How to Set Up a VPN on Windows 10 & 11
Windows offers three ways to connect to a VPN: using a provider's dedicated client app, using Windows' built-in VPN feature (Settings › Network › VPN), or via PowerShell for enterprise/scripted deployments. This guide covers all three, plus how to configure split tunnelling so only selected apps use the VPN.
Method 1 - Dedicated VPN Client App (Recommended)
| Step | Action | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download the installer from your VPN provider's website (e.g., NordVPN for Windows) - Affiliate link - We may earn a commission | Provider website |
| 2 | Run the installer and follow the setup wizard | Downloads folder |
| 3 | Launch the app and sign in | Start menu |
| 4 | Select a server location and click Connect | App home screen |
| 5 | Enable the kill switch in Settings before browsing | App Settings |
| 6 | Verify with our VPN Leak Test | VPN Leak Test |
Method 2 - Windows Built-in VPN
| Step | Action | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Settings › Network & Internet › VPN | Windows Settings (Win + I) |
| 2 | Click "Add a VPN connection" | VPN settings page |
| 3 | Set VPN provider to "Windows (built-in)" and choose connection type: IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, or PPTP (use IKEv2) | Add VPN dialog |
| 4 | Enter server address, VPN type, sign-in info from your provider | Add VPN dialog |
| 5 | Click Save, then click the VPN name and Connect | VPN settings page |
| 6 | Check the network icon in the taskbar - It should show VPN active | System tray |
Method 3 - PowerShell VPN Setup
For scripted or enterprise deployments, use Add-VpnConnection in PowerShell (run as Administrator):
- Open PowerShell as Administrator (right-click Start › Windows PowerShell (Admin)).
- Run:
Add-VpnConnection -Name "MyVPN" -ServerAddress "vpn.example.com" -TunnelType IKEv2 -EncryptionLevel Required -AuthenticationMethod EAP -RememberCredential - Replace
vpn.example.comwith your provider's server address. - Connect with:
rasdial "MyVPN" username password
Split Tunnelling on Windows
- Most dedicated VPN apps include a split tunnelling feature in their Settings panel.
- Split tunnelling lets you route only selected apps (e.g., your torrent client) through the VPN while your browser uses your normal connection - Or vice versa.
- In the Windows built-in VPN, you can enable "Use default gateway on remote network" being unchecked to route only traffic destined for the VPN's network through the tunnel (for corporate remote access).
- After enabling split tunnelling, re-run the VPN Leak Test from each app to confirm the routing is correct.
- See our dedicated guide: What Is VPN Split Tunnelling?
How We Evaluate VPNs
Every recommendation in our VPN guides is weighed against the same five criteria:
- No-logs policy and audits - We prioritise providers whose no-logs claims have been verified by independent auditing firms, and we note real-world events (subpoenas, server seizures) that tested those claims.
- Leak-test results - A VPN must not expose your real IP, DNS servers, or WebRTC addresses. You can run the same checks we use with our free VPN Leak Test.
- Speed impact - We favour providers supporting modern protocols (WireGuard, or equivalents like NordLynx and Lightway) that keep overhead low.
- Jurisdiction - Where a provider is incorporated determines which governments can compel it to hand over data.
- Price transparency - Clear renewal pricing and honest refund terms. We avoid quoting specific prices in guides because promotions change frequently - Always check current pricing on the provider's site.
Our assessments are based on published third-party audits, vendor documentation, and our own leak-testing tooling - We do not have insider access to any provider's infrastructure. These pages are reviewed periodically and updated when audits, ownership, or features change.
Once you have picked a provider, two practical checks matter more than any review: if your connection fails, see how to fix a VPN that won't connect; and to confirm you are actually protected, learn how to test if your VPN is working.
ⓘ Affiliate disclosure: Some links to VPN providers in these guides are affiliate links - We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects rankings or evaluations.
Last updated: June 2026