How to manually configure a VPN on Windows 11
If you need to connect to a VPN service manually, we’ll show you how on Windows 11.
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On Windows 11, thebest VPN (virtual private network) serviceswill provide an app to connect quickly to their private networks. However, you may still want to configure the VPN manually if the app isn’t working as expected or you don’t want to install an extra piece of software.
Whatever the reason,Windows 11provides an option to configure and manage VPN connections from the Settings app, which you can use to connect to virtually any VPN service to improve your online privacy and access other locations' restricted services.
In thishow-to guide, we will walk you through the steps to set up, connect, disconnect, and delete a VPN connection on Windows 11.
What’s a VPN?
VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network” and is a technology that creates a secure connection between the device and a specific network to access files and resources remotely. Usually, organizations set up a VPN server to allow employees to connect using a VPN client to access resources and work as if they were physically at their office.
On the other hand, there are also third-party VPN services that work in the same way. However, these services provide an encrypted connection allowing devices to connect to their networks (located in strategic locations around the globe) to access the internet hiding your public IP address, which offers a more private and secure experience surfing the web. In addition to the extra layer of security and privacy, a VPN service is a suitable option for bypassing geographic restrictions to access censored content and online services (such as the US version of Netflix) from other parts of the world.
How to set up a VPN connection on Windows 11
To set up a Windows 11 VPN connection, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, connect to the VPN service from the Settings app or Taskbar.
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How to connect a VPN connection on Windows 11
To connect to a VPN server, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the computer will connect to the VPN server.
Connect from Taskbar
To make a VPN connection from the Taskbar, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, like using the Settings app, the device will authenticate and connect to the remote network.
How to disconnect a VPN connection on Windows 11
To disconnect a VPN connection, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the computer will disconnect from the VPN server.
Disconnect from Taskbar
To disconnect a VPN connection from Taskbar, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the laptop or desktop will terminate its connection to the remote virtual private network.
How to remove a VPN connection on Windows 11
To remove and delete a VPN connection, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the VPN connection will be removed from the computer.
Our top VPN and software picks
If you want to complete the configuration steps, you will need a reliable VPN service and Windows 11 or 10. We lean towardExpressVPNthanks to a great price, tons of features, and proven security, but there are more options listed below.
ExpressVPN
Premier VPN service
With robust encryption and plenty of connection protocols, including OpenVPN, this is one of the best services operating today.
More Windows resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
