The best Windows VPNs will prevent your ISP from keeping tabs on your browsing sessions – as well as offer extra security while connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Plus, they'll also help you get the most out of your streaming subscriptions by allowing you access to region-restricted content.
Not all VPNs are made equal, however, and given that Windows is easily the most popular desktop/laptop OS in the world, there are a lot of dubious VPNs out there that are simply not worth your attention, and this may actually make picking the best VPN for Windows an uphill task.
At TechRadar, our team of experts rigorously test VPN services in-house. Our comprehensive evaluations are based on hands-on experience and in-depth analysis. We've compiled a detailed ranking of the top Windows VPNs, complete with side-by-side comparisons, performance results, and expert insights.
5 best Windows VPNs: quick overview
Disclaimer
We recently completed our latest round of VPN tests, and while there aren't any changes in the providers’ rankings here (NordVPN is still the #1), we've updated their in-depth VPN reviews to reflect our latest findings – which we obtained after putting the top Windows VPNs through their paces across criteria like security, performance, unblocking, and pricing. For more information, check out our VPN testing methodology.
The best VPN overall
NordVPN tops our VPN rankings, and has for a while now, so it should come as no surprise that it's still the king of Windows VPNs too. Not only does NordVPN offer great speeds and a variety of locations to connect to in over 100 countries, but there's also a fantastic range of security features available that make it a great way to keep your Windows device safe from malware.
Once you take into account that NordVPN is also highly compatible with a range of Windows OS versions and devices, it becomes the best possible choice for Windows users.
Features
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
NordVPN's Windows app comes with a bunch of advanced security features. The most impressive of these is Threat Protection Pro, which is an all-in-one malware-detection service that rolls an antivirus, DNS blocklist, and AI-powered phishing site detection into a single product. If you're concerned about connecting to a dubious server location, NordVPN has a Double VPN service which routes traffic through two servers for extra protection. There are also basic security features, too, such as split tunneling, which allows specific apps to bypass the VPN, as well as a fully functional kill switch.
However, the feature that really sets NordVPN apart from the rest of its peers is MeshNet. This is NordVPN's answer to personal VPN tools like Hamachi and Radmin. Basically, when you use MeshNet you're piggybacking off of NordVPN’s secure no-logs server to run your own VPN that connects your devices together. This lets you send files between devices securely and build virtual LANs for gaming over the net without worrying about a third party spying on you, as MeshNet uses the same bullet-proof encryption that the rest of NordVPN employs.
Read more about Nord's app support, streaming, security and speed ▼
App support
NordVPN is the most compatible app on this list. There’s a legacy x86 version of NordVPN available as well as a Windows 7/8.1 version – both are still supported but only receive security updates. For all of NordVPN's cutting-edge features, you'll need Windows 10 or 11.
Even if you have a Copilot+, NordVPN provides a Windows ARM version which comes with most of the features you'd find on the x64 version. The only notable omission is NordVPN’s advanced anti-virus system Threat Protection, which is currently only available on x64 processors. Thankfully, NordVPN is hard at work on bringing this functionality over to Windows ARM too.
Privacy and security
NordVPN has recently gone through its fourth no-logs VPN audit, courtesy of Deloitte. The report is only available to NordVPN customers but, in essence, it confirms that NordVPN continues to protect your data and collect only the minimal data required to run the service.
As for the actual app, all of the security features we've tested work as you'd expect. In fact, Threat Protection Pro is one of the only VPN-based tools we've tested that effectively stopped the majority of the phishing links we attempted to visit with an anti-phishing blocker active.
Streaming and unblocking
We've put NordVPN through its paces and it performed fantastically. You'll have access to Netflix regions, including the US, Canada, Japan, UK, and Australia – making NordVPN the best Netflix VPN on the block. Connecting to other services like Disney+ and Amazon Prime works without a hitch, too, as well as regional ones like BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITV, 9Now, and 10Play.
NordVPN makes it all work with its SmartPlay feature. It automatically routes your DNS requests to the location you need to unblock the stream you're watching, minimizing the amount of time you spend bouncing between different servers.
