With so much of our lives online these days, many people are understandably concerned about protecting their privacy while using the internet. Cybercrime has increased significantly in recent years, and there’s technically nothing stopping the government or your internet service provider (ISP) from snooping on the sites you visit.
The solution for most people? A reliable VPN. This encrypts the connection between your device and a server on the internet, making it undetectable to someone on the outside. It does mean trusting your data with one of the VPN companies, but most have strict no-logs policies. This means they don’t collect any information shared while a connection is active, and don’t have access to any data that can be used to identify individual users.
Many people also use a VPN to access content that’s usually restricted to specific countries, like local versions of Netflix or BBC iPlayer from outside the UK.
Does Windows 10 have a built-in VPN?
Technically, yes, but there are some big caveats here. You may have seen ‘VPN’ listed under the ‘Network & Internet’, but this only offers the option to ‘Add a VPN connection’. That’s because it’s only a VPN client, so you’ll still need to sign up for a third-party service for it to work properly.
Even after that’s taken care of, you’ll still need to jump through a few more hoops to get it working. The Windows 10 VPN client requires you to set up individual connection profiles, with only one server address and one protocol for each. That’s fine if you connect to the same couple of locations every time, but it’s a real hassle if you want to quickly switch between lots of places.
How to create a connection profile on Windows 10
To help illustrate this, here’s how to set up a new connection profile within Settings. For this to work, you’ll need to have the server address information handy. This is usually available within your chosen VPN service’s account settings, but it’s not always easy to access:
- Head to Settings > Network & Internet
- Choose ‘VPN’ from the left pane
- Click ‘Add a VPN connection’ from the screen that appears
- In the new window, select ‘Windows (built-in)’ as the VPN provider
- Type any name for the connection in the ‘Connection name’ field
- Enter the server address in the next box
- Under ‘VPN type’, choose a protocol that matches the one you’re planning to use (WireGuard isn’t supported)
- From the next drop-down, choose how you sign-in to the VPN service (Username and password is the most common)
- Enter a password if necessary and click ‘Save’
- You should now see the profile you’ve created appear under the ‘VPN’ section. Click it and choose ‘Connect’
To disconnect from the VPN, it’s a simple case of clicking the profile and choosing ‘Disconnect’. Once that’s done, following the same step will allow you to remove it altogether.
Our recommendation: Use a third-party VPN service
This process might not seem too complicated, but remember you’ll have to do it for every new server you want to connect to. The VPN client doesn’t offer a kill switch, split tunneling or any of the premium features we’ve come to associate with third-party services. There’s also no easy way to replicate this experience on other devices, aside from downloading the provider’s regular app.
With that in mind, there’s no good reason for most people to persist with Windows 10’s clunky built-in VPN client. The key exception here is if you’re running Windows 10 in S mode, which limits downloadable apps to those available from the Microsoft Store. No third-party VPN services can be installed, so this is a decent workaround.
Which VPN should I use instead?
If you’re running Windows 10 Home or Pro, we’d suggest using a different VPN service. There’s a wealth of choice these days, with many great options remaining relatively affordable. Our best VPN chart has 10 options we can easily recommend, with NordVPN our current top pick.
A combination of lots of servers, fast speeds (including the new WireGuard protocol) and an app that’s extremely easy to use make its the VPN to beat. However, all the services in the chart offer the same core experience, as well as significant discounts if you’re willing to commit to a two-year subscription upfront.
What if I don’t want to pay?
The good news is that there are still plenty of great free VPN services. However, all are limited in some way, whether it’s a lack of servers, slower speeds or limited data allowance.
That means we’d recommend a paid service for long-term usage, but free VPNs can be useful for occasional access. Our best free VPN chart runs through the six most reliable, with each offering a premium service if you’d rather remove the limits.
Related articles for further reading
- Is a VPN worth getting?
- Best VPN deals
- What is WireGuard and why should I use it?
FAQs
Yes, Windows 10 includes a built-in VPN client, but there are important limitations to consider. While you can find the 'VPN' option in the Network & Settings section, it only allows you to add a VPN connection. This means you'll still need to subscribe to a third-party VPN service to make it fully functional.
Is Windows 10 built-in VPN any good? ›
Is Windows 10 VPN good? It can be useful if you have the technical knowledge to use it and if you don't want to install third-party VPN software on your PC. But using the Windows 10 VPN client doesn't make sense if you want all the features that come with a VPN service.
