Despite being improved from the past, the Windows operating system still comes with significant security and privacy issues.
Undoubtedly, Windows has remained the most widely attacked OS. In 2016, as many as seven out of ten newly programmed malware programs targeted the Microsoft platform. In a study, hackers reveal that it is easy to compromise the security and configuration of Windows OS. Moreover, the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 is yet another example of how vulnerable the Windows operating system is.
Using the Windows platform safely goes beyond using the best antivirus software as it protects against viruses and other related threats but doesn’t encrypt the data. As a result, your data and online activities remain susceptible to online tracking. A VPN is an excellent anonymity tool that can help you in this regard. It encrypts your data and prevents ISPs or other snooping eyes from monitoring your online activities.
Read along to find out the best VPN for Windows and everything related to them.
5 Best VPNs For Windows
Before that, let’s first have a quick overview of the best VPN for Windows.
CyberGhost: 7000+ optimized servers enhance your gaming, streaming, and torrenting experience. Plus, bypass ISP throttling. Compatible with Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android.
NordVPN: comes with 5000+ servers, great speed while torrenting and gaming. You can also enjoy US Netflix From abroad. Compatible with all devices and OS.
SurfShark: With 3200+ server networks bypass throttling and download and stream unlimitedly. You can access Netflix and download torrents with privacy.
ProtonVPN provides robust digital security and allows unlimited streaming and torrenting. Enjoy a fast, stable, and reliable internet connection from anywhere and bypass ISP throttling.
Whether it’s ISP throttling, latency, or lower ping times that annoy you, you can enjoy ExpressVPN’s stable and fastest connection. Also, provide support with Netflix and Torrenting.
VyprVPN uses a proprietary Chameleon protocol that helps access the blocked torrent websites and streaming platforms. The speeds are reliable which prevents ISP throttling.
Now check out the reasons why we should use a VPN Windows. Once you know the reasons, go through the review of each VPN provider mentioned above, followed by the steps to set up a VPN on Windows.
Why Use the Best VPN for Windows?
When we browse the web using a PC, we put our security and privacy at significant risk. All our activities are tracked by the ISP and other snooping eyes monitoring the network. A VPN is of great advantage in this case. Here are some other reasons for which you might be needing a VPN for your PC:
Combat Cyber Threats
The Windows platform is always vulnerable to hackers and cyber-attacks. The AV Test’s security report for 2019/2020 reveals that in 2019, 114 million new malicious programs were created. Among them, 78.64% of the attacks were distributed on the Windows system. Besides this, the malware also impersonates phishing emails containing malicious links and infiltrates your network, putting your online security at significant risk.
A VPN proves to be a handy tool in this regard. Data encryption creates a protective layer around your data and keeps it safe and out of the reach of hackers. Moreover, it prevents attackers from seeing your actual IP address and location and makes it difficult to infiltrate your network with malware, spyware, or adware. Also, the VPN sometimes comes with built-in protection against malware, so it automatically recognizes and blocks the site that contains malware.
Play Online Games
If you’re a game enthusiastic, then you should use the Windows platform. There are a plethora of games available for PC. But some of them might be regionally blocked, and this might disappoint you. The best VPN for Windows allows you to download games from any country and provides fast speed without any buffering, and makes your gaming experience worth amazing.
Enhanced Security
Microsoft has a poor security infrastructure as compared to other operating systems. As a result, Windows computers are more likely to get hijacked. You can add an extra layer of security and protection that guarantees maximum protection by using a VPN.
Accessing the Geo-blocked Platforms
A VPN also allows you to circumvent restrictions and censorship imposed by the government and ISPs. By obscuring your location, a VPN enables you to browse the web without any restrictions. You can connect to a foreign server and unblock the various streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu to watch your favorite TV shows and movies in HD quality.
Torrenting
Due to strict copyright and regional laws torrenting has always been a risky business. This might disappoint you if you regularly download torrents. But, the VPNs mentioned in this article might help you in this regard. The best VPN for Windows also allows unlimited torrenting. These VPN providers come with optimized P2P servers, VPN leak protection, and a range of torrent-friendly features like split tunneling features, kill switch, and more that ensures a safe and hassle-free torrenting experience.
Therefore, for these reasons, you should always use a VPN for Windows.
