10 best VPNs for Windows PCs in 2024

Choosing a Windows VPN isn’t always a straightforward process – and there are hundreds of rip-off providers that are better off avoided. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best, most reliable, VPN services for Windows.

The best VPN services for Windows at a glance

In a hurry? Take a look at our top Windows VPN picks in the table below – and keep scrolling for more information about each service.

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See the full list & analysis

A Windows VPN will encrypt all your traffic, thereby providing your PC with unprecedented levels of freedom and online privacy. You won’t need to worry about ISP or government snooping, websites tracking you across the net, or insecure Wi-Fi hotspots.

And because your VPN will conceal your original IP address and assign you a new one, you’ll have no trouble bypassing local censorship efforts – which comes in handy if you’re fed up with blocks imposed by your work, school, or even your government. This technique, known as location spoofing, is also used by savvy streamers who want to check out geo-restricted content on sites like Netflix or BBC iPlayer.

At ProPrivacy, we’re serious about safeguarding your digital privacy. Our team of experts has tested hundreds of VPNs over the last decade – and we get into the nitty-gritty of things. We examine how well-implemented a service’s encryption is, we comb through privacy policies, and we routinely check which services the VPNs can unblock. All of us use VPNs in our day-to-day lives, so you can rest assured that you’re getting recommendations grounded in practical research and industry expertise.

And before we recommend any VPN for Windows, we check the service for:

• Privacy and security
• Speed and performance
• Server locations
• Ease of use and backward compatibility with Windows
• Money-back guarantee
• Multiple simultaneous connections

There are hundreds of VPN options for Windows, and we understand that this makes choosing a real headache. That is why we analyze the options to give you the best possible information. All our VPN recommendations meet the criteria above – so that you can pick a provider without fear of getting an inferior service. 

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The best VPNs for Windows 10, 8, & 7 in 2024

Below, we’ll take a deep dive into the industry’s best VPNs for Windows. All of our hand-picked suggestions have a custom VPN app for Windows, robust encryption, and have been designed with your digital privacy in mind.

Plus, you’ll be getting lightning-fast speeds and access to HD streams from around the world! If you’re interested in the full list of benefits of each service provider, or want to compare even more VPNs, head over to our detailed reviews.

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Which is the fastest VPN for Windows?

With a fast VPN, Windows users will actually be able to enjoy the internet speeds they pay for. Most VPNs have sluggish servers that slow down their subscribers’ internet connection – meaning that the money those subscribers pay their ISP goes to waste. This is why it’s essential to pick the right VPN for your Windows device.

Our recommendations invest in fast Tier-1 server networks all over the world, so you’ll be able to stream in HD, enjoy smooth online gaming, and even download torrents securely.

And be sure to check out the table below if you’re on the hunt for the fastest Windows VPN out there. At ProPrivacy, we test the industry-leading VPNs regularly, across three global locations, and display the data for our readers, so they can see which service is leading the pack in real-time.

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For more information about how we test VPNs, visit our VPN speed methodology page.

Why do I need a VPN for Windows?

Your digital privacy is at risk whenever you connect to the internet – and ISPs, governments, and the sites you visit can all track your data against your wishes. A VPN encrypts your traffic to prevent this, however. With a VPN, you’ll regain control over your digital footprint, making them the best available personal privacy tool.

But how exactly does a VPN keep your data secure, your browsing history private, and your Windows devices safe?

Can I use a VPN for streaming on a Windows computer?

Absolutely. When you connect to a VPN server, you are given a valid IP address in the location of that server. This means that you can use a VPN to access your home TV services on your Windows PC while you are away on business or vacation.

No matter where you go in the world, you can always connect to a VPN server back home. For example, many people use a VPN to watch popular US streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, ESPN, Peacock, and others while abroad.

You can also connect to servers in different countries like the UK to watch BBC iPlayer, Italy to watch Sky, Australia to watch Seven Network, and more.

It’s worth noting that a VPN can also help you bypass streaming blocks in your own country. For instance, if your employer has blocked access to local streaming services and TV network streams, you can use a VPN to get around those restrictions.

By connecting to a VPN server in your own country, you can avoid the limitations put on your local network, enabling you to play games, use social media, watch YouTube or Netflix, stream TV broadcasts, or do anything else that has been blocked by your employer.

Bear in mind that there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, you will need to choose a VPN provider that has servers in the locations you need. Additionally, you will want to make sure that the VPN provider you choose offers fast and reliable connections, and has servers that work with your favorite streaming providers – not all VPNs do.

All our recommendations have been tested with popular streaming services on a Windows machine. However, you may still want to check your chosen provider yourself with your accounts using the money-back guarantee.

