VPN for Windows VPN for WINDOWS
How it works

Private, encrypted connections for your Windows PC

A VPN (virtual private network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your Windows computer and a VPN server. Windows 11 and Windows 10 include a built-in VPN client — this guide explains what it does, when it helps, and exactly how to set it up, step by step.

VPN for WINDOWS Learn the basics
Written for Windows 11 & Windows 10
An open laptop An open laptop whose screen shows a VPN connection named Office VPN using IKEv2, with the status Connected. Settings › Network & internet › VPN Connected Office VPN · IKEv2
Tunnel activeTraffic encrypted
IKEv2Recommended protocol
Public Wi-Fi Local snooping blocked
Server IP shownYour IP stays hidden
Built inWindows 11 and 10 include a native VPN client
6VPN type options in Windows Settings
4Sign-in methods: password, smart card, one-time password, certificate
3Core steps: add, connect, verify
What is VPN for Windows?

An encrypted tunnel, built into Windows

“VPN for Windows” means using a virtual private network on a Windows PC. When the VPN is connected, Windows sends your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server. The server then forwards it to websites and services.

People on the same Wi-Fi network — and your internet provider — see that you are connected to a VPN, but not the content of your traffic. Websites see the VPN server's IP address instead of yours.

Windows has a VPN client in Settings that supports IKEv2, SSTP and L2TP/IPsec. You only need the connection details from your organisation, your own VPN server, or your VPN service.

Read the full explanation

Diagram: your Windows PC sends encrypted traffic through the Wi-Fi network and internet provider to a VPN server, which forwards it to websites. Encrypted VPN tunnel Your Windows PC Wi-Fi & provider VPN server Websites Encrypts traffic Sees encrypted data only Decrypts & forwards See the server's IP
Example: how traffic travels when a VPN is connected on Windows.
Key benefits

Why use a VPN on Windows

A VPN is a practical privacy and access tool. Here are the benefits that matter most for everyday Windows users.

Safer public Wi-Fi

On café, hotel or airport networks, encryption stops other people on the network from reading or tampering with your traffic.

More privacy from your provider

Your internet provider can see that you use a VPN, but not which sites you visit through it or what you send.

Secure remote work

Reach files, intranet pages and internal tools on your work or home network as if you were sitting in the office.

See all benefits and honest limits

Step-by-step

Connect in three steps

The built-in Windows VPN client is set up from the Settings app. Here is the short version — the full guide adds illustrated examples, PowerShell commands and troubleshooting.

Before you start: have your server address, VPN type and sign-in details ready. They come from your organisation, your own VPN server, or your VPN service.

  1. Add the VPN connection

    Open Settings and go to the VPN page, then select Add VPN.

    Settings›Network & internet›VPN

  2. Enter the connection details

    Choose “Windows (built-in)”, type a connection name and server address, pick the VPN type and sign-in method, then select Save.

  3. Connect and verify

    Select Connect. When the status reads “Connected”, your traffic is going through the VPN tunnel.

Ready to set up a secure connection?

Follow the complete, step-by-step guide for Windows 11 and Windows 10 — including verification and troubleshooting.

VPN for WINDOWS Explore the benefits