Windows 10 VPN Setup | Windows 8 VPN Setup | Windows 7 VPN Setup
The debate about security issues concerning different operating systems has been a hot topic among tech-savvy community for years. Some say that Mac OS is more secure and reliable as compared to Windows whereas others disregard this speculation.
However, one cannot deny that the security issues associated with Windows are greater than other alternatives. In addition, users prefer Windows more than the alternate operating systems. Perhaps, this frequent adoption of Windows has made its users an easy target in the eyes of cyber-goons.
Nevertheless, privacy and security issues aren’t the only things to worry about. Later, we would explain how geo-restrictions confine your access; how censorship screws your online freedom and how NSA monitors your every move.
List of 5 Best VPN for Windows Based on Review
Prescribed below are 5 best Windows VPN for July 2016. The recommended alternatives are selected because of their performance and frequent acceptance by users around the globe.
RANK
PROVIDER
AS LOW AS
DISCOUNT
VISIT
1
$4.99per month
50% OFF
Exclusive Discount
Avail this Offer
Read Review
2
$2.49per month
79% Off
Buy 1 Year Get 1 Year Free
Visit Site
Read Review
3
$4.00per month
"50off"
Coupon Code "50% Off"
Visit Site
Read Review
4
8.25per month
36% OFF
Exclusive Discount
Visit Site
Read Review
5
$2.50per month
79% OFF
Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Visit Site
Read Review
For all of the aforementioned issues, there’s one ultimate solution – a VPN. In order to cope with our on-the-go routine, we need to carry our devices. Yet, most of our digital activities are hosted by either our PC or Laptop.
Windows is one of the most frequently adopted operating systems. However, it is more prone to security threats and other vulnerabilities. To cope with the issues discussed above, the solution recommended from our side is best VPN for windows.
We know that VPN is a sophisticated technology. Hence, one should research thorough and examine all available alternative before making his purchase decision. Worried about the time it will take? Don’t sweat. We are here to help you in this regard. For more information about 5 best Windows VPNs, read our detailed reviews about the service providers.
Top VPNs for Windows Explained In Detail
There are hundreds of Windows VPN out there, with a dozen more opening up every day. However, only a few VPN services provide the quality service and reliable encryption that Windows users need.
PureVPN
PureVPN is the most recommendable alternative as Windows VPN. PureVPN has a geographically scattered server network giving you access to 500+ servers in 140+ countries. This means that you can bypass all the geo-restrictions imposed by respective localities. Having PureVPN installed on Windows, you can easily access Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, Pandora and BBC iPlayer etc.
PureVPN doesn’t have any bandwidth cap which makes it a viable alternative for streaming lovers. PureVPN offer diverse packages to choose from. In exchange of affordable price (as low as $4.16/month), PureVPN promises absolute privacy and anonymity by supporting protocols like PPTP, L2TP/IPSec and OpenVPN.
PureVPN is compatible with different operating systems and devices. You can install PureVPN on Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8 etc. You can enjoy PureVPN’s additional features like Multi Login and Split Tunneling on Windows without additional cost.
If you encounter any problem with respect to PureVPN’s installation on Windows, their 24/7/365 live customer will be there to help you out. With PureVPN installed on Windows, you get unlimited P2P file sharing. There are many other reasons for which PureVPN is recommended as number 1 choice for Windows.
IPVanish
With IPVanish you can enjoy unlimited streaming and bypass approximately all geo-restrictions. IPVanish has 180+servers installed in 60+ countries. Hide your real IP with 25,000+ random digital identities offered by IPVanish.
You can avail 20% discount on all IPVanish package plans through our current campaign. So, act now. Equip your Windows with IPVanish for maximized security, privacy and anonymity.
ExpressVPN
Express VPN runs on all leading and preferably used versions of Windows. Express VPN supports PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP and OpenVPN tunneling protocols; furthermore, it offers up to 256bit encryption to protect your data from any unauthorized assault. With Express VPN’s servers in 75 countries you can surf anonymously and hide behind thousands of random IPs.
Express VPN has three different packages and you get to access all its features in exchange of price as low as $8.32 per month. Express VPN offers 24/7 customer support for queries and concerns and free Winodws software to facilitate ease of use. With its 30 days money back warranty, Express VPN is a considerable option to make your Windows invulnerable.
HideMyAss
Snap out of the NSA’s surveillance with rigid server network of HideMyAss. HideMyAss stands tall at second spot of 5 best Windows VPN with its 830+ servers in 182+ countries. In addition, HideMyAss offers 113,997+ IPs to hide behind. This means absolute anonymity and unbeatable privacy.
