, and its map-style interface adds a fun element for experienced users.

It offers plenty of security features, including Tor over VPN and double VPN encryption for enhanced anonymity. NordVPN achieves speeds of over 700 Mbps, making it suitable for installation on routers to protect all your connected devices without sacrificing speed. You can even stream Netflix in 4K without buffering issues. NordVPN’s speed remains consistently fast, ensuring you won’t experience slowdowns.

Our recent tests show that NordVPN can unlock all major streaming services, including Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, and BBC iPlayer. However, NordVPN truly shines when it comes to Netflix. It effortlessly unlocks every region we’ve encountered, allowing you to watch your favorite shows from anywhere in the world while maintaining complete privacy.

After the latest Netflix account crackdowns, many users turned to NordVPN‘s Meshnet feature as a means to bypass password-sharing bans. It allows you to route up to 60 devices through your home network router and access your files and applications remotely. With excellent customer support, customizable pricing plans, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test it extensively before committing your cash.

I’ve tested this to make sure you can indeed get your money back. Initially, the support team tried to extend my trial period, but when I told them I wasn’t interested in an extension, they promptly initiated the refund process. I got my money back within 4 business days. Make sure you buy NordVPN and get another 3 months free >>

How to use NordVPN VPN

To use NordVPN, perform the following simple steps:

Go to the NordVPN website and sign up for a subscription.
Download the NordVPN app for the device you want to use.
Enter your login password in the app.
Enable the Obfuscation Server by going to: Settings > Show Advanced Settings > Obfuscation Server (toggle it on).
Now, connect to one of the obfuscation servers by clicking on the “Servers” tab, and then click to automatically connect to the fastest VPN server, or manually select the server location.
Use NordVPN and unlock all online content.

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2. Surfshark – Recommend the cheapest VPN

If you’re new to VPNs, Surfshark is an excellent provider to start with. Its user-friendly application is feature-rich, and if you upgrade to Surfshark One, you’ll get a complete security suite, including ad-blocking, antivirus, and dark web data leak scans that alert you if your information is compromised.

You can take it a step further by opting for Incogni’s “Ultimate” plan, which automatically requests the deletion of tracking information from leading data brokers to help keep your online activity more private in the world of “big data.” Surfshark offers exceptional value for money and is our top choice for the fastest VPN on the market, with speeds exceeding 950 Mbps, consistently surpassing the limits of our gigabit test line.

It guarantees smooth performance for data-intensive tasks like torrenting, gaming, or streaming online. Speaking of streaming, this Windows VPN can unlock almost all content. In fact, major players are not an issue; you can access Netflix, Amazon Prime, and even BBC iPlayer from anywhere. 9Now, 10Play, ITV, and All4 are no match for Surfshark either.

Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption for impeccable security, but our tests highlighted an issue with its kill switch. It seems to activate well, but it doesn’t always notify us when the VPN connection drops and the kill switch is activated. Without this notification, we can’t be sure if the kill switch is working properly. This issue doesn’t occur every time but is enough to be concerning.

Surfshark‘s customer support is available through live chat, and the website has plenty of useful articles about setup and customization. With unlimited device coverage, you can protect all the devices you own, as well as those owned by your friends and family.

We haven’t tested how “unlimited” it truly is, but considering many leading services force you to purchase another subscription for extra simultaneous device coverage, this is a welcome benefit. You can test the cheapest Windows VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee to see why it’s one of our favorite budget choices.

You can personally try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and its plans start as low as $2.30. Requesting a refund is easy using Surfshark’s live chat feature. While the support team asked me why I wanted to cancel initially, they promptly processed my request, and I had my money back in under 4 days! Make sure you buy Surfshark and get 3 months of service for free>>

How to Download and Install Surfshark

To use Surfshark VPN, perform the following simple steps:

Go to the Surfshark website and sign up for a subscription.
Download the Surfshark app for the device you want to use.
Enter your login credentials in the VPN app.
Enable the NoBorders feature by going to: Settings > Advanced > NoBorders (toggle on).
After activating the NoBorders feature, you can use the VPN as normal.
Enjoy using Surfshark VPN now.