How we test a Windows VPN’s performance

All of our top Windows VPN picks come with a money-back guarantee. You should always take advantage of this offer period (usually around 30 days) when you first sign up for a service – it’s a great opportunity to put the VPN through its paces and determine whether it suits your needs. If not, the guarantee will let you reclaim your cash, meaning there’s no risk involved, and you can trial another provider.

ProPrivacy VPN review process

When our ProPrivacy researchers test a service, they apply several stress tests to the service, including:

Do all the advertised features work?

First things first, we test the provider’s Windows VPN client to ensure that the security and privacy features actually work. We’ll also check the range of features, and compare this selection to other VPNs on the market.

Generally, a premium VPN will offer features such as a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and OpenVPN encryption. Some even come with extras, like obfuscation (cloaking), port selection, a choice of protocols, auto-connect, double-hop encryption, and even VPN into Tor.

How does the VPN perform?

Next up is the VPN’s performance, and we run checks to ensure that it isn’t leaking data or doing anything else that would put your privacy at risk. If the VPN is secure, we’ll take a look at its connection speeds, too. This is an important consideration, seeing as it determines whether the service is quick enough to handle data-intensive tasks like streaming in HD, downloading via BitTorrent, or online gaming.

Is the VPN secure?

We’ll also check VPN privacy policies to ensure that they’re located in a jurisdiction that allows them to operate without storing invasive logs. All of our recommendations have superb track records when it comes to securing user data – and sticking to their zero-logs policies.

How compatible is the VPN with Windows?

There are several Windows operating systems in circulation, so we make sure our VPN recommendations cover them all. The VPN apps on our list have clients for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows. They also have software compatible with all recent versions of Windows 7, Windows 8, and, most importantly, Windows 10.

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How to install and set up a VPN for Windows

Each and every one of the VPNs we’ve mentioned in this guide has custom VPN apps for Windows 10. This makes setup simple – so simple, in fact, that you’ll just need to:

1. Subscribe to one of the best VPNs for Windows – and don’t forget to take advantage of their money-back guarantees to test them out without risking your cash.
2. Download and install the VPN software by following the on-screen instructions.
3. Log in to your VPN, and activate any privacy settings you might need.
4. Connect to a server, and remember to choose the nearest physical location for the best speeds.

That’s all there is to it!

There’s no real reason to experiment with the advanced settings of your VPN – unless you want to. All services in our guide opt for OpenVPN encryption, the industry’s gold standard, but we’ve covered some alternative protocols below if you’d rather explore your options.

Compare VPN protocols for Windows

Once you’ve installed the VPN software, you can head into the settings menu to pick which VPN protocol to use. These VPN encryption protocol options can be confusing, especially to VPN newcomers, so it’s useful to know their strengths and weaknesses before making your decision.

To help you out, here’s a list of commonly available protocols and how they stack up:

We recommend using OpenVPN for Windows PCs

OpenVPN is by far the fastest and most secure VPN protocol for PC users. However, please be aware that OpenVPN can be implemented in various ways, and many of those implementation methods are not completely secure – so it’s important to configure your VPN properly.

We would strongly recommend implementing OpenVPN using your VPN app and controlling it within the settings.

If you require some help getting things set up, we cover the installation process in more detail in our how to install a VPN on Windows guide.

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Can I get a free VPN for Windows?

There are trustworthy free VPNs out there – unfortunately, most of these services just aren’t reliable. They’re often dangerous, designed to collect and sell user data for a quick profit, and some are even stuffed with spyware, viruses, and other nasties.

Running a VPN service isn’t cheap. No subscription will ever truly be free – it’s impossible! The free services we recommend offer a taste of what a VPN can do, but it’s a limited trial, best suited for users who need access to a VPN in an emergency.

Legitimate free VPNs come with restrictions galore, too. This is because they primarily exist to advertise the full, premium subscription – like a sample platter at a grocery store. Expect a reduced number of server locations, monthly download caps, and connection speed restrictions.

Installing a free Windows VPN is a great way to introduce yourself to the technology, however – particularly if you’ve never used a VPN before. You’ll get a sense of how they work and what they can do for you in real-time. Don’t be put off if the free VPN feels limited, though; this is by design.

Try premium VPN services for free

Our hand-picked VPNs come with money-back guarantees that allow you to put their features to the test without limitations – and still claim your money back. As a result, you’ll be able to compare our recommended VPNs in your own time before deciding on your favorite. So get stuck in and try a few!

