While it can be a downside being a Windows user thanks to the extraordinary amount of malware that’s around, it also has its plus sides. And one of those is the fact that there is an absolute ton of software available for you to use.
Better still, that spreads out toward VPN options too. So, if you want to stay safe online and protect yourself from some of the malware out there, a VPN is the way to go.
As soon as your VPN is turned on, all your activity is encrypted. Not only that, but you can access geo-blocked content simply because the VPN employs geo-spoofing as a matter of course.
However, while having lots of VPNs to choose from is a good thing, it can also be a downside. How on earth are you supposed to sift through them all and find the best VPN for Windows?
Well, that’s exactly what we’re here to do. Read on to find out all about the best VPNs for Windows and how you can make sure you stay private online.
How to use VPN for Windows
Choosing the VPN for Windows is not just about making sure it works on your laptop or computer, but also on other Windows devices too.
However, getting one setup on any of your Windows devices is surprisingly easy and straightforward. In fact, they’re some of the easiest software out there.
All you need to do is pick the VPN that suits your needs, install it on your computer and then open it. Once opened, just select the country you wish to geo-spoof from and get ready to surf the internet.
As soon as the country is chosen and the VPN is on, your IP address will be changed to one from the country you just picked. In this way, you can then access all the content from that country simply and easily.
Better still, all the data you generate from this point will be sent via encrypted tunnels. So, hackers can’t hack you easily, and you protect your sensitive data.
How to choose the best VPN for Windows
Essentially, every VPN out there actually works for Windows. This means you have the luxury of getting to choose from a wide range of options.
If you plan on surfing the internet only, make sure the VPN has ramped-up security. But, if you want it for streaming content in other countries, then ensuring it has a fast connection speed and thousands of servers is the priority.
Generally, though, the best VPN for Windows will be a good all-rounder, offering a bit of everything from good privacy and fast connections, to strong support and a user-friendly interface.
To get you started, here are a few of the top features we consider when choosing the best VPN for Windows:
- Connection Speeds: having a good connection speed is essential if you plan on streaming lots of media content. Many top VPNs have high speeds so that you can watch good quality TV. Part of this also involves having large numbers of servers so that the VPN can ping users back and forth across these.
- Many devices: while you may not think it, having the ability to attach numerous devices is a must. You may need to attach more than one of your own devices to the VPN, but you might also want to let your family stay safe and secure online too.
- Privacy and Security: the best VPN for Windows will have high levels of security. There will be no log policies in place as well as high levels of encryption in place. This will mean that any data is protected from hackers.
- P2P support: importantly, all of the best VPNs will also have strong support in place too. This will cover all areas of the VPN so that you can get help quickly and efficiently whenever you need it.
- User-friendly app: the best VPN for Windows will also have a user-friendly interface that you can navigate quickly and easily. These apps will be clean and simple so that even a novice can get access.
- Money-back guarantee: being able to essentially test out a VPN without spending too much money is a must. The best ones have excellent money-back guarantees, usually giving you a month to try out the software and see if it’s the one for you.
Top Five VPNs for Windows
By checking each of the options out there, we have whittled down the selection to the best VPN for Windows in 2022. Have a look below and see what makes each of these VPNs stand out:
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is a trustworthy, modern VPN service provider with a long history. It has excellent add-ons that provide additional online protection.
The cost is slightly higher than average, but given that this option promises access to over 30,000 servers with excellent speeds, we think it’s worth considering. PIA has all the standard and several unique features for a hassle-free VPN experience.
All in all, we can recommend PIA to all our readers regardless of their preferences.
NordVPN
NordVPN has an impressive reputation already, and quite rightly so. This VPN has very high levels of security in place, making it one of the most secure options around.
It’s also got a number of protocols in place, including its own NordLynx and Double VPN privacy systems. If you’re looking to stay safe, then this is the place to go.
It’s also audited regularly, has fast connection speeds, reasonable price plans, and tons of servers.