Speed
NordVPN provides outstanding speeds. We were blown away by how fast its proprietary VPN protocol, NordLynx (which is based on super-speedy WireGuard), is as it maxed out our 950 Mbps testing rig. So, you can be sure it'll give you the best speeds possible even on a slower connection.
I will say that our OpenVPN results weren't nearly as impressive, clocking in at around 120-170 Mbps depending on the time of day and location. This is to be expected, however, as it's generally a slower protocol.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A little busy and uses a map interface that overwhelms some users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The amount of info on the dashboard makes it harder to navigate | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the fastest, easily supports streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | There's nothing this VPN can't unlock, its especially good for Netflix | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Just as strong as ExpressVPN, plus it has double-encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Very helpful, and the online articles are easy to understand | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Though not the cheapest, it's still a great overall value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN for beginners
ExpressVPN narrowly misses out on our top spot due to NordVPN's extra security features. NordVPN also works out as a better value VPN for money in the long term, as although ExpressVPN and NordVPN cost roughly the same on a per-month basis, ExpressVPN only drops to $8.32 per month when you buy annually.
What you're getting in return for that price is a VPN with true 24/7 support if you ever run into streaming hiccups and a bulletproof service that works even in the most heavily restricted regions of the globe. Otherwise, it's got absolutely everything you’d need from a VPN for Windows. It's our #1 VPN for beginners, too, thanks to an intuitive, minimalist design.
Features
ExpressVPN's Windows app doesn’t come with the extra features offered by the likes of NordVPN, but it includes all the important ones. There’s a kill switch that keeps your data private even when if your VPN connection goes down, split-tunneling on both an inclusionary and exclusionary basis so you have precise control over which apps use your VPN, and a browser-based password manager called ExpressKeys that allows you to easily generate and transfer passwords between your Windows devices.
Read more about ExpressVPN's app support, streaming, security and speed ▼
App support
The ExpressVPN app is available for Windows 10 and 11, as well as iOS, MacOS, and Android. Did I mention it's one of the only VPNs out there compatible with Copilot+ PCs?
ExpressVPN is really ahead of the curve here, as the different architecture of these new devices means that many VPN providers are still scrambling to rebuild their apps from scratch to work with Copilot+.
Privacy and security
ExpressVPN is dead-set on demonstrating it's a private, trustworthy VPN that takes your privacy seriously. With nearly 20 third-party audits to its name so far, covering everything from its strict no logs policy to the apps themselves, it’s no wonder ExpressVPN is our favorite secure VPN.
ExpressVPN also uses TrustedServer, its in-house technology based on RAM-only servers that erase data after every reboot. This puts ExpressVPN leagues ahead of most of the VPN industry when it comes to data security as, even in cases where servers are forcibly seized the attackers can't pull any user data off of the networking hardware.
Streaming and unblocking
ExpressVPN makes bypassing geo-restrictions easy. Our testing showed that the service works with major Netflix regions in US, Canada, the UK, Japan, and Australia, as well as all of the major streaming sites you'd expect. HBO, Hulu, Showtime, Disney+, Amazon Prime – whatever you’re looking for, ExpressVPN can handle it.
Speed
ExpressVPN is fast. Seriously fast. You'd hope so, given that ExpressVPN has built its custom Lightway protocol from the ground up to optimize performance. In testing, it nearly maxed out our 950 Mbps testing connection at 898 Mbps.
We did encounter a small issue with being throttled while running ExpressVPN on a virtual machine, but if you're running ExpressVPN on real hardware with Windows then you'll be fine. Again, less impressive OpenVPN speeds clocked in at roughly the same 120-170 Mbps range that NordVPN demonstrated, but that's still more than enough to stream several high-quality videos side-by-side comfortably.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, lots of attention to detail, and a clean interface | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Very easy and one of the best for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Average but capable speeds, not as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Excellent unblocking across the board | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Regular independent testing supports its claims and its clear policy shows a commitment to protecting its customers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Always friendly, always helpful, always available | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | More expensive than most other VPN services | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap VPN
Surfshark is an absolute bargain – and the best cheap VPN on the market today. However, the service doesn't underperform. You might be looking at the $15.45 per month starter price and scratching your head at that statement but, if you look at the annual prices, you’ll see this drops to a staggering $2.79 a month.