Do I need a VPN with Windows 10? ›
A virtual private network (VPN) connection on your Windows 10 PC can help provide a more secure connection and access to your company's network and the internet—for example, when you're working in a public location such as a coffee shop, library, or airport.
Do I need a VPN client? ›
A VPN is essential to protect private data from hackers, especially when connecting to public hotspots. In addition, it lets users access home content securely while traveling. Businesses and organizations. Companies use VPNs for remote access.
Should Windows VPN be on or off? ›
Yes, you should leave your VPN on all the time. VPNs offer the best online security, so keeping it on will protect you against data leaks and cyberattacks, especially while you're using public Wi-Fi. It can also safeguard against intrusive snoopers such as ISPs or advertisers. Always use a VPN when you go online.
What VPN should I use for Windows 10? ›
NordVPN: the best Windows 10 VPN
NordVPN has an easy-to-use Windows app that works like a charm. I like that servers are clearly labeled, so you can connect in a blink, and that each NordVPN plan has built-in antivirus tools that'll keep malware and other threats at bay.
How reliable is Windows VPN? ›
It can't prevent cookie tracking, viruses, or malware, and it can't protect against phishing scams. Data leaks could occur. But most pivotally, a VPN is only as secure as the company that runs it.
Does Windows 10 have a built-in VPN server? ›
Under Windows Settings, select Network & Internet. Select VPN from the left menu, then at the right, click Add a VPN connection. In the dialog box that opens: Set VPN provider to "Windows (built-in)".
Why I don't use a VPN? ›
Free VPN services are known to log your data and use that information to make money by selling your data to advertisers and marketing agencies. The worst part is that those data logs of your activity could end up in the hands of cybercriminals, who could use them to steal your identity or target you with cyberattacks.
Is it OK to not use VPN? ›
Using a VPN at home is preferable, advised even, but it isn't always essential. The main reason it may not be necessary, is that your internet activity should already be shielded by your password-protected Wi-Fi network. The other concern is connecting to a remote server can slow your connection speed.
A VPN client is a software based technology that establishes a secure connection between the user and a VPN server. Some VPN clients work in the background automatically, while others have front-end interfaces that allow users to interact with and configure them.
How do I know if my client is using VPN? ›
Cross-matching a user's IP address with these databases can determine whether the user is associated with a VPN or Proxy. Several widely used IP address databases have gained widespread use in VPN detection. Services such as MaxMind, Udger, and IPinfo are known for their accuracy and extensive databases.
Do I need a VPN server or client? ›
Both VPN client and server are very important, and VPNs wouldn't work with one of them missing. Without the client, there would be no way to connect to the server, to encrypt and decrypt data, and carry out other functions.
Should you just leave VPN on all the time? ›
Yes, you should always keep your VPN on whenever you're online. It keeps your sensitive information away from prying eyes and ensures a private, secure connection to the internet. On top of that, setting up and using a VPN is super simple, making it easy for you to protect yourself online.
Does Windows VPN slow down internet? ›
While VPNs, or virtual private networks, are great at protecting your privacy, there's an unavoidable trade-off: slower internet speeds, often by 50% or more. It's the nature of how VPNs work, where your data has to bounce to another server to be encrypted, and there's really no way around it.
Is VPN worth it for home use? ›
Investing in a VPN for home use, then, might be a waste of money, unless you want to keep your web surfing private from your internet service provider (ISP) or if you choose to access streaming content or sports coverage that you couldn't otherwise access from your location.
Is it good to have a VPN on your PC? ›
A VPN will not make you invincible online, but it can help protect your privacy. It's a valuable part of your security and privacy toolbox, and like every tool, a VPN works best when you use it for the right job.
Should I have a VPN on my computer? ›
VPN use is important for online privacy whenever you're logging into the internet from a public spot because cyber snoops could track your online activity when you are using public Wi-Fi, whether it's on your computer or your mobile device.
How do I use built in VPN on Windows 10? ›
Create a VPN profile
- Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > VPN > Add VPN.
- Under Add a VPN connection, do the following: For VPN provider, choose Windows (built-in). In the Connection name box, enter a name you'll recognize (for example, My Personal VPN). ...
- Select Save.
