Whether it’s for work or personal use, you can connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on your Windows PC. A VPN connection can help provide a more secure connection and access to your company’s network and the internet, for example, when you’re working from a coffee shop or similar public place.
Note: This feature is not available in Windows 11 SE. Learn more
Create a VPN profile #
Before you can connect to a VPN, you must have a VPN profile on your PC. You can either create a VPN profile on your own or set up a work account to get a VPN profile from your company.
Before you start:
- If it’s for work, look for VPN settings or a VPN app on your company’s intranet site while you’re at work, or contact your company’s support person.
- If it’s for a VPN service you subscribe to for personal use, visit the Microsoft Store to see if there’s an app for that service, then go to the VPN service’s website to see if the VPN connection settings to use are listed there.
Once you have your work or personal VPN settings ready:
- 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). This is the VPN connection name you’ll look for when connecting.
- In the Server name or address box, enter the address for the VPN server.
- For VPN type, choose the type of VPN connection you want to create. You’ll need to know which kind of VPN connection your company or VPN service uses.
- For Type of sign-in info, choose the type of sign-in info (or credentials) to use. This might be a username and password, one-time password, certificate, or a smart card if you’re connecting to a VPN for work. Enter your username and password in the respective boxes (if required).
- Select Save.
If you need to edit the VPN connection info or specify additional settings, such as proxy settings:
- From the VPN settings page, select the VPN connection you want to edit, select Advanced options, then select Edit next to the details you want to update. Once you’ve made the updates needed select either Save or Apply.
Connect to a VPN #
When you have a VPN profile, you’re ready to connect.
Connect to a VPN quickly from your taskbar:
- On your taskbar, select the Network, Volume, Battery icon > VPN.
- From the list of VPN connection names, select the one you want, and then select Connect.
- If prompted, enter your username and password or other sign in info.
Connect to a VPN from the Windows Settings page:
- Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > VPN.
- Next to the VPN connection you want to use, select Connect.
- If prompted, enter your username and password or other sign in info.
You’ll know you’re connected to a VPN in the following two ways:
- On the VPN settings page, the VPN connection name will display Connected underneath it.
- On the taskbar, a blue shield will display when you’re connected to a recognized VPN.