What else sets Surfshark apart? Well, it allows for unlimited device connections and boasts strong Windows compatibility, making it a great budget-friendly option if you’ve got a household full of devices you need to cover.
Features
Surfshark's Windows app offers split tunneling and a kill switch as standard, but there are a few more interesting features in there too. CleanWeb is a DNS-based adblocker that you can augment with a browser-based add-on that scrubs any advertisements that get past the DNS defenses. It also auto-dismisses cookie popups with privacy-first settings, which is a great bonus. Then there’s Camouflage Mode, which masks your VPN usage from your ISP by disguising your VPN use as web browsing traffic.
Read more about Surfshark's app support, streaming, security and speed ▼
App support
Surfshark recently ended Windows support for any versions older than Windows 10, and no longer provides feature updates for Windows 10 x86. Older versions of the client are still available for compatability's sake but Surfshark recommends updating to Windows 10 or 11 to ensure you receive the latest security updates.
On the bright side, a Windows ARM app is available for the latest Copilot+ devices, so won't miss out on Surfshark's security if you're an early adopter.
Privacy and security
Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently verified by Deloitte, and uses top-notch AES-256 encryption to protect user data while in transit to its VPN servers. Surfshark’s privacy capabilities go beyond just the VPN, however
Surfshark One offers several different ways to protect your data online. The anti-virus feature is pretty self explanatory, but it also bundles in a disposable identity generator to keep you from receiving spam to your real email, an internally-run search engine that doesn’t track your searches to sell to ad companies, and a dark web scanner that alerts you if any of your identity credentials turn up in a data breach.
Streaming and unblocking
Surfshark is another awesome streaming VPN that aced our tests. With servers in more than 100 locations, you're sure to find a server that'll let you unblock the content you want to tune in to.
Surfshark unblocked all Netflix regions as well as other popular platforms like Amazon, Disney+, and Hulu. It even worked with smaller regional services like ITV and 9Now.
Speed
Surfshark’s speeds are the best we've seen. In our last round of testing, they consistently maxed out our 950 Mbps testing connection no matter what time of day or location. That’s seriously impressive - and why Surfshark is the reigning service at the top of our fastest VPN rankings. Even using OpenVPN, Surfshark smashes the competition with peak speeds of about 450 Mbps. As a result, seamless streaming is a piece of cake.
This also makes Surfshark a great VPN for torrenting, although there’s no port forwarding option so you might be connecting to fewer peers than you would otherwise. Still, this is one outrageously fast VPN whatever you decide to use it for.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Basic and simple without feeling outdates, or that corners were cut | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | One of the best for new users because of how simple it is | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Can't beat the speeds of this VPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Most streaming services aren't a problem to access | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Kill switch issues, especially when using with Windows PC, while not consistent, it does happen enough for us to notice | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Help articles are there, but it isn't the easiest to find exactly what you need | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | The absolute best deal and best overall value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best free Windows VPN
Even if Proton VPN didn’t have one of the best free VPN deals on the market, as well as an outstanding reputation for providing privacy across all their apps, it’s very likely it'd still end up on our list. That’s just how good the core service is.
Great unblocking capabilities and a truly worldwide server list, as well as decent compatibility, make Proton VPN one of the better VPNs we’ve reviewed.
Features
There’s a lot of power built into Proton VPN’s Windows app. Until recently, the Stealth protocol was only supported on iOS, Android, and MacOS. It completely disguises your VPN signature by pretending to be a HTTPS connection stream - making it significantly harder for ISPs and network admins to catch you using a VPN. A recent update brought this tech over to Windows, luckily, so there’s more or less complete feature parity now.
Read more about Proton VPN's app support, streaming, security and speed ▼
App support
The Proton VPN app is a real standout for its cool purple and black color scheme, as well as an interactive world map that lets you pick out the servers you want to connect to. It’s a breeze to install on Windows, which is supported all the way from Windows 7 through to Windows 11, though there’s no ARM version available yet.