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3. ExpressVPN – The fastest VPN in the world.

ExpressVPN dominates our Windows VPN list with its high-quality and reliable application, an incredibly diverse server selection worldwide, and extensive content unblocking capabilities. Whether you’re a new user or an experienced professional, ExpressVPN’s setup is straightforward and easy to use. With its one-click connect feature, you can quickly connect to the fastest server near you.

Additionally, you’ll find various recommended server options listed below if you want a specific location. ExpressVPN allows you to change locations to any of the 160+ locations and save them as your favorites for all future sessions. For Windows VPN users, other great tools include split tunneling, allowing you to choose which applications bypass VPN encryption if you need to access local sites and services.

You can choose to let only specific applications use VPN or flip it and encrypt all content through your chosen exemptions. Its browser extension adds extra protection and enables a VPN proxy to help you unlock foreign content better. It works in conjunction with the VPN application, so you won’t have to jump between the two every time you want to switch regions.

Moreover, ExpressVPN offers reliable and fast speeds through its proprietary Lightway protocol, which achieves over 20 times the amount needed for 4K ultra-high-definition streaming. Speaking of streaming, our tests show that ExpressVPN can unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer without any issues. It’s also compatible with AppleTV and Roku streaming devices, allowing you to stream your favorite shows from anywhere.

Its no-logs policy is impressive and has been audited by numerous third-party cybersecurity organizations. ExpressVPN doesn’t monitor your online activities or record your IP address. Expert and friendly customer support is available 24/7 through live chat or email to assist you with any potential issues.

Plus, the website contains plenty of articles to help with setup and popular use cases. In summary, ExpressVPN is dedicated to being one of the best VPNs out there.

When I personally tested ExpressVPN’s refund process, the support representative responded to my request in less than a minute via 24/7 live chat. I wasn’t even asked to reconsider or troubleshoot the issue. In fact, my request was processed immediately, and most importantly, I had my money back in less than 5 days! Make sure you get another 3 months free with your ExpressVPN purchase>>

How to set up ExpressVPN VPN

To use ExpressVPN, simply perform the following steps:

Go to the ExpressVPN website and sign up for a subscription.
Log in to your account and download the software for the device you want to use the VPN for.
Open the ExpressVPN app and enter the activation code (from your account page).
Now, connect to one of the nearest servers and use the internet normally.
Instantly use ExpressVPN and unlock all your online content.

Should I Use a Free Computer VPN Provider?

No, using a free VPN on a Windows PC or any other device is not advisable. These services often provide subpar performance in all aspects, including overall security, bypassing geo-blocks, and speed. Furthermore, some free VPNs are disguised as adware and can bombard your computer with malicious ads and viruses. As an appetizer for their paid offerings, or alternatively, many premium VPNs offer generous 30-day money-back guarantees or 7-day free trials for you to try out.

Here are some of the top premium choices that offer extensive security suites for your Windows device, with a free trial option for NordVPN and a 30-day money-back guarantee for Surfshark:

NordVPN – Offers a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark – Provides budget-friendly premium options and can be tested with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why Can’t My Windows VPN Run on My PC?

If your Windows VPN isn’t working on your computer, whether it’s Windows 10 or 11, there could be various reasons behind connectivity issues:

If your Windows VPN isn’t working on your PC, here are some quick troubleshooting methods:

If none of these solutions help, the issue may be with the quality of the VPN provider. If you frequently encounter software issues, consider switching to another VPN service. We recommend NordVPN, which is ranked as the top VPN for Windows.

Conclusion

Reliable and high-performance VPN software for Windows is crucial for significantly improving your computer usage experience. Firstly, it provides security through ad and malware blocking, and secondly, it ensures absolute privacy through traffic encryption and IP address masking. Don’t forget the ability to bypass geographical restrictions by changing your location.