HideMyAss supports PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN and SSL tunneling protocol for maximum security. In addition, with HideMyAss on your Windows, you can access streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Vudu and HBO Go etc with an ease.
Ironsocket
Ironsocket is the cost effective Windows VPN alternative to be recommended here. With price as low as $6.99 per month, Ironsocket allows you to access its 50+ geographically scattered servers. Safeguard your Windows security with Iron Socket VPN’s tunneling protocols: OpenVPN, L2TP and PPTP.
No geographic restriction or censorship will apply to you as long as Ironsocket is connected on your device. Ironsocket is compatible with not only Windows but other operating systems such as Mac OSX along with the devices such as PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Wii U, Apple TV, Roku and BoxeeBox etc.
Ironsocket provides detailed tutorials for VPN configuration on different devices. In addition, Ironsocket offers 24/7 prompt customer and tech support to resolve all your concerns. With 7 days money back guarantee, Ironsocket is definitely worth a shot.
Why Do You Need Best VPN for Windows in 2016
Privacy and Security Issues
In this digital universe, there’s a cyber criminal waiting around every corner for an opportune moment to strike. Security tools like an anti-virus might protect you against threats like Virus, Spyware, Spam Bots, Malware, and Ransomware etc. However, your personal as well as confidential information, is always at risk if necessary measures are not taken.
Internet is a podium that connects use with the world, at the same time it is the reason for our excessive vulnerabilities acknowledged. Hackers today are capable of infiltrating our network security and access our important data. Due to concerns like these, we might end up facing problems like information disclosure, financial loss and identity theft – unless you have a VPN for Windows installed and activated.
Censorship
You need to equip your Windows with a VPN ASAP if you live in pro-censorship countries like China, Iran and Turkey etc. Don’t confuse geo-restrictions with censorship; because, each issue accompanies divergent threats and aftereffects.
Censorship regulations are formulated and implemented by government and other concerned legislative bodies with respect to the content. Through censorship, concerned authorities ban websites, social media platforms and other content which they perceive inappropriate for natives to access.
Geo-Restrictions
Privacy and security aren’t the only concerns we acknowledge in this digital universe. Geo-Restrictions come at the second spot if we start rating the concerns we face today – digitally speaking. A Windows software can be a real life saver under such circumstances.
Geo-Restrictions are the worst enemies for streaming lovers. In addition, these concerns can’t be confined to the streaming community only. Geo-Restrictions restrict your access within a particular region. If you wish to access a geo-restricted content, your IP should represent that particular locality which curbs the content.
Many streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO-Go, WWE Network and Pandora etc can’t be accessed by those who live outside the US.
The only way out of this mess is to mask your real IP. Yes! That is possible but only if you are using a VPN for Windows. By connecting to the top VPNs for Windows, you can mask your real IP and bypass all possible geo-restrictions.
NSA Surveillance
Thanks to whistleblower (Edward Snowden), we now know that the NSA has been spying on us for decades and the only way out is through Windows VPN. Not only this, the NSA has been allegedly working with telecom and tech giants to take their surveillance operations to the whole new level.
The NSA has been spying on our online activities, conversations, social media activities and even financial transactions. In the name of national interest, the NSA has been slowly killing our online freedom and liberation by holding us captives – digitally.
With the best VPN for Windows, you can secure your data with military grade encryption. In addition, a Windows VPN helps you evade all surveillance traps by hiding your real IP.
How to Test Windows VPN App’s Performance
When you purchase a Windows VPN, you want it’s performance to be outstanding. This is where you need to measure Windows VPN client’s performance. There are certain metrics that you use gauge whether the VPN client was up to the mark. First, you can conduct speed tests using various tools to check your download and upload speeds. You can use speedtest.net or testmy.net to find out the Windows VPN performance.
Secondly, you can check for IP and DNS leaks. Tools such as ipleak.net will help you uncover how secure your VPN services really is. Since a Windows VPN promises you IP cloaking and anonymity, it is a good idea to check your Windows VPN client for any shortcomings.
Setup Windows 10 VPN Quickly & Secure Your Device
Having waited for more than three months, I finally decided to update my Windows 8 to Windows 10 last week. I had already read about the bugs and issues in the latest version of Windows but I still wanted to give it a try to see how user-friendly it is and how convenient is it for the users to install and run a Windows 10 VPN.
Microsoft claims that this is their fastest Windows OS till date and it has been designed to provide a better user experience. Yet, the users have reported some bugs and issues that have resulted in unexpected Windows crashes. The major issue that has caught the attention of the users all over the world is the unwarranted supply of your data to the NSA!
