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5 Best Ways To Setup Your VPN On Windows 10 [2024 Tips]

Use the following methods to set up a VPN and share your network with other devices

5 min. read

Updated onJanuary 8, 2024

updated onJanuary 8, 2024

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Key notes

Transforming your Windows 10 PC into a VPN server to setup aVPNat home is an excellent way to stay in touch with your files and applications, no matter where you are.

For example, you can access files through the VPN from the office if you forgot to copy an important work document or need to check up on torrent downloads. It’s equally important to share files from your office to your home PC or laptop.

More importantly, it’s a much safer option than resorting toremote access software tools, which are susceptible to various vulnerabilities.

Our step-by-step guide below shows you the exact steps to setup a VPN at home on Windows 10. The best part about it is that you don’t need to install any additional software programs to make everything operational. You just need a router that supportsport forwarding.

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Is the Windows built in VPN free?

The Windows built-in VPN is pre-installed on Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs. To configure it, you need to enter network information and configure your ports.

How do I setup a VPN server on Windows?

To set up a VPN server on your Windows PC, you can use the in built Network Adapters configuration panel. You can also configure your router.

1. Accept incoming connections on your home PC

Although Windows 10 provides you with the hostname and recommends making a copy of it, this won’t be necessary for remote connections over the Internet (only for LAN connections).

If you made any mistakes during the setup, you can edit the connection properties by right-clickingIncoming Connectionsand selectingProperties. For example, you can go back anytime to allow more user accounts or remove the permissions of existing users.

*To ensure your computer’s security, it’s recommended to create a new user account that only you will know. Make sure to generate a random and secure password that can’t be hacked. To easily keep track of your user credentials, use apassword manager.

2. Configure router settings

If your networking device supports custom firmware, check out thebest router software for Windows 10.

3. Check firewall settings

4. Use the Windows built-in VPN to create a new network

This method lets other devices to connect to your VPN network. Using the same credentials you provided, try to connect to this network from a different device.

To make sure other devices have access to your network, right click on it in theNetwork Connectionspanel and hitProperties.

Tick the box next toAllow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection. Hitok.

Once you’re in, you can access files through the VPN, copy, edit or rename data, and more.

5. Enable Network Discovery to allow access to your VPN server

At this stage, you should be able to connect to the VPN and share data on your network. If you encounter any problems, consider our troubleshooting tips forWindows 10 PPTP VPN not working.

In conclusion, figuring out how to set up a VPN at home on Windows 10 is the first step toward turning your home PC into a VPN server. It enables you to remotely connect from any computer and gain access to your personal data.

It’s not necessary to install additional software. However, PPTP is a weak protocol with low security. We suggestupgrading to router firmwarethat supports OpenVPN configurations. Then you can install a free OpenVPN client on any device to remotely access your home VPN server.

To learn all the tips and tricks of Microsoft’s OS, visit ourWindows 10 area. We give insightful tips and tricks that will improve your Windows experience.

Check out ourVPN Troubleshooting Hubto fix any VPN problems. Here you can find suggestions and solutions for most VPN issues, both for in-built and third-party VPNs.

5 Best Ways To Setup Your VPN On Windows 10 [2024 Tips]#

Is the Windows built in VPN free?#

1. Accept incoming connections on your home PC#

2. Configure router settings#

3. Check firewall settings#

4. Use the Windows built-in VPN to create a new network#

5. Enable Network Discovery to allow access to your VPN server#