You too can manually configure a VPN connection on Windows 10 ~ System Admin Stuff

Wednesday 20 January 2021

You too can manually configure a VPN connection on Windows 10

The beauty of most premier VPN services is that they have an intuitive Windows 10 app that makes setting up a connection as easy as clicking a big green button that says "connect." However, if you're running Windows 10 in S mode and can't install apps from outside the Store, or you're using a VPN without a client, you can still configure a VPN manually. This is especially important as many people continue working from home and require a VPN. Here's everything you need to know.

What you need to get the job done

Premier VPN service: ExpressVPN (From $6.67 monthly at ExpressVPN)
Microsoft's latest OS: Windows 10 (From $139 at Microsoft)

How to manually add and connect to a VPN on Windows 10

Once you subscribe to a VPN service — keep in mind there are plenty of great VPN options out there — you should have access to a list of servers that you can connect to. It will differ depending on the VPN service you're using, but you should have access to a webpage or desktop app section that lists the server's location, the address needed to create a manual connection, and the current load of the server.

Your VPN provider should also provide manual sign-in information that can be used as credentials. This might be some sort of username and password or certificate depending on the service.

Once you have the required information to make a connection, you can jump into settings and get everything running.

Right-click the Start button.
Click Settings.
Click Network & Internet.
Click VPN.
Click Add a VPN connection.
Click the dropdown menu below VPN provider.
Click Windows (built-in).
Click the Connection name field.
Type a name for the VPN connection. (In this case, I'll use the name of my provider and the server location.)
Click the Server name or address field.
Type the server's address. (You can likely find this in your VPN account.)
Click the dropdown menu below VPN type.
Choose a connection protocol.
Click the dropdown menu below Type of sign-in info.
Click a sign-in method. (This will no doubt change depending on your VPN provider.)
Click Save.
Click the VPN you just set up. (It will now appear in the VPN list.)
Click Connect. (Depending on the sign-in method used by your provider, you might have to enter your username and password.)

How to disconnect and remove a VPN on Windows 10

If you don't want to use a VPN anymore, or if you just want to remove a server from the list, you can disconnect or altogether remove it. There is a VPN button for quick on and off located in the Windows 10 action center (the small speech bubble in the bottom-right corner of your display), but we'll go through the entire process, which includes completely removing a VPN from your system.

Right-click the Start button.
Click Settings.
Click Network & Internet.
Click VPN.
Click a VPN connection you want to disconnect or remove.
Click Disconnect.
Click Remove.
Click Remove again to confirm.

Our top VPN and software picks

To complete the steps laid out above, you'll need to invest in a quality VPN, and you'll need Windows 10.

Premier VPN service

ExpressVPN

From $6.67 monthly at ExpressVPN

A VPN that's tough to beat

With rock-solid encryption and plenty of connection protocols for you to use, including OpenVPN, this is one of the best services operating today.

Microsoft's latest OS

Windows 10 Home

From $130 at Amazon

From $139 at Microsoft

$140 at Best Buy

Get the latest Windows from Microsoft

Windows 10 is the latest and greatest OS from Microsoft, bringing ever-improving features and security to your PC. If you're not already using Windows 10, it might be time to discover what you're missing.

More great VPN services

Are you not buying what ExpressVPN is selling? Check out these other excellent VPN services we recommend. You can also have a look at our roundup of the current best VPN deals if you're looking to save some money.