Five Best VPNs for Windows Platform
When it comes to using a VPN of the Windows platform, many VPN providers promise to provide easy-to-use apps, excellent compatibility, configuration, and a range of security features. In this regard, we tested many VPN providers and came up with the four best VPNs to use on the Windows platform, which are as follows:
1. ExpressVPN
Because of its fully-fledged features and secure Windows app, ExpressVPN emerges as the best VPN for Windows. The VPN app is simple yet edge-cutting, and you can use it without any fuss. Also, the VPN app delivers fast connection speed without compromising your privacy and security levels.
Apart from that, the VPN uses state-of-the-art encryption and various encryption protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and the Lightway protocol.
With the ExpressVPN Windows app, you can select “Automatic mode” and choose the most secure protocol according to your need. There are essential security boosting features to strengthen your security like:
- Kill switch
- Split tunneling
- VPN leaks protection
Apart from this, ExpressVPN’s jurisdiction, logging policy, and streaming abilities make it a perfect choice for Windows. The VPN is headquartered on the British Virgin Island with no strict data logging laws and falls outside the jurisdiction of the global surveillance alliance. Thus, by no means would your data be logged or shared.
It is a no-log VPN with a verified log audit report. The VPN provider also allows unlimited streaming and torrenting on Windows.
ExpressVPN is a bit expensive compared to other VPNs, but it’s affordable yearly subscription plan costs $8.23 per month is of great value. All the subscription plans come with a risk-free 30 days-money back guarantee offer. You can buy ExpressVPN via conventional payment modes (credit/debit card) or anonymously via bitcoins.
2. Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN is yet another best VPN for Windows with the best designed, easy-to-use, and functional app. The interface is clean, and if you are new to using Surfshark VPN, you won’t have any issues. You can find the navigation option on the left side and can enjoy customization options.
The VPN provider belongs to the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands. It refrains itself from logging users’ metadata and has also audited its log policy. Furthermore, this Window VPN allows you to enjoy downloading torrents and watching streaming content on various platforms like Netflix on your PC.
Surfshark doesn’t compromise on its performance. It is a safe and secure VPN to use on the Windows platform. The VPN protects against various VPN leaks, uses military-grade encryption and secure protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard protocol to make you utterly anonymous over the web. Moreover, it also offers incredible security-focused features like:
- Kill switch
- Camouflage mode
- Multihop servers
- Malicious URL and ad-blocker
- Surfshark Alert
- Surfshark Search
Its price and impressive features also make it stand out from other VPN providers. The VPN offers the best value for money. For $2.49 per month, you can boost your digital privacy and enjoy the added benefits it provides. Surfshark VPN accepts a range of payment methods, including traditional credit/debit cards, Alipay, PayPal, and American Express.
If you want to purchase the VPN by hiding your real identity, Surfshark even allows you to pay via cryptocurrency. The VPN doesn’t offer any free trial on the desktop apps, but you can avail of the 30-days risk-free money-back guarantee offer.
3. NordVPN
Another best VPN for Windows is NordVPN, an easy-to-use, clean, and intuitive interface app. It is a popular, reliable, and fastest Windows VPN out there. It uses secure AES-256 bit encryption to protect your digital privacy.
On the Windows platform, NordVPN allows you to choose either OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols. The WireGuard protocol is the latest addition to the NordVPN that uses Nord Lynx technology to enhance its security standards.
The VPN has its headquarter in the safe jurisdiction of Panama that is not the member country of the five eyes, nine eyes, and 14 eyes alliance. NordVPN doesn’t log your activity or connection logs that can expose your identity. The company audited its log policy and apps to prove that NordVPN lives up to its claims of being a no-log VPN provider.
Besides this, NordVPN also allows users to access the blocked streaming content from anywhere. It is one of the best VPNs to unblock American Netflix. Moreover, the P2P- optimized servers also allow unlimited torrenting without sacrificing speed and privacy.
This service provider comes with a wide range of impressive features, the epitome of security and privacy. Some of these features include:
- Kill switch
- CyberSec
- Double VPN
- Stealth Mode
- VPN leak protection
- NordPass
- NordLocker
Moreover, NordVPN offers three different subscription plans that all have the same features. The two-year plan is of much value and costs $3.67 per month. You can be bought through various payment methods except for Bitcoin. Like other VPNs, it also offers a risk-free 30 days money-back guarantee offer.
4. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost is yet another best VPN to use on the Windows platform that is fast, secure, and easy to use. The VPN uses the industry’s highest AES-256 bit encryption standard and OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols to safeguard you from the potential vulnerabilities that the Windows operating system possesses.
The service provider offers many security and privacy-focused and other supported features that many other service providers ignore. Some of these features include:
- Ad and malware blocker
- IP and DNS leak protection
- Kill switch
- Split tunneling
- NoSpy servers
- Passcamp password manager
Besides this, it offers a Security Suite for desktop devices that provides antivirus protection, automatic app updates, and privacy guard features. With this feature, you can take your digital privacy and security to another level.
CyberGhost is a private VPN that has its headquarter in Romania. The country neither has strict data retention laws nor falls in the global surveillance alliance jurisdiction so, no need to worry about data surveillance and logging. Moreover, the VPN doesn’t keep any user logs. It doesn’t have a recent log audit report. But, it publishes annual transparency reports to win users’ trust. Also, CyberGhost is a good choice when it comes to streaming and torrenting.
Buy CyberGhost at a low price of $2.25 per month on a two-year plan and enjoy a one-day free trial period. Also, it offers a 45-days money-back guarantee. You can purchase it with cryptocurrency and other payment methods provided by top-tier VPN providers.
5. VyprVPN
When it comes to the best VPN for Windows, it would be unfair not to count VyprVPN. It has an intuitive and user-friendly app for the Windows platform. The app is pretty customizable and offers various useful features such as:
- Kill switch
- VPN Protocol
- DNS control
When it comes to security, VyprVPN performs exceptionally in this area. It is one of the most trustworthy and secure VPNs that encrypts the internet connection with a robust AES-256 bit encryption cipher. The VPN provider also uses OpenVPN as a default protocol along with WireGuard and IKEv2. These encryption protocols ensure that your data traffic remains protected and out of the reach of the snooping eyes.
Moreover, VyprVPN’s popularity is also stemmed from its impressive privacy-focused features that guarantee maximum online protection. Some of these features include:
- Site blocker
- Public WiFi protection
- VPN leak protection
- Connection per-app
The VPN provider also comes with optimized P2P servers that allow users to torrent safely and securely. It is also updating its servers that enable users to access US Netflix and content libraries of other countries. One should use a VPN on the Windows platform.
VyprVPN is also a no-log VPN with a verified log audit report that helps gain users’ trust. It is a cheap VPN and costs $1.67 per month on a 36 months plan that includes 12 free months. The VPN accepts payment in all conventional methods except for Bitcoin. Furthermore, the VPN offers no free trial but a 30 days money-back guarantee offer.
What Is The Best Free VPN for Windows?
Several free VPNs for Windows are available in the market, some are even trustable, but it isn’t advisable to use any of them. The free service providers might tempt you a lot since they don’t charge a single penny from you but invade your privacy to mine your data and sell them to third parties and marketers.
They come with limited bandwidth and server selection options. Some might even compel you to watch irrelevant ads or inject malware into your browser. They can also use tracking cookies to watch what you are doing online. Moreover, they fail to encrypt your data traffic and lack several essential security boosting features.
All these reasons are enough for drifting you away from the free service providers. If you still want to use a free VPN, then make sure you go through its privacy policy in detail. Ensure that it offers a no-log policy and uses high encryption standards. You can also run the VPN for different tests to check its credibility.
As a whole, a free VPN for Windows isn’t a good option for long-term use.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Windows?
As mentioned before, not all VPNs give off the performance and service as you demand. They all vary in their strengths and weaknesses. The best VPN for Windows should meet the criteria that we used to test the VPNs. Here’s an insight into the essential factors that shouldn’t be ignored while choosing a VPN for the Windows operating system:
Encryption
VPN encryption guarantees the level of privacy and security a VPN would provide. Make sure that you select a VPN that offers robust military-grade encryption to safeguard your data traffic from all snooping eyes. If the VPN isn’t providing you the desired encryption, it might result in data leaks and breaches. To have more satisfaction, do test the encryption using Wireshark software.
Moreover, the VPN provider should use strong ciphers and various encryption protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. All these protocols guarantee maximum online protection and are reliable to use.
Logging Policy
A VPN’s logging policy determines how private and reliable it is for use. Make sure that you choose a VPN that exhibits a strict no-log policy. It should be free from keeping and sharing any connection or activity logs.
To further prove their stance, the VPN provider should have a verified no-log audit report. Luckily, all the VPNs mentioned in this article are no-log VPNs and are safe to use.