Privacy and security
Proton VPN openly displays its no logs audit reports without any signup necessary, so you can be sure you’re using a service that really doesn’t capture your data before you sign up.
As for the actual app, rock-solid AES-256 encryption is in place to secure your data while it’s being sent to Proton VPN’s servers. If you’d prefer to link several servers together, Proton VPN provides Secure Core technology so you can pick a secure connection in a privacy-friendly country (where your right to digital privacy will be respected) as your first hop.
Streaming and unblocking
Something that makes ProtonVPN stand out is its Alternative Routing feature. It allows you to specify your VPN endpoint as a third-party server if the service you’re trying to access is blocking Proton’s servers. It shouldn’t be necessary, as we’ve found that Proton unblocks most streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ the first time around. Still, it’s a very useful alternative to have in the quiver as a backup.
Speed
While Proton VPN is generally fast, its Secure Core feature can slow down connections due to the extra routing involved. That said, in our WireGuard tests Proton VPN performed about as well as Surfshark and NordVPN, maxing out our testing connection at 950 Mbps. Our OpenVPN results weren’t nearly as impressive, but at around 200-220 Mbps ProtonVPN will certainly be able to handle streaming 4k content regardless of which protocol you end up opting for.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Beautiful, dark mode interface | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Easier to use on mobile than on desktop | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Lots of variation and extra steps make it hard to get up and running quickly | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Missing some streaming services, but most popular ones aren't a problem | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Allows independent audits and passes checks for both security and privacy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Lots of resources online, but it's hit-or-miss when trying to contact a live agent | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Paid programs are a little on the pricy side, but its free option is great | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN for advanced users
Private Internet Access rounds off our list in last place with an extensive server network and some unique features. It’s good, but there are a few issues that prevent me from putting it any higher. Compared to the other providers on our list, its speeds just aren’t quite there. Their customer support also tends to be a little slow at responding to anything beyond the typical VPN issues, but as one of the cheaper VPNs on our list, this isn’t particularly surprising.
On the upside, the actual VPN client is highly customizable so you can really dig into the app to get it looking and acting just the way you want, which is the polar opposite of what you’d get from a VPN like ExpressVPN. If you’re willing to put in just a little extra work, PIA is a very powerful pick for Windows.
Features
PIA’s Windows app offers adjustable encryption levels when you connect via OpenVPN, allowing you to customize your connection for speed or security based on your needs. It’s also one of the few providers that lets you anonymously purchase a dedicated IP in case you need unfettered access to services that usually block VPNs - such as banking apps. You’ve also got the ability to enable port forwarding, so you should be able to host web services from your Windows device which are still protected by PIA’s VPN servers.
Read more about PIA's app support, streaming, security and speed ▼
App support
PIA for Windows only works with Windows 10 and 11. There’s no 32-bit version available, so if you’re looking to cover older devices you’re out of luck. On the plus side, PIA has released a beta version for Windows ARM devices which should work on your Copilot+ devices. However, PIA is quick to point out that this is still a beta and won’t be fully supported until Windows has the future of their Copilot program nailed down.
Privacy and security
PIA follows a strict no logs policy which has been audited twice by Deloitte, indicating that they don’t keep user logs. As far as the actual app goes, there’s the MACE ad-blocker they offer which is a DNS-based blacklist that keeps known malware and ad domains from being able to transmit data to your device. There’s a fully functional kill switch here too, as well as DNS leak protection for maximum privacy.
Streaming and unblocking
PIA is generally very good for unblocking streams. You may need to occasionally switch to one of the streaming-optimized servers if you’re looking for UK or US content, but I’ve found, in practice, this usually isn’t the case.
You’ll be able to connect to streaming sites like Netflix without an issue, as well as Disney+ and Amazon Prime. Even regional providers like BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITV, 9Now, and 10Play don’t pose an issue to PIA. Best of all, as PIA offers locations in all 50 states, you’ll be able to access American streams that are blocked on a state-by-state basis without any extra work.