ExpressVPN
This is one of the best VPNs out there. ExpressVPN is an excellent option for Windows users. It has fast connections and a ton of servers across an impressive 90 different countries.
This VPN is also very easy to setup, making it a great option for all levels of users. Better still, it has 24/7 customer support so if you do run into issues, there’s someone to help.
Not only does it check all the boxes in terms of the features it offers, but it also has an excellent money-back offer as well as three months free if you take one of the annual plans.
ProtonVPN
With its higher than average connection speeds, ProtonVPN is the perfect option for a family streaming VPN. It’s fully compatible with Windows too and is easy to get up and running.
The VPN has over a thousand servers across 85 locations too. However, if you do run into trouble, you might get stuck as the customer service isn’t available around the clock.
Surfshark
This VPN is known for being cheap and easy to use. Don’t let the budget price tag fool you, though, because Surfshark competes well with the best, and at a cheaper price.
It’s very easy to use, making this perfect for newcomers. The only complaint here is usually from pros, who find that some of the features are a little basic.
For average Windows users, though, this is the perfect option, coming jam-packed with features that include fast connections and the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices.
Why do you need VPN for Windows
As Windows devices are very susceptible to malware, it’s really important to stay safe and protected. Of course, first and foremost you need antivirus software, but a VPN is just an additional layer to that too.
Having the best VPN for Windows ensures that all of your internet surfing is done in a safe and secure manner. It also means that you have an added layer of protection.
With so much out there that can affect the running of your Windows PC, it’s never been more important to make use of the best VPN for Windows.
What can a VPN do for your PC?
While VPNs started out life as a security measure for internet users, these days they have broadened what it is that they do. Now, not only do they provide security, but they also give you access to content only available in other countries.
This can be very useful if you are traveling to a different country for holidays but still want to access your usual country-specific content. VPNs are great for users in places like China too, which see a whole ton of websites denied to them.
There are many other uses for a VPN too.
Setting up a Windows VPN
Now that you have chosen the best VPN for Windows, it’s time to actually get it set up. Happily, this is absurdly easy for Windows users.
You don’t need to be a pro to get going with some of the best Windows VPNs. In fact, most of them will have an easy download button on the home page of the VPN provider you have chosen.
Clicking on this will install it easily, and then it’s a case of hitting the ‘on’ button to get things going. You really can’t miss this as most of them will then have a long list of countries for you to choose from, and you just get going from there.
Windows 10 — is there a built-in VPN?
It’s a surprising fact to many that Windows 10 actually does have a built-in VPN client. However, before you decide not to get an external VPN, it’s important to take a look and see what this actually offers you.
In point of fact, the Windows version is not really a true VPN. It doesn’t let you access a secure server system, which is what modern-day VPNs do.
In fact, all it really does is give you the ability to connect to a third-party network. It also can’t help you with geo-spoofing or accessing content in other countries.
Worse still, it’s not automatically in place and is actually quite complex to get set up. You’ll need to even go into your own router to get it working, which is way more trouble than it’s worth.
By taking on one of the Windows VPNs listed here, you’ll be up and running in seconds.
The safety of Windows 10
The latest operating system from Windows is as safe as they come. It’s actually a massive improvement on some of the other Window’s incarnations when it comes to security and safety. In fact, some people say you don’t even need antivirus with Windows 10, but we wouldn’t risk it.
That being said, it’s still a highly secure system these days. And it will only benefit from the addition of a VPN.
Do VPNs work on Windows 11?
At this time, all the Windows VPN options we’ve looked at have only been tested on Windows 10. That being said, we don’t see any reason why these VPNs won’t work perfectly well on Windows 11 as well.
However, it is possible that Windows 11 will actually have a better self-contained VPN option. But at this time it’s too early to tell, so we will have to wait and see as this operating system develops.
To put it out there though, some of the top VPNs have been noted as having issues with the beta version of Windows 11, so making sure there is full compatibility when users upgrade their operating systems is a must for any of these providers.