The best VPN for Windows, catering to the most popular desktop operating system, is NordVPN. Its Windows application runs smoothly and offers outstanding features such as threat protection and a mesh network. It’s also one of the fastest VPNs, meaning you won’t even notice it running in the background. Give the service a try and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What Can I Do with a VPN on My PC?

While VPNs were originally developed as a secure way to share data, their applications have become much broader. For example, if you’re using a Windows 10 laptop as a portable multimedia device, you can use a VPN to spoof your PC’s IP address to appear in different parts of the world. This ensures that you won’t miss out on your favorite content when you’re abroad, and you might even discover movies, TV shows, and sports programs that are available in other countries but not in your own.

Virtual Private Networks have also become a crucial tool for unlocking restricted websites on your PC. This is one of the reasons why VPNs are so popular in China, where websites like Google, Facebook, BBC, and CNN are blocked. You can explore more auxiliary uses of VPNs by clicking on links to discover additional content.

How Do I Set Up a VPN on My PC?

Once you’ve chosen the ideal VPN for your PC, getting started is quite simple. We have detailed instructions on how to set up a VPN in a dedicated guide, but anyone, from inexperienced Windows users to absolute professionals, can easily do it.

Simply go to your chosen provider’s website, which will guide you to the download page for Windows. After downloading and installing, most VPN clients will have a large “Connect” button that you can’t miss, along with a long list of countries/regions for you to choose from.

Does Windows 10 Have a Built-In VPN, and Is It Good?

Many people aren’t aware that Windows 10 has its own built-in VPN client, but before you rush to cancel your current VPN subscription, it’s worth understanding the capabilities of Windows’ built-in option.

The most important thing to know is that it’s not a true VPN service, or at least not the kind of service offered by third-party providers that we’re accustomed to. Windows doesn’t grant you access to secure server networks, which is what you pay for when using a VPN service.

Instead, the built-in tool is just a desktop client for connecting to third-party networks. It can’t help you accomplish all the other use cases described above, and its functionality is limited.

What’s more, its setup can be fairly complicated, requiring in-depth knowledge of your network settings and even potential modifications to your router. In contrast, the VPNs listed above can provide protection within seconds, are incredibly user-friendly, and cost only a few dollars per month.

How Secure Is Windows 10?

While not as secure as Windows 11, Windows 10 has significantly improved security and protection compared to previous versions, especially with dedicated Windows antivirus software. Nevertheless, you can never be too safe, and a reliable VPN is an essential tool for anyone surfing the internet today.

Can I Use a VPN on Windows 11?

Yes, you can. All the services we recommended above support the latest version of Windows, and Windows 11 is no longer in its infancy. VPN providers have fully adapted to the changes introduced in the latest operating system.

How Can I Check the VPN Connection Status on Windows 10?

Checking whether you’re connected to a VPN on Windows 10 is straightforward. Simply click on the network icon in the taskbar (on the right side), and the VPN should display as “Connected.”

Can I Use VPN on My Other Devices?

Yes, most VPNs can be installed on multiple devices, including Windows and macOS computers, iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, and even routers. Some VPNs can also be used with gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. Check the VPN provider’s website to see if it’s compatible with your devices.

Is VPN Truly Secure?

VPNs are relatively secure because they obscure your internet traffic and disguise your IP address, making it nearly impossible for others to intercept or monitor your online activities. However, the security of your VPN depends on factors such as the provider’s jurisdiction, encryption type, and privacy policy. Choosing a reputable VPN with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and additional security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection is essential.

Will I Be Tracked While Using a VPN?

While VPNs can significantly enhance your online privacy and security, they cannot guarantee protection against all forms of tracking. Some advanced adversaries, such as government agencies, may still be able to track users through sophisticated techniques. Additionally, using a VPN does not protect you from other forms of tracking, including browser fingerprinting or cookies. To enhance your online anonymity, it’s recommended to combine privacy tools, including a VPN, ad blocker, and anti-tracking browser extensions.