How to manually configure a VPN on Windows 11

On Windows 11, the best VPN (Virtual Private Network) services usually offer a dedicated app that makes it easy to connect to their secure servers. But if the app isn’t working properly (or you simply prefer not to install additional software), you can still set up the VPN manually.

Regardless of the reason, Windows 11 includes built-in tools that let you configure and manage VPN connections directly through the Settings app. This allows you to connect to almost any VPN service, helping you enhance your online privacy, secure your connection on public networks, and even bypass regional restrictions to access content from other locations.

In this how-to guide, I'll outline the steps to set up, connect, disconnect, and delete a VPN connection on Windows 11.

What's a VPN?

VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network" and refers to a technology that creates a secure connection between a device and a specific network, allowing users to access files and resources remotely. Typically, organizations set up a VPN server to enable employees to connect through a VPN client and access resources as if they were physically in the office.

In addition, there are third-party VPN services that function similarly. However, instead of connecting to a corporate network, these services provide an encrypted connection to their own servers, strategically located around the world. This setup allows users to access the internet while hiding their public IP address, offering a more private and secure browsing experience. Beyond the extra layer of privacy and security, VPN services are also useful for bypassing geographic restrictions, enabling access to censored content and region-locked services (such as the U.S. version of Netflix) from anywhere in the world.

How to set up a VPN connection on Windows 11

To set up a Windows 11 VPN connection, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & internet.
3. Click the VPN page from the right side.

4. Click the Add VPN button in the "VPN connections" setting

5. Select the Windows (built-in) option in the "VPN provider" setting.
6. Enter a name to identify the connection (for example, you can use a service name like IPVanish, Private Internet Access, etc) in the "Connection name" setting.
7. Enter the address of the VPN server (such as vpnserver.com or 122.122.122.122) in the "Server name or address" setting.

8. Select the Automatic option or the protocol required to connect to the particular VPN server in the "VPN type" setting.
9. Select the authentication method using the "Type of sign-in info" drop-down menu.

• Quick note: This option will depend on the VPN provider settings.

1. Confirm the username and password if you select the "User name and password" option.
2. Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, connect to the VPN service from the Settings app or Taskbar.

How to connect a VPN connection on Windows 11

To connect to a VPN server, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & internet.
3. Click the VPN page from the right side.
4. Click the Connect button for the connection

After you complete the steps, the computer will connect to the VPN server.

Connect from Taskbar

To make a VPN connection from the Taskbar, use these steps:

1. Click the network icon in the Taskbar
2. Click the VPN button.

3. Select the VPN connection.
4. Click the Connect button.

Once you complete the steps, like using the Settings app, the device will authenticate and connect to the remote network.

How to disconnect a VPN connection on Windows 11

To disconnect a VPN connection, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & internet.
3. Click the VPN page from the right side.
4. Click the Disconnect button.

5. Click the Confirm button.

After you complete the steps, the computer will disconnect from the VPN server.

Disconnect from Taskbar

To disconnect a VPN connection from the Taskbar, use these steps:

1. Click the network icon in the Taskbar
2. Click the VPN button.
3. Select the VPN connection.
4. Click the Disconnect button.

Once you complete the steps, the laptop or desktop will terminate its connection to the remote virtual private network.

How to remove a VPN connection on Windows 11

To remove and delete a VPN connection, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & internet.
3. Click the VPN page from the right side.

4. Click the connection to access its settings.
5. Click the Disconnect button (if applicable).
6. Click the Remove button.

After you complete the steps, the VPN connection will be removed from the computer.

Our top VPN and software picks

If you want to complete the configuration steps, you will need a reliable VPN service and Windows 11 or 10. We lean toward ExpressVPN thanks to a great price, tons of features, and proven security, but there are more options listed below.

ExpressVPN

Premier VPN service

With robust encryption and plenty of connection protocols, including OpenVPN, this is one of the best services operating today.

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More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know