Host VPN Server on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide for Devs

Welcome Devs! Are you looking for a secure way to access your network resources remotely? Do you want to ensure your privacy while surfing the internet? If yes, then hosting your own VPN server on Windows 10 is just what you need. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up and configuring your VPN server on Windows 10.

Prerequisites

Before we delve into the details, let’s first ensure that you have everything you need for setting up your VPN server. Here are the minimum requirements:

Component	Minimum Requirement
Operating System	Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise (64-bit)
Processor	1 GHz or faster
RAM	1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
Storage	32 GB or more
Network Interface Card (NIC)	Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter

Step 1: Enable Routing and Remote Access

The first step is to enable routing and remote access on your Windows 10 machine. Follow the steps below to do so:

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select “Run”.
2. Type “services.msc” and click “OK”.
3. Scroll down and locate the “Routing and Remote Access” service.
4. Right-click on the service and select “Properties”.
5. Set the “Startup type” to “Automatic” and click “Apply”.
6. Click on the “Start” button to start the service.

You have now enabled routing and remote access on your Windows 10 machine.

Step 2: Configure Routing and Remote Access

The next step is to configure routing and remote access. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the “Routing and Remote Access” console by typing “mmc.exe” in the Start menu and adding the “Routing and Remote Access” snap-in under “File”.
2. Right-click on the server name and select “Configure and Enable Routing and Remote Access”.
3. Click on “Next” to proceed.
4. Select “Custom configuration” and click “Next”.
5. Select “VPN access” and click “Next”.
6. Select the network interface that your VPN clients will use to connect to your server and click “Next”.
7. Choose “No, I will configure the routing table myself” and click “Next”.
8. Click on “Finish” to complete the configuration.

You have now successfully configured your routing and remote access for VPN access.

Step 3: Configure Firewall

Now that you have enabled routing and remote access and configured it, you need to configure your firewall to allow VPN traffic. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security” console by typing “wf.msc” in the Start menu.
2. Click on “Inbound Rules” in the left pane.
3. Click on “New Rule” in the right pane.
4. Select “Custom” and click “Next”.
5. Select “All programs” and click “Next”.
6. Set the “Protocol type” to “UDP” and select “Specific local ports”. Enter “500” and “4500” in the “Local port” field and click “Next”.
7. Select “Allow the connection” and click “Next”.
8. Choose the appropriate network location and click “Next”.
9. Enter a name for the rule and click “Finish”.

You have now allowed VPN traffic through your firewall.

Step 4: Configure Remote Access Policies

The final step is to configure remote access policies. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the “Routing and Remote Access” console by typing “mmc.exe” in the Start menu and adding the “Routing and Remote Access” snap-in under “File”.
2. Right-click on the server name and select “Properties”.
3. Click on the “Security” tab.
4. Under “Authentication provider”, select “Windows authentication”.
5. Under “Authentication methods”, select “MS-CHAP v2” and “EAP”.
6. Click on “OK” to save the changes.

You have now configured remote access policies for your VPN server.

FAQ

1. Can I host a VPN server on Windows 10 Home?

No, you cannot host a VPN server on Windows 10 Home. You need Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise (64-bit) to host a VPN server.

2. Do I need a static IP address to host a VPN server?

No, you don’t need a static IP address to host a VPN server. You can use a dynamic DNS service to create a domain name that is mapped to your dynamic IP address.

3. How many VPN clients can connect to my server at once?

The number of VPN clients that can connect to your server at once depends on the hardware and network configuration of your server. However, Windows 10 supports up to 128 concurrent connections for VPN access.

4. How secure is a VPN server hosted on Windows 10?

A VPN server hosted on Windows 10 can be secure if you follow the best practices for security, such as using strong encryption, implementing access controls, and keeping your server and software up-to-date with security patches.

5. Can I use third-party VPN software instead of hosting my own VPN server?

Yes, you can use third-party VPN software to connect to a VPN server. However, hosting your own VPN server gives you more control and customization options.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you in setting up your own VPN server on Windows 10. Now you can enjoy secure and private access to your network resources from anywhere. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below.