You too can manually configure a VPN connection on Windows 10

The beauty of most premier VPN services is that they have an intuitive Windows 10 app that makes setting up a connection as easy as clicking a big green button that says “connect.” However, if you’re running Windows 10 in S mode and can’t install apps from outside the Store, or you’re using a VPN without a client, you can still configure a VPN manually. This is especially important as many people move to working from home due to coronavirus (COVID-19) and require a VPN. Here’s everything you need to know.

What you need to get the job done

• Premier VPN service: ExpressVPN (From $6.67 monthly at ExpressVPN)
• Microsoft’s latest OS: Windows 10 (From $130 at Amazon)

How to manually add and connect to a VPN on Windows 10

Once you subscribe to a VPN service — keep in mind there are plenty of great options out there — you should have access to a list of servers that you can connect to. It will differ depending on the VPN service you’re using, but you should have access to a webpage or desktop app section that lists the server’s location, the address needed to create a manual connection, and the current load of the server.

Your VPN provider should also provide manual sign-in information that can be used as credentials. This might be some sort of username and password or certificate depending on the service.

Once you have the required information to make a connection, you can jump into settings and get everything running.

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Click Settings.

   

   Source: Windows Central

3. Click Network & Internet.
4. Click VPN.

   

   Source: Windows Central

5. Click Add a VPN connection.
6. Click the dropdown menu below VPN provider.

   

   Source: Windows Central

7. Click Windows (built-in).
8. Click the Connection name field.

   

   Source: Windows Central

9. Type a name for the VPN connection. (In this case, I’ll use the name of my provider and the server location.)
10. Click the Server name or address field.

    

    Source: Windows Central

11. Type the server’s address. (You can likely find this in your VPN account.)
12. Click the dropdown menu below VPN type.

    

    Source: Windows Central

13. Choose a connection protocol.
14. Click the dropdown menu below Type of sign-in info.

    

    Source: Windows Central

15. Click a sign-in method. (This will no doubt change depending on your VPN provider.)
16. Click Save.

    

    Source: Windows Central

17. Click the VPN you just set up. (It will now appear in the VPN list.)
18. Click Connect. (Depending on the sign-in method used by your provider, you might have to enter your username and password.)

    

    Source: Windows Central

How to disconnect and remove a VPN on Windows 10

If you don’t want to use a VPN anymore, or if you just want to remove a server from the list, you can disconnect or completely remove it. There is a VPN button for quick on and off located in the Windows 10 action center (the small speech bubble in the bottom-right corner of your display), but we’ll go through the entire process, which includes completely removing a VPN from your system.

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Click Settings.

   

   Source: Windows Central

3. Click Network & Internet.
4. Click VPN.

   

   Source: Windows Central

5. Click a VPN connection you want to disconnect or remove.
6. Click Disconnect.

   

   Source: Windows Central

7. Click Remove.
8. Click Remove again to confirm.

   

   Source: Windows Central

Our top VPN and software picks

To complete the steps laid out above, you’ll need to invest in a quality VPN, and you’ll need Windows 10.

More great VPN services

Not buying what ExpressVPN is selling? Check out these other great VPN services we recommend. You can also have a look at our roundup of the current best VPN deals if you’re looking to save some money.

Coronavirus resources

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.