How To Activate Windows Built-In VPN

You can use your Windows PC to connect to a virtual private network (VPN), whether it’s for business or personal use. When working from a coffee shop or other public location, a VPN connection can help provide a more secure connection and access to your company’s network and the internet. Let’s now examine how to set up a VPN connection in Windows 10 or 11.

Setting up a VPN in Windows 11

Step 1: Create a VPN profile

You need to have a VPN profile on your computer before you can connect to a VPN. You can either set up a work account to obtain a VPN profile from your company, or you can create your own VPN profile. You can set up the profile by doing the following first.

Before you begin:

• When you’re at work, look for VPN settings or a VPN app on your company’s intranet site, or get in touch with your business’ support staff, if it’s for work.

• If the VPN service is one you subscribe to for personal use, check to see if there is a Microsoft Store app for it before visiting the VPN service’s website to see if the recommended VPN connection settings are there.

How to create a VPN profile

1. Select the Start button, then type settings. Select Settings > Network & internet > VPN > Add VPN.

2. On the Add a VPN connection pop-up, choose Windows (built-in) for VPN provider field.

3. In the Connection name field, enter a name you’ll recognize (for example, My Personal VPN). This is the VPN connection name you’ll look for when connecting.

4. In the Server name or address field, enter the address for the VPN server.

5. Choose the kind of VPN connection you want to establish under VPN type. You must be aware of the type of VPN connection that your provider or VPN service employs.

6. Select the type of sign-in information (or credentials) to use under Type of sign-in info. 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 fields (if required).

7. Select Save.

Editing VPN connection information on Windows

Choose the VPN connection and then select Advanced Options if you need to edit the VPN connection information or specify additional settings, such as proxy settings.

Step 2: Connect to a VPN

You are prepared to connect once you have created a VPN profile. You can connect to a VPN on your Windows 11 computer by following the instructions below.

1. In your Settings menu, navigate and select Network & internet > VPN.

2. Select Connect next to the VPN connection you want to use.

3. If you’re prompted, enter your username and password or other sign-in info.

Note: This feature is not available in Windows 11 SE.

When connected, the VPN connection name will show Connected underneath it. Hover your mouse pointer over the Network icon in the taskbar’s far right corner to see if the VPN connection appears to be active while you are using your PC to perform tasks.

Quick setting

You can also connect to a VPN through quick settings and the notification area. To add VPN as a quick setting, right-click the Network icon in the notification pop-up on the taskbar, then select Edit quick settings > Add > VPN > Done.

Setting up a VPN in Windows 10

Before you can connect to a VPN, you must set up your VPN profile just like in Windows 11. Refer to Step 1: Create a VPN profile above and follow the steps to set up the VPN profile for windows 10

How to connect to a VPN on Windows 10

After setting up your VPN profile, you are now ready to connect to the built-in VPN by doing as follows:

1. Select the Notification icon to bring up an overlay on the taskbar’s far right corner. Select the Network icon.
2. Choose the VPN connection you want to use.

3. If the Connect button appears next to the VPN connection, click Connect; otherwise, click the VPN connection in the Settings section and then click Connect.

4. Enter your credentials or other sign-in information if prompted.

Once established, the VPN connection name will have Connected underneath it. While using your PC, you can check if you’re connected to the VPN by selecting the Network icon on the taskbar’s far right and looking to see if the VPN connection status is Connected.