[2 Ways] How to Set up VPN on Windows 11 Step by Step?

Update: The official Windows 11 is already available since October 5, 2021.

Windows changes from version 10 to version 11. The thing that doesn’t change is that you still need a VPN (virtual private network) service if you want to visit websites that are restricted by Internet access in certain districts or if you don’t want to be tracked.

How Does VPN Work?

The VPN extends a private network across public networks like the Internet. It allows a host computer to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if it is an integral part of the private network with all the functionality, security, as well as management policies of the private network.

How to Set up VPN on Windows 11?

Most VPN services have their own apps to automatically create a VPN for you. Yet, if you want to set it up manually by yourself, you can follow the below guides.

Way 1. Windows 11 VPN Setup from Settings

In general, there are three parts for setting up VPN through Windows Settings.

Part 1. Add VPN Account

1. Navigate to Start > Settings > Network & internet > VPN.

2. Click the Add VPN button behind the VPN connections.

3. In the new popup, just specify the following parameters.

• VPN provider: The default selection is Windows (built-in).
• Connection name: It’s the name used to identify the VPN. Just name it whatever you like.
• Server name or address: This is provided by the VPN company and they might have multiple locations. Just enter one location.
• VPN type: If you know what exactly your VPN type is, you should specify it to get a faster speed. If not, just leave it as the default Automatic.
• Type of sign-in info: If it’s a free connection without any username or password, you can leave the rest of the boxes blank. If it has a username and password, just input them in the below boxes. You can also use a smart card.

Part 2. Add Certificate

1. Press Windows + R shortcut on your keyboard to launch the Windows Run dialog.

2. Type “mmc” and press Enter to open Microsoft Management Console.

3. Click File > Add/Remove Sanp-in.

4. