How to Connect to NordVPN on Windows & Mac

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs available on the market today. Not only do they offer great speeds and excellent customer service, but the software is extremely easy to use and offers plenty of features to justify the price. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to connect to NordVPN on your Windows or Mac computer so you can enjoy all that their service has to offer.

Before You Begin

Before you begin, it is important to note that NordVPN is a fast VPN, which usually means it is not as safe or secure as a slower VPN. For the best possible security and speed, you should look elsewhere for your VPN needs (e.g. ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access).

Also, as a basic rule, it is a good idea to avoid connecting to sites that you know are harmful or contain malicious content. This includes social media platforms such as Twitter and YouTube, porn sites (especially if you are accessing them via a proxy), and anything else containing questionable content.

Step One: Connect To NordVPN On The Go

To connect to NordVPN on the go, you will need to download and install their app. While it is possible to use their website from a desktop computer, the app is much more convenient for accessing their services. After you have installed the app, you will see a green button in the upper-right corner. To log in, click that button and follow the on-screen instructions.

Once you have successfully logged in, you will see a menu containing all the available features. From here, you can adjust the VPN settings, change your username and password, and connect to additional servers if you run into connectivity issues. Be sure to click the gear icon in the upper-right corner to adjust the settings, as these can be a bit confusing to set up initially.

Once you have set up your VPN connection on the go, you are good to go. Now you can access all your favorite websites, secure your data while online, and feel confident that your personal information is always safe. This includes all your bank accounts, social media accounts, and other sites where you might have uploaded personal information (e.g. your Instagram account).

This feature alone makes the NordVPN app worth having on your device. Imagine how helpful this would be if you are traveling and want to access your VPN from a different location. You can set up a few connections and switch between them quickly and easily with the app. 

Step Two: Set Up NordVPN On Your Desktop Computer

If you are using a desktop computer to access the Internet, you can set up and use a VPN just as you would on your mobile device. First, you will need to install the NordVPN app. Once you have it running, click the gear icon in the upper-right corner to access the settings. From here, you can create a new VPN connection or connect to an existing one. 

Creating a new VPN connection is extremely easy and only takes a few minutes. You will want to enter a memorable name for your VPN, choose a strong password, and then click Next. On the next screen, you will need to select a country for your VPN to operate in. It is a good idea to choose a country close to you. 

You can also choose to connect to a specific server for the best possible speeds by clicking the Server tab. 

Once you have your VPN connection setup, you can access all your favorite websites securely and privately. Just be sure to connect to a server that is close to you and has excellent speed so you do not experience any delays or lags while browsing the web.

Step Three: Use A Proxy To Access The Internet Privately

Some ISPs (Internet service providers) do not allow their users to access content that is deemed ‘adult’ or ‘restricted’ by the government. Proxies are a useful tool to access these sites (e.g. PornHub, RedTube, and others) privately and securely. 

To use a proxy, you will need an extra piece of software called a VPN app. One of the best VPN apps for this purpose is Proximus. When you download and install it, you will see a blue button in the upper-right corner. To log in, click that button and follow the on-screen instructions. Once you are logged in, you can click the settings button to access all the available features. 

To connect to a specific proxy server, enter the IP address of the server (it is usually located in the “Options” field when you go online via a proxy) in the field provided and click the Connect button. You can then access all your favorite websites anonymously and privately.

Proximus also offers a portable version of their software, which is worth having if you are on the go a lot and need to access secure sites frequently. This version allows you to connect to your chosen proxies on the go without having to setup a new connection each time you use a different device.

Step Four: Use A Virtual Private Network For Off-Peak Hours

If you have a large group of friends and family who you want to be able to stay connected with while abroad, you can set up a VPN for your home during off-peak hours. This is usually between midnight and 8 AM (7–8 PM in some areas) to avoid any connectivity issues. 

To do this, you will need to download and install a VPN app on your computer or mobile device (e.g. via Wi-Fi). Once you have it running, navigate to the settings screen and click the gear icon in the upper-right corner. You will then need to enter your VPN information (e.g. username and password) and click the Connect button. 

You should then be able to access all your favorite sites securely and privately during off-peak hours. 

Setting up a VPN for your home during off-peak hours is a great way to ensure you can still access your favorite sites when you are abroad. Imagine how frustrating it would be to try to access a site that is geo-blocked while traveling. 

One of the best VPNs for this purpose is Hotspot Shield. When you download and install it, you will see a red button in the upper-right corner. To log in, click that button and follow the on-screen instructions. Once you are logged in, click the Settings button to access all the available features. 

Hotspot Shield offers a great combination of security and simplicity. Their servers are encrypted and all the data is automatically secured with military-grade encryption (AES-256). Additionally, the app allows you to choose from a variety of location-based VPN options, so you can access the content you want while abroad.

Step Five: Use An Incognito Browser To Browse The Web Privately

If you want to be sure that your personal information is always secure when browsing the Internet, you can use an incognito browser (Private Browsing mode in Google Chrome). To use an incognito browser, you will need to install the Chrome extension called ‘InPrivate’. 

Once you have it installed, you can use the privately browsing mode whenever you like. Just click the three dots menu icon next to the URL address field in the upper-right corner, and select InPrivate. 

This will open up a new tab in the browser, displaying the website with all the items (e.g. images, videos, and other content) hidden. It is a good idea to use this feature when you are shopping online as it prevents your personal information from being stolen when malicious software (e.g. malware) is installed on your computer.

Step Six: Use A VPN To Browse The Web Privately On A Peddle

If you do a lot of your online shopping on a mobile device (e.g. iPhone, iPad, or Android phone), you can use a VPN to ensure that your personal information is always secure when accessing online stores. 

Mobile devices sometimes have trouble connecting to VPNs, especially if they are not configured correctly. If you have bad luck with Safari, you can try using the Chrome browser instead. It is also a good idea to use a different VPN app for your mobile device than what you are using for your desktop or laptop.