Caution: Solving the Windows 10 Cisco IPSec VPN Client Issue
Cisco IPSec VPN users might run into connection problems after setting up Windows 10 VPN. Cisco IPSec VPN client hasn’t been made available for usage to the users of Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. The client refuses to ‘Secure communication channels’, leading to an eventual time-out and termination of connection.
However, users have solved the problem by tweaking the registry settings. Follow the steps in our detailed guide to troubleshoot your Cisco IPSec VPN clients problems on Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Windows 10 Cisco IPSec VPN Client Issue Guide
Windows 10 VPN Setup
Anyway once the updates were done; it was time to test the Windows 10 VPN client. Much like the earlier versions of Windows, Windows 10 also comes with a manual VPN configuration setup. However, it is worth noting here that your existing VPN client may need some minor tweaks before it works on Windows 10.
To guide you through, we have written a comprehensive and a pictorial guide for setting up Windows 10 VPN client. In seven easy steps, you can manually configure your VPN service and get connected to explore the world of internet anonymously!
In the control panel, you will find Network & Sharing Centre, access it and then click on setup a new connection or network.
You will be asked to choose your connection type in a newly popped up window. Click on Connect to a Workplace.
In the third step you will be asked how you want to connect. Simply click on Use My Internet Connection and wait for further a new window to pop up.
You will now be required to enter your Windows 10 VPN server details and the name of your Windows 10 VPN You can obtain all such info from your chosen provider,and once you have entered the details, click on Create to create a VPN profile.
Wait for the Windows 10 to successfully create and configure the VPN connection.
Now that your Windwos VPN profile is successfully created and configured, your VPN connection will be displayed on the right section of your menu under the Networks section. Click on connection name to proceed further.
The last step involves you to fill in your credentials and click on Connect. You can directly ask our VPN provider to send your credential details to you on your email account. Once you have entered the details, click on Connect and enjoy.
Windows 10 VPN Issues
Before writing about the Windows 10 VPN issues, we actually got out of our comfort zone and went on different forums and communities to interact with some of the Windows 10 VPN users who were having troubles and difficulties in running the software on their devices.
The numbers were not as alarming as you would expect (which is a good sign for all the VPN users) but the complaints were there nonetheless! We decided to dig a bit deeper and interacted with a few of them so as to get first hand info. Quite a few of them mentioned that their VPNs were acting up when they updated their Windows.
We are listing below a number of solutions that can make your Windows 10 VPN work, in case of troubleshoot.
Check if you are entering the correct credential details. In case of manual configuration, make sure you are entering the right server address; otherwise your Windows 10 VPN won’t work.
If you are connecting through an external modem, make sure it is working properly.
Always check your internet connection, before connecting your Windows 10 VPN
Disconnect your VPN and connect it with PPTP/L2TP protocol. Certain VPN services do not work all the time on certain protocols.
How to Configure VPN on Windows 8
Here are some easy steps through which you can easily setup a VPN on Windows 8. We are using PPTP protocol to configure VPN on Win8. However, the process to configure a VPN choosing other protocols isn’t much different. Follow the steps prescribed in the guide given below.
Step 1
First, you will have to access ‘Settings’ of your operating system. To carry the process forward, type ‘VPN’ in the ‘Search Bar’ as prescribed. Now you have to select ‘Setup a virtual private network (VPN) connection’ as shown in the snapshot given below.
Step 2
A new window will pop, click on ‘Setup a new connection or network’.
Step 3
You will now have to choose a connection option. Select ‘Connect to a workplace’.
Step 4
Now, you will have to select ‘Use my Internet connection (VPN)’ as presented in below mentioned snapshot.
Step 5
You will be advanced to a new window. Here you will have to enter information about the ‘Server’ you wish to connect and select ‘VPN Connection Name’. These details will be provided to you in a configuration email from VPN service provider you choose to prefer. Once the information is entered, click ‘Create’ to let Windows settings take effect.
Step 6
As you can see that a new ‘VPN Connection’ has been created; time to move to the next step.
Step 7
Now you will have to access ‘Connection Properties’ by performing right-click on connection icon.
Step 8
Once you have accessed connection properties, you will be redirected to a new window. Go to ‘Security Tab’ and select your desired protocol.
As I prescribed earlier, the process to configure VPN on Windows 8 using PPTP protocol isn’t much different if you prefer other protocols. Anyways, we are setting up a VPN on Windows 8 using PPTP protocol so we’ll carry out the process as planned.
Once you have access security tab, select ‘Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol’ or ‘PPTP’ and apply the settings.
