How to Connect to a VPN in Windows 7
With the exception of a few legacy VPN apps that don’t work with Windows 10, all of the major VPN apps support Windows 7 and 8.1. And if you’re using one of these apps and it stops working, you can almost always find a replacement. The problem is a little different if you’re using one of the older versions of Windows. Thankfully, there are still a few options for older versions as well.
The Best Free VPN For Windows 7
As we’ve established, all of the major VPN apps support Windows 7 and 8.1. And if you download the free version of the app, you get all the features, including the VPN connection, server selection, and login credentials. There are a few excellent free VPNs for Windows 7 that you should try out.
1. NordVPN
While NordVPN does support Windows 10, it’s optimized for Windows 7 and 8.1. It’s also available for Android, Apple iOS, and some browsers. What this means is that, even though you’re not necessarily using the app, it’s doing its job and keeping your traffic encrypted.
We’ve talked about NordVPN in depth before. It’s been around for a while and has collected a lot of positive feedback. There’s also a wealth of information online if you need further help. If you’re looking for a free VPN for Windows 7, why not try out NordVPN?
2. IPVANISH
IPVANISH is yet another excellent free VPN for Windows 7 and 8.1. And just like NordVPN, IPVANISH is also available for Android, iOS, and some browsers. It offers a lot of great features for free as well including a kill switch, automatic logging, and a 12-hour free trial. So not only is it free, but it also has some great tools to improve your privacy online. You can read our full review of IPVANISH right here.
3. STRONGVPN
Also available for Windows 7 and 8.1, STRONGVPN is another great free VPN that you should try out. This app is a bit lighter on the resources than most other free VPNs and it also comes with a helpful tutorial, which you can access at any time by clicking F1. You’ll find the tutorial quite useful if you’re new to VPNs or use this one frequently. While the majority of the free VPNs we’ve talked about so far are great, there’s always the option of free premium accounts which provide additional features.
The Best Windows 7 VPNs
There are a few more options for Windows 7 and 8.1 that you should try out. Most of these VPNs are free, which is great, or have a free version that you can use. What it comes down to is how well their apps work for Windows 7 and 8.1. If you have one of those older versions of Windows, you may experience a few glitches here and there, but nothing major. And if you’re still using Windows 7, you should try out one of these VPNs anyway, as it’s the last version of Windows that still gets regular security updates, which means fewer holes for cybercriminals to exploit.
1. LOGIN CREDENTIALS
What if we told you there was a way to make your PC more secure and private? We’re sure you’re thinking about it, and for good reason. After all, in today’s world, your PC can be more dangerous than ever before. Hackers are getting smarter, and with cybercrime on the rise, it’s more important than ever to protect your information and digital assets. One way to do this is with a VPN. When you log in with your VPN credentials, you can ensure that no one else can access your PC, which prevents hackers from gaining unauthorized access and information. Some VPNs even offer additional feature such as hiding your IP address, so it looks like you’re browsing from another location. This can be useful if your area is restricted, or you want to browse the web anonymously.
You can set your VPN app to automatically connect when you start your PC or login to Windows. Meaning, you don’t have to do it manually. This can be handy if you’re using a laptop and constantly have to stop by a cafe to work. Or if you use a public Wi-Fi in a hotel while traveling. Once you set up your VPN app to connect automatically, every time you start your computer or log in, you’ll be connected to the VPN and can ensure your security and privacy.
2. SECURE AND PRIVATE BROWSING
If you want to be able to browse the web safely and privately, you can use a VPN. And what’s great is that you don’t need to stop using the internet altogether. Instead, you can use private browsing mode, which prevents third parties, including websites, from tracking your online activity. This mode forces websites to request your permission before they can track your activity. And if you’re on a public Wi-Fi hotspot, this can be a great way to ensure your safety and privacy while using the web.
3. LOGGING IN WITH YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
If you use the same social security number (SSN) for your VPN account as you do for your regular account, you can easily log in to your VPN account when you login to Windows. This is because Windows and most other apps will assume you’re already logged in and connect to your VPN automatically. This can also be handy if you switch back and forth between your desktop and laptop frequently, or if you use multiple computers. Instead of having to re-enter your credentials every time you use a fresh PC or device. Simply log in with your VPN and you’ll be good to go.
A VPN and AdBlocker
One of the great things about a VPN is that it works with AdBlockers. This is especially useful if you have multiple devices, since you can use a VPN with just one account and avoid having to create separate VPN accounts for each device. Let’s say you have a laptop, desktop, and tablet. You can install and use AdBlockers on all of these devices, so when you login to your VPN account, you’ll be able to access your protected content without any problems. Your VPN app will automatically detect which device you’re using and connect you correctly. There’s no need to manually select which VPN app to use on each device.
Using a VPN while Gaming
We’re sure you’ve heard of VPNs and how important they are for security and privacy when using the internet. However, did you know that you can use a VPN while playing games? If you’re playing on a console or using a dedicated gaming PC, you can easily connect to a VPN and use its secure connection to improve your gameplay. This is especially beneficial if you’re using unlicenced software or have leftover files from hackers, since they can cause major performance problems for your gaming device. Connecting to a VPN can also help in preventing hackers from accessing your personal info, which can be a real game-changer for personal gaming devices. Many gaming devices utilize a lot of memory and processing power, and you don’t want to risk anything by not having a VPN.
Summary
VPNs are great if you’re looking for a simple and easy way to ensure your security and privacy while online. There are several excellent free options for Windows 7 and 8.1, as well as other platforms, which you should try out. Remember, your computer is a dangerous place, and with all the vulnerabilities and security holes, it can be more dangerous than ever before. Make sure you take the time to learn all you can about VPNs and how to properly use them, so you can properly protect yourself online. Good luck out there.