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Best VPNs for Windows PCs FAQs

We’ve tackled some frequently asked Windows VPN questions below, sourced from our readers, our researchers’ experience, and places like Reddit.

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Are VPNs really safe for Windows users?” answer=”Yes! Your Windows VPN will prevent hackers lurking on public Wi-Fi hotspots from accessing your data, hide your online activity from your ISP, and allow you to regain access to content you’ve already paid for when traveling abroad. Plus, a VPN has a minimal impact on your regular internet experience. Bear in mind, however, that some sites and services can still use sneaky tactics to track what you get up to on the web.” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Are VPNs illegal?” answer=”Not in most places, no. Most countries provide citizens with a right to legal privacy, and just using a VPN is legal almost everywhere. Check out our <a href=’/guides/are-vpns-legal’>Are VPNs legal?</a> guide for a list of places where the legality of VPNs is an issue.” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Will a VPN work on my Windows Laptop?” answer=”Windows is an operating system (OS) – the software which underlies all the other programs you run on your laptop, and most laptops run Windows. So, if you’re not sure, there’s a good chance that yours does, too! All of the information in this guide pertains to Windows VPNs, and those VPNs are compatible with any Windows PC or laptop. Check out our <a href=’/vpn/comparison/best-vpns-for-laptops’>best VPNs for Laptops</a> page for a list of the best services for your laptop.” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Should I use a VPN on my PC when torrenting?” answer=”We’d certainly suggest using a VPN whenever you torrent! Peer-to-peer activity can be risky. When you use BitTorrent, you’re actually sharing small pieces of the files you download with everyone else downloading that same file – and as soon as you have all the pieces you need to reassemble the file, the download is done. For a more in-depth explainer about how a VPN comes in handy for torrenting, head over to our <href=’/vpn/comparison/best-vpn-torrenting’>Best VPNs for Torrenting page.” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Will a VPN work in every country?” answer=”The VPNs we’ve recommended in this guide will work regardless of where you live. However, it’s always a good idea to check out the provider’s server list to ensure it has coverage in the locations you’d like to access – or reach out to a customer service agent.” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Does Windows 10 come with a built-in VPN?” answer=”Yes, Windows 10 and Windows 11 have built-in VPN clients, but they come with many limitations, especially when compared to the above-mentioned VPNs. For a start, you won’t have as many server options to choose from, and the servers you’ll get will be the less secure, third-party servers. Advanced security features, such as a <a href=’/vpn/guides/what-is-a-kill-switch’>kill-switch</a>, obfuscation (stealth servers), and malware protection are not included.

Besides, Windows 10 and Windows 11 built-in VPN clients are more difficult to set up (and use) than regular VPNs. If you’re not a tech-savvy person, you might even need to call a technician to help you get things going, or invest a considerable amount of time until you figure out how to set up the VPN client manually. Switching between servers requires manual tinkering with the software too. All in all, a lot of hustle for a lacking service suitable only for a handful of your online activities.” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Can I be tracked if I use a VPN on my Windows PC?” answer=”A reliable VPN should offer strong encryption and advanced privacy features to hide your online activities from your ISP, government, private investigation agencies, and other snoopers. This way, you avoid being tracked, and whatever you do on your Windows PC remains private.

Top-tier VPNs (like those above) offer strict no-logs or zero-logs policies on top of other security precautions. So, you can rest assured that your data won’t inadvertently leak or get submitted to third parties – because there’s no data stored to begin with.” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Should I use a VPN on my Windows PC when torrenting?” answer=”Using a secure VPN for torrenting on your Windows PC is highly advisable. A VPN hides your torrenting activities from the prying eyes of your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and other snoopers. A renowned VPN can also prevent ISP throttling in countries where ISPs put limitations on your internet traffic. It even protects you from copyright infringement notices should you inadvertently cross over to a gray area of torrenting (which we advise against, of course). A VPN can also protect your privacy from other peers, as you never know who might have malicious intentions.” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”How do you switch off a VPN on a Windows PC?” answer=”Switching off a VPN on a Windows PC is straightforward, especially if you’re using a renowned VPN with an intuitive Windows app. It is as simple as opening your VPN app and pressing the Disconnect button. If your VPN was manually configured, you can turn it off from the network icon (Wi-Fi or LAN) in your system tray at the bottom right of your screen.” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Do VPNs block ads and malware on Windows 10?” answer=”Most VPNs in this article, including ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark, come with built-in malware and ad detection tools. If you visit a dangerous website or encounter any other threat online, you’ll get a notification advising you of the danger. Ads and trackers get blocked automatically based on the provider’s extensive blocklists, so the chances of your data getting harvested online become much smaller.” /]]