How to Create a VPN on Windows 10 for Free
The most useful tool for every PC user is always the internet. Whether you need to complete a school assignment, want to research a topic, or just want to browse the web, these devices have you covered! There are a variety of situations where you need to use a VPN to ensure your security and privacy when connecting to public WiFI hotspots, connecting to colleagues’ devices, or when using public computers in workplaces.
If you’re finding that maintaining a VPN connection is slowing down your device, or if you just want to keep your personal information secure whenever you use public WiFI, you can consider installing a VPN app. This article will walk you through the steps to create a free VPN on your Windows 10 device.
The Need For A VPN
With the number of data breaches increasing each year, the importance of maintaining privacy and security when using public WiFI hotspots is paramount. Even worse, many public hotspots are not secured, meaning anyone within range can monitor, view, and steal your data. To ensure your security and privacy, you can set up a VPN on your device. A VPN encrypts your traffic, shielding you from eavesdroppers. This prevents others from seeing what you’re doing online or storing on your device. It also prevents hackers from stealing your personal data. So, as you can see, a VPN can protect you in a variety of situations.
A VPN is also highly useful if you don’t want your employer, school, or college to see your online activity. Many employers monitor employees’ activity, looking for signs of productivity or creativity. If you’re in a school or college, your professors may monitor your progress through your grades. All of this can be avoided with a VPN! By creating a VPN on your device, you’re able to keep your personal information secure no matter where you are or what you’re doing. You’ll also be able to easily encrypt any private communications with friends, family, or coworkers. They will never know what you’re doing unless you tell them!
Choosing a VPN to utilize on your Windows device is extremely easy. We won’t choose OpenVPN because it is one of the most popular VPNs out there. Instead, we’ll use the excellent and free PPVPN app. Not only does it offer great functionality, but it also regularly updates its servers, ensuring you always have a good connection. If you’d like to learn more about the PPVPN app, you can visit its website directly or click here to download the Windows app.
Once you have your PPVPN app installed and running on your device, you’ll see a plus symbol in the upper right-hand corner. This is your VPN connection tray. Whenever you connect to a public WiFi hotspot, you’ll see a notification pop up in the tray, letting you know you’ve connected to a VPN. You can also easily connect to a VPN when you restart your device or when you log in for the first time after a restart.
How To Create A VPN On Windows 10
The first thing you’ll need to do to create a VPN on your Windows device is to visit the Windows Store and download the appropriate app for your needs. For today, we’ll use the PPVPN app, as we just mentioned. Once the app is installed and running on your device, you’ll see a plus symbol in the upper right-hand corner. This is your VPN connection tray. To create a VPN, click the tray, and a popup will appear, asking you to enter a name for your VPN (we’ll call it The Pond). Now, you’ll have to enter a username and a password for your VPN. As we mentioned before, a VPN is extremely useful for privacy and security, so it’s important you choose a secure password. You can also generate a secure password with this app or follow the instructions on their website (the Pond website).
The next step is to visit the Settings app on your device and navigate to the network adapter. Depending on the version of Windows you have, you may see a list of available network connections. If you can’t find the adapter under Network & Internet, you can also access it directly from the Devices app. Once you’re on the adapter screen, click the gear button to the right of the connection you want to use for VPN (we’ll call it VPN 1). Now, you’ll have to choose the Type of VPN connection. For today, we’ll choose the PPVPN app, as we just mentioned, and then scroll down and click the Trustworthy option. Finally, you’ll have to select the option that says VPN is always on. Your PPVPN app should now be configured, and you can click the Start button to connect to VPN 1 whenever you want.
If you’d like a VPN connection on additional network adapters, you can repeat this process. We’ll call our second VPN connection VPN 2, and then follow the same steps, using the gear icon to the right of VPN 2 and selecting the option for a trustworthy VPN app. This will create a VPN connection on VPN 2 that is always on and connected to the internet. You can continue to create additional VPN connections and toggle them on and off whenever you need them, using the network adapters’ gear icons and the trustworthy VPN apps. When you’re finished, click the blue Trustworthy symbol at the top right of the main screen to save your configuration. You can now connect to VPNs whenever you want by simply clicking the Network icon in the taskbar and selecting the connection you want to use.
You may need to restart your device after creating your first VPN connection. Simply hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and press R on your keyboard to reboot. Your device will need to reboot once you’ve created your first VPN connection to get it working properly. When you’re finished, you can disconnect from the VPNs when you want by clicking on the connected symbol at the top right of the main screen and selecting the appropriate option. Remember, these VPNs will still be present on your device, ready to use whenever you need them. Just click the Network icon in the taskbar to connect to the VPN you need.
You’re now capable of using a VPN on your device! Since you are most likely still reading this, it’s time for you to go ahead and try out your new-found freedom, connected to a VPN that is always on and always secure. Go ahead…enjoy yourself!
Should you need help or have any questions, please feel free to visit our support page or reach out to us directly. We’re always available to help – and we want to make sure you have a good experience with our products. So, don’t hesitate to get in touch!