Everything You Need to Know About VPN Servers on Windows

Hello Dev, if you are reading this article, then you are probably looking for information about VPN servers on Windows. You are at the right place because this article will provide you with comprehensive guidance on VPN servers and how they work on the Windows platform. So, let’s dive right in.

What is a VPN and VPN Server on Windows?

A VPN or Virtual Private Network is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and tunnels it through secure servers in different locations, making it difficult for anyone to monitor your online activity or intercept your data. A VPN server is a type of remote server that manages VPN connections from clients. In simple terms, a VPN server acts as a middleman between your device and the internet.

Windows offers a built-in VPN server called “Routing and Remote Access” that allows you to set up a VPN connection on your device. This VPN server is available on all versions of Windows, including Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Server editions.

Why Use a VPN Server on Windows?

There are several reasons why you might want to use a VPN server on Windows:

1. Privacy: By using a VPN server, you can keep your online activity private and secure from snoopers, advertisers, and other third parties.
2. Security: A VPN server adds an extra layer of security to your internet connection by encrypting your data and protecting it from hackers and cybercriminals.
3. Access: A VPN server allows you to bypass internet censorship and geo-restrictions, enabling you to access content from anywhere in the world.

How to Set Up a VPN Server on Windows?

Setting up a VPN server on Windows is relatively easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the “Server Manager” on your Windows device.
2. Click on the “Add Roles and Features” option.
3. Select “Role-based or feature-based installation” and click “Next”.
4. Choose the “Remote Access” option and click “Next”.
5. Select the “DirectAccess and VPN (RAS)” option and click “Next”.
6. Click on “Add Features” and then click “Next”.
7. Click on “Next” again and then click “Install” to start the installation.
8. Once the installation is complete, configure the VPN server according to your requirements.

How Does a VPN Server on Windows Work?

A VPN server on Windows works by creating a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. When you connect to a VPN server, your device sends all its internet traffic through this secure tunnel, which is encrypted and protected from prying eyes.

The VPN server then forwards your internet traffic to the internet on your behalf, making it appear as though it is coming from the VPN server’s location rather than your own. This is how a VPN server enables you to bypass internet censorship and geo-restrictions.

What are the Benefits of Using a VPN Server on Windows?

There are several benefits of using a VPN server on Windows:

1. Security: A VPN server provides an extra layer of security to your internet connection, protecting your data from hackers and cybercriminals.
2. Privacy: By using a VPN server, you can keep your online activity private and secure from third parties, including your internet service provider (ISP).
3. Access: A VPN server enables you to bypass internet censorship and geo-restrictions, allowing you to access content from anywhere in the world.
4. Performance: Some VPN servers on Windows can also help improve your internet speed and reduce buffering by optimizing your internet connection.

What Are the Different Types of VPN Protocols Available on Windows?

Windows supports several VPN protocols that you can use to connect to a VPN server. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. PPTP: Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol is an older VPN protocol that is not very secure. It is easy to set up and is supported on most devices, but it is not recommended for sensitive data.
2. L2TP/IPsec: Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol with IPsec is a more secure VPN protocol than PPTP. It is also supported on most devices, including Windows.
3. OpenVPN: OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol that is highly secure and flexible. It requires third-party software to set up on Windows, but it offers excellent security and performance.
4. SSTP: Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol is a proprietary VPN protocol developed by Microsoft. It is highly secure and is supported natively on Windows, but it may not work on other devices.

How to Connect to a VPN Server on Windows?

Connecting to a VPN server on Windows is easy. Here’s how:

1. Click on the “Network” icon in the taskbar.
2. Select “VPN” from the options.
3. Click on “Add a VPN connection”.
4. Enter the details of the VPN server you want to connect to.
5. Click “Save”.
6. Click on the newly created VPN connection and click “Connect”.

What Are the Best VPN Servers for Windows?

There are several VPN servers available for Windows, but not all of them are equally good. Here are some of the best VPN servers for Windows:

VPN Server	Features	Price
ExpressVPN	High-speed servers, excellent security, easy to use	$6.67/month
NordVPN	Large server network, strong security, affordable	$3.71/month
Surfshark	Unlimited connections, strong encryption, user-friendly	$2.49/month

FAQs

Q: Is it legal to use a VPN server on Windows?

A: Yes, using a VPN server on Windows is completely legal in most countries.

Q: Can I set up my own VPN server on Windows?

A: Yes, you can set up your own VPN server on Windows using the built-in “Routing and Remote Access” feature.

Q: Do I need to use a VPN server on Windows if I have an antivirus program?

A: Yes, an antivirus program is not enough to protect your online privacy and security. You need a VPN server to encrypt your data and prevent it from being intercepted.

Q: Can I use a free VPN server on Windows?

A: Yes, you can use a free VPN server on Windows, but be careful as most free VPN servers have limitations and may compromise your privacy and security.

Q: Can I use a VPN server on Windows to unblock Netflix?

A: Yes, some VPN servers on Windows can bypass Netflix’s geo-restrictions and allow you to access content from different regions.

Q: How many devices can I connect to a VPN server on Windows?

A: It depends on the VPN server you are using. Some VPN servers allow unlimited connections, while others have a limit.

That’s all folks! We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need about VPN servers on Windows. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to let us know in the comments section below.