Speed
PIA isn’t quite as fast as the other VPN providers on our list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fit for purpose. Our testing using the WireGuard protocol gave us peak speeds of 436 Mbps, which is entirely respectable and easily enough to stream 4k content several times over.
The OpenVPN speeds are some of the best we’ve seen at around the 250 Mbps mark, with only Surfshark beating it to the top spot. Best of all, PIA supports port forwarding, which makes it an ideal choice if you want to torrent securely while still getting the maximum connectivity out of your provider - as you’ll be able to connect to all other peers in your torrent swarm.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, clean, and customizable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The sheer number of features may overwhelm new users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Reliable speeds fast enough to support streaming and torrenting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Achieved a perfect score in our tests | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Battle-tested encryption and twice-proven no logs policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live support is available – email support is hit or miss | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Incredibly budget-friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software called a client whose primary function is to keep your internet connection, browser history, and device location private. This is done in several ways, but the most important is through the use of encryption.
Encryption is a way of scrambling your data so it can't be read. Many government agencies, militaries, and even financial institutions use encryption when saving files, sharing data, and receiving personal information through their websites, email, or messages. The highest encryption level is known as AES-256 bit. The best VPNs should use this level of security.
Another helpful security tool of a VPN client is the number and location of its servers. When you log onto the internet, your device is given an IP address that is specific to your location, and even more specific to your home address.
Since connecting to a VPN requires you to log in through one of the client's servers, your IP address will be different every time you log in. This makes it really hard to trace your online activity back to you, your device, or your address.
You can use a VPN to secure person-to-person (P2P) data transfers. This is also called torrenting. By nature of their designs, a VPN will encrypt these messages, but some VPNs are specifically designed to support torrenting with dedicated servers with faster connection speed to help cut down on the risk of the data being intercepted.
And finally, every country has content that you can't access unless you are physically present in that area. This is known as geo-restricted content, and most often is used to refer to TV streaming services. But there is other content that is restricted if you're in a country, like China.
When you connect to a VPN in a geo-restricted area, your device's IP address will show that you are local. This lets you log into your home accounts and watch your favorite shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, BBC iPlayer, and others.
How to choose a Windows VPN
Everyone’s needs are a little different when it comes to VPNs. There are a few metrics that I keep in mind when reviewing VPNs, however, and they’ll be just as useful to you when you’re picking a Windows VPN for yourself.
- Speed: You could have the best, most secure VPN in the world, but if its speeds can’t keep up with your home internet connection, it’s useless. Particularly essential for streaming in HD without buffering, and downloading large files, as well as taking crystal-clear online calls. Usually a good indicator of how consistent your connection will be for gaming, too.
- Server locations: Choice is good. The more server locations a VPN has, the more freedom you have to unblock the streams you want to access. Connecting to a server that’s geographically closer to you also means faster connections and less lag, which is vital if you’re doing something latency-sensitive - like hosting a call or playing games online.
- Security: If a VPN doesn’t have a no-logs policy, I can’t recommend them. It’s as simple as that. Ideally, it’d be audited by a third party too. Beyond that, you want to look for evidence that the service is using VPN protocols with strong encryption like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
- Compatibility: The best VPNs are highly compatible and work across a variety of platforms. It’s quite rare now that a quality VPN focuses on Windows alone, so seeing a VPN provider that works across iOS, Android, MacOS, and Linux as well is usually a hallmark of quality. Plus, you’ll want to make sure your VPN provider is compatible with Copilot+ PCs if you have one.
- Ease of use: VPNs shouldn’t bog you down in endless menuing and technical fiddling. You should be able to install, log in, press connect, and enjoy the benefits of it without a fuss. Choose a VPN with a straightforward interface, especially if you're new to VPNs.
- Price: There are options for every budget, so balance what you want out of a VPN against the cost. The best VPN for you might not be the most expensive one, especially if you’re looking for specific features.
