How to Set Up a VPN on Windows 10
If you spend a lot of time working remotely, whether from home or on the go, you probably already use a VPN to secure your connection. We’re always looking for ways to make our lives easier and devices more convenient, and a VPN is a great way to do that.
Now that Windows 10 is out, it’s time to set up your VPN once again. While the process of connecting to a VPN hasn’t changed much, the way we use them has – notably with the introduction of Windows 10’s own VPN client. Let’s take a look at how you can set up a VPN on Windows 10 and what you should know about this relatively new security technology.
What Is A VPN And Why Do I Need One?
A VPN, short for virtual private network, is a security service that secures your internet connection while you’re online. This is usually done through encryption, protecting your personal data while it travels to and from your device. It does this by creating a secure tunnel between your computer or mobile phone and an internet service provider (ISP), such as Google, Facebook, or Twitter – in other words, the big tech companies that you probably use.
Your ISP is the company that provides you with internet access and usually has you connect over a public network, such as the Internet or a Wi-Fi network. When you connect to a VPN, your computer or mobile device creates a secure connection with the VPN server, encrypting all of your personal data – including websites you visit – and sending it to the company’s server, where it remains secure.
VPNs can be useful in a number of ways. Because your computer creates a secure tunnel to your ISP, any information you send or receive over the internet, including your personal data, is encrypted.
Additionally, many companies that provide VPNs offer great prices for students and often enable you to connect for free. Being able to use a VPN can also be useful if you’re living in a country where your government is trying to restrict the content you’re able to access online (read: most of the world).
How Do I Set Up A VPN On Windows 10?
To set up a VPN on Windows 10, you first need to download the VPN’s software from the company’s website. For a step-by-step guide, visit this helpful VPN review page.
Once you’ve downloaded the VPN’s software, you need to open it and click the Connect button to start the set up process. Depending on how you downloaded the software, you may be asked to complete a quick registration with your email address. You then need to create a username and password to connect to the VPN. Finally, you’ll be asked to enter a valid phone number to use as your device’s PIN (personal identification number) for connecting to the VPN. You’ll then be presented with the VPN’s login screen. Enter your chosen username and password and click the OK button to connect to the VPN.
Once connected to the VPN, you’ll be shown the option to either create a new VPN server or connect to an existing one. For added security, you can select to have the VPN disconnect from its server after a certain period of inactivity. To create a new VPN server, specify its name, select a location for it to operate from (such as a city or state), and then click the Create button.
If you already have a VPN server set up, you can connect to it by selecting its name from the list and clicking the Connect button. You’ll then need to enter your chosen username and password to log in to the VPN.
Is Setting Up A VPN On Windows 10 Easier Than On Other Platforms?
Setting up a VPN on Windows 10 is almost exactly the same as on other platforms. The only thing you might need to watch out for is the fact that Windows 10 automatically sets your VPN’s server to the United States, even if you’re not located there. To change this, click the gear icon in the VPN’s upper-right corner and select a different country from the drop-down menu.
If you spend a lot of time working remotely, whether from home or on the go, you probably already use a VPN to secure your connection. We’re always looking for ways to make our lives easier and devices more convenient, and a VPN is a great way to do that. Now that Windows 10 is out, it’s time to set up your VPN once again. While the process of connecting to a VPN hasn’t changed much, the way we use them has – notably with the introduction of Windows 10’s own VPN client. Let’s take a look at how you can set up a VPN on Windows 10 and what you should know about this relatively new security technology.