Jurisdiction
No matter how good the VPN might be, they won’t ever use it if its jurisdiction is suspicious. Always select a VPN that belongs to a privacy-friendly jurisdiction meaning it shouldn’t adhere to mandatory data retention laws or other regional surveillance laws. If it does, it might put your data security at significant risk because the ISP or the government can ask the company to hand over user data without permission.
Also, try to use a VPN that doesn’t fall in the jurisdiction of the five eyes, nine eyes, and 14 eyes because then your data will be shared with the agencies of other member states. All the VPNs mentioned in this article have their headquarters in a safe jurisdiction, so by no means can anyone invade your privacy.
Other Privacy and Security Features
The privacy and security features of a VPN have become the reason for its popularity. Each of these features is designed for a specific task, but their ultimate goal is to provide a top-notch level of online protection. The VPN you choose should have the essential privacy and security boosting features like a kill switch, VPN leak protection, ad blocker, split tunneling feature, double VPN, and more.
Besides this, some VPNs like NordVPN and CyberGhost VPN do offer extra supported features. They further enhance your online security and give you great peace of mind while you surf the web.
Does Windows 10 Have a Built-in VPN?
Windows 10 comes with a built-in ability that functions as a VPN. The built-in Windows 10 VPN is entirely free and must be set up manually without downloading extra software. But as it uses the PPTP protocol, it can trouble you in the setup process if you’re not a tech-savvy person.
If you know the proper steps, then this process is easy. Here are the step-by-step instructions for setting up the Windows 10 built-in VPN:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet
- Select the VPN option from the left side.
- A pop-up screen will appear; tap on Add a VPN Connection.
- In the new window, select Windows built-in option.
- Within the Connection name field, enter any name of your choice.
- In the next box, type the server address.
- Now, under the VPN Type, select a protocol of your choice.
- Choose the type of sign-in information. Username and password is the most preferred method.
- Create your username and password > Enter the password > click on Save.
- Tap on Connect, and that’s it. You can now use the Windows built-in VPN.
The built-in VPN is an impressive feature, but it comes with limitations, and because of these limitations, the VPN doesn’t provide ideal performance. Like, the VPN doesn’t offer a kill switch protection, robust encryption like the premium VPNs, and several other security-boosting features. For all these reasons, it’s better to use the best premium VPNs for Windows.
How Do I Set Up a VPN On My PC?
Here we’ve broken down the installation process into simple steps. Follow the step by steps and get connected to a VPN on your PC in less than five minutes.
- Choose a VPN from our above-recommended list and subscribe to it.
- Create your account.
- Download and install the VPN app on your PC. Make sure that you download the relevant app on your device.
- Follow the steps that appear on your screen and complete the installation process.
- Open your VPN app and log in to your VPN account.
- Go to settings and make any necessary changes if you want. Like you can tweak the OpenVPN protocols from UDP to TCP or enable any security-focused feature.
- Now, select a server of your choice.
- Tap to connect and let the connection get established. Soon when you see that the VPN icon turns green, open your browser and try accessing any blocked service or website in your region.
Successful access to the website means that your connected VPN is working.
What Can I Do With a VPN on My PC?
Using the best VPN for Windows adds great value to your overall browsing experience. With a VPN, you can prevent the potential threats and vulnerabilities in the operating system every other day. It encrypts all your internet traffic coming and going from the Windows PC. This way, no one can intercept your network and track down your browsing activity.
Moreover, by hiding your actual IP address, the VPN provider provides more anonymity over the web. Because of this, you can stream and download torrents safely on your PC.
How Safe is Windows 10?
Windows 10 is a much safer and secure version of Windows. In the past few years, in the past few years, and offered impressive security-enhancing features such as disk encryption, antivirus, and firewall protection. However, this isn’t enough to maintain your security levels. The best way to maintain your digital privacy on the Windows platform is to use a VPN like the ones mentioned in this article. A VPN will encrypt your data and mask your IP address to keep your activities private.
Final Thoughts
To use a VPN for Windows is all about maintaining your online security and enjoy streaming, torrenting, and gaming experience. For better security-enhancing expertise on Windows, the platform makes sure that you subscribe to the best premium VPN providers. All the VPNs mentioned above are tested and give off the best results when used. So, choose anyone according to your need and strengthen your online security and privacy.