How we test VPNs for Windows
At TechRadar, a crucial aspect of our VPN testing methodology is to retest and re-review the top VPNs on the market every six months or so to make sure we stay on top of any important changes in the VPNs’ performance that may ultimately impact the recommendations in our VPN guides.
Additionally, we want to offer only the most up-to-date and relevant information to our readers at all times. With that in mind, here are the main aspects we scrutinize while testing the VPN providers:
Privacy and security: We begin our investigation into a VPN by first visiting its website, where we carefully read the fine print in its privacy policy, see what features and how many servers are supposed to be on offer, and what the prices are like. We look around for any evidence the service has commissioned an independent audit to demonstrate its no-logs policy.
Other privacy essentials we look for include rock-solid encryption (AES 256-bit is the industry standard), support for the most popular and secure VPN protocols (WireGuard and OpenVPN must absolutely be there, whereas IKEv2 is a nice extra), and a rock-solid kill switch, alongside robust leak protection and split tunneling.
Speed testing: To test the speeds on offer by a provider, we use a variety of protocols, times, devices (all of which use a 1 Gbps connection line), and locations (one in the US and another in the UK) to run a minimum of 45 tests across various speed testing sites. The median of all the results is what we consider as the average speed of the VPN.
It’s worth noting that we also check DNS benchmark queries and connection times, undertake day-to-day browsing, and stream videos to ensure the VPN works seamlessly in the real world.
Compatibility: We test a VPN across a range of devices to get an idea of how features differ for each platform, but we pay special attention to the Windows version as it’s usually the exemplar. We then stress-test essential features, such as the kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection, to see if everything works as it says on the tin. While we're with the apps, we also evaluate how easy to use (or not) they are, and this is an important ranking criteria we use in all our VPN buying guides.
Unblocking capabilities: We try to tap into various libraries of popular streaming platforms, like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, to find out whether the VPN can comfortably unblock region-restricted content. We do so from various server locations around the world for accurate readings.
Rounding it off, we test the VPN’s P2P connectivity on Windows to see if torrents work, and we also make some time to test out any specialist features the VPN has to offer. Last but not least, we’ll contact the VPN’s customer support and throw genuine questions at them to find out if they’re prompt and effective enough to resolve any queries you might have.
Windows VPN FAQs
What is the best Windows VPN for PC?
The best Windows VPN for your PC is NordVPN. For privacy and security, ExpressVPN is a top pick. If speed is your priority, Surfshark offers blazing-fast connections. Check out our detailed reviews to find the best option for you.
What can I do with a VPN on my PC?
Although VPNs started life as a way to share data securely, they have become a lot more broad in their usage. If you use your Windows 10 laptop as a portable multimedia device, for example, you can geo-spoof your PC IP address to other regions of the world to make sure you don't miss out on your favorite content when abroad—or even catch films, TV and sport that is shown in other countries but not yours.
Virtual private networks have also become a key tool in unlocking restricted websites on PCs (just one of the reasons why VPNs in China have become so popular, with the likes of Google, Facebook, BBC, CNN, and more being blocked there). There are plenty more ancillary VPN uses you can explore, too—you can discover more by clicking the link.
How do I set up a VPN on my PC computer?
Setting up a VPN on your PC is straightforward. Simply download the VPN app from the provider site (once you've chosen a service and a subscription package), install it, and log in. Once installed, you can connect to a server with just a click.
Does Windows 10 have a built in VPN - and is it good?
Windows 10 includes a built-in VPN client, but it requires manual configuration and does not offer the same privacy or unblocking capabilities as third-party VPN services. For better performance and security, we recommend using a dedicated VPN app.
How safe is Windows 10
While not as secure as Windows 11, Windows 10 is a significant improvement in terms of security and protection over previous incarnations (especially with dedicated Windows antivirus). Even so, you can never be too secure, and a reliable VPN is an essential tool for anyone online nowadays.
Can I use VPNs on Windows 11
Yes, you can—all of our recommended services above support the latest version of Windows. Windows 11 is no longer in its infancy, and VPN providers have adapted thoroughly to the changes present in the latest OS.
River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar—ranging from breaking news pieces, reviews, and buying guides.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
