We've covered virtual private networks and when you might want to use them before. Connecting to a VPN is easy, as Windows and most other operating systems offer built-in VPN support.

The Piece of cake Way: Employ a VPN Client

Note that some VPN providers offer their own desktop clients, which means y'all won't need the setup process described in this guide. All of our favorite VPNs—StrongVPN for advanced users, and ExpressVPN and TunnelBear for basic users—offer their ain desktop awarding for connecting to their VPNs and selecting VPN server locations.

RELATED: What Is a VPN, and Why Would I Need 1?

Windows 10

RELATED: What Is a VPN, and Why Would I Need One?

Windows 10 supports PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP, and IKEv2 connections without any 3rd-party software.

To connect to a VPN on Windows 10, caput to Settings > Network & Cyberspace > VPN. Click the "Add a VPN connection" button to fix a new VPN connection.

Provide the connection details for your VPN. You tin can enter any name you like under "Connection Proper noun". This name is just used on your computer to assist you identify the VPN connectedness.

Your VPN provider should exist able to provide y'all with these details. If the VPN is provided past your employer, your employer'due south It section should provide yous with the details y'all'll demand to connect.

Once you've fix a VPN, you lot'll come across it in the network popup menu side by side to whatsoever nearby Wi-Fi networks.

Click the network name in the popup menu and Windows volition open the Settings > Network & Internet > VPN window for you. Select the VPN and click "Connect" to connect to it. You lot can as well configure or remove VPN connections from here.

Windows 7 and 8

To connect to a VPN on Windows seven, press the Windows fundamental and, type VPN, and press Enter. (Annotation: If you're using Windows 8, the procedure will be very similar, but some of the windows may look a little different.)

Enter the address of your VPN provider in the Internet Address box. Y'all tin enter an address like vpn.example.com or a numerical IP address, depending on the server information your VPN provider gave you.

You should also enter a Destination name—this can be annihilation you like. It'south only used to help you lot remember which VPN connectedness is which.

Enter your login credentials on the next screen. Use the username and password your VPN provider gave you.

Windows will connect y'all to the VPN you configured. If you checked the "Don't connect at present" checkbox on the showtime screen, Windows will save the VPN connection then y'all tin can easily connect later.

One time connected, y'all can click the network icon in your system tray to view your VPN connections. While connected to a VPN, all your network traffic volition be sent over it.

To disconnect from a VPN, click information technology and click "Disconnect". You can and then reconnect to it later by clicking information technology and selecting Connect. Yous tin can have multiple VPNs configured and switch betwixt them in this fashion.

To delete a saved VPN connection, press the Windows key, type "Network Connections", and press Enter. Right-click a VPN connection and use the Delete option.