Step 9
Now access newly created ‘VPN Connection’ on Windows 8. Enter your ‘Username’, ‘Password’ and click ‘Connect’.
Step 10
Wait for the connection to be established. Make sure that VPN is connected. Enjoy true online freedom and be anonymous for the digital universe.
How to Setup a VPN on Windows 7
Windows 7 has been created while keeping the modern day Windows user’s need for anonymity, security and accessibility in mind. There are two ways to connect to a VPN on Windows 7.
My preferred way – Download and use a VPN client (that’s the VPN service provider’s software
The long way – Manually setup VPN on Windows 7
Let’s take this one at a time.
Option 1 – Download and use a VPN
Find a good VPN service provider.
Look for a VPN that offers adequate device compatibility, 256-bit encryption, 250+ servers, and 24/7/365 support.
Make sure that installation tutorials are available. Ideally, a good Windows 7 VPN will give you separate detailed tutorials for each VPN protocol (PPTP,L2TP & SSTP). Trust me, they will help during and after the VPN installation.
Pick one of the price plans that the Windows VPN service provider has to offer and subscribe to it.
Make sure you choose a package that offers a 3 day money back guarantee at minimum.
Choose a payment method that you are comfortable with.
Once you have subscribed to your desired package, one of two things should happen:
The website will redirect you to a download page where you should be able to select and download the VPN service provider’s software for Windows 7.
You will receive an email guiding you to a download page.
Once the Windows VPN client has been downloaded, install it using the Installation Wizard. For assistance, use the tutorials you found earlier, or use this phase in the process to thoroughly test the Live Chat (read: customer support) option.
Upon installation, open the Windows VPN software and enter in the details (user name and password) that you must have gotten in the subscription confirmation email you received in Step 3.
Enter your log-in details.
Select your desired protocol, server location, and hit Connect.
I recommend you use PPTP if you want to stream videos and L2TP if you are going to conduct social media sign-ins and SSTP if you’re going to conduct financial transactions.
VPN is now connected on your Windows 7.
The next time you want to connect to a VPN, simply open the VPN service provider’s software and execute Step 7.
You may like to Read: Mac VPN Setup and 5 top VPN Choices to Ensure your Privacy and Security
Option 2 – Manually setup VPN on Windows 7
Windows 7 is the most VPN-friendly version of Windows to date.
Setting up a VPN connection on your Windows 7 will enable you to encrypt your data and send/receive it through a secure tunnel that keeps you safe from hackers, crackers, and phishers.
Remember, you are looking to setup an Outgoing VPN session. An Incoming session will give other machines access to your computer – and you don’t want that.
Setting up a VPN connection on your Windows 7 is easy. However, before you begin setting up, contact your administrator and ask for the following details:
The domain name of the network or an IP address of the server you will be connecting to.
An initial user-name and password for the connection. You will need these for initial configuration/connection and should change them later for your own security.
Also, ask your administrator the specific protocols to which you have will access to (PPTP, L2TP,SSTP, etc.).
Once you have these details, you may begin manually setting up VPN for your Windows 7.
Go to Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center. Under Change your Network settings, click on the option that says Setup a new connection or network.
A new window will open up asking you to Choose a Connection Option. Click on the option that says Connect to a workplace and hit Next.
Select No, create a new connection, and hit Next.
The next screen will ask you How you want to connect, and ask you to select one from two options: Use my Internet connection (VPN) and Dial Directly. Click on the first one and the setup wizard will ask you to provide Internet address and Destination name details.
Fill in the Internet address and destination name provided to you by your network administrator.
Use the check-boxes to indicate if you are using a smart card. Think twice before you allow others to use this connection on your system. Also, make sure you check the box marked Don’t connect now if you wish to connect later.
The final step will ask you to enter in the user-name and password that your network administrator provided you.
You will now be able to see a new connection when you click on the Network icon in your system tray. Open your brand new VPN connection and the log-in credentials you entered in should already be filled out in their respective fields. In some cases, you may need to enter in the password.
Before you hit Connect, click on Properties and go to the Security properties. Select your desired Protocol and Data encryption level from the drop down list and hit OK to come back to the main VPN connection window.
You may now Connect and enjoy surfing like never before!
Wrapping Up
The list prescribed above presents 5 best VPN for Windows. This recommendation is based on the performance of VPNs; especially, on the Windows operating system. In addition, these are one of the most frequently adopted service providers by users across the globe. Using a Windows VPN client not only facilitates you to bypass all geo-restrictions; but, it is also an optimal remedy for all your privacy, security and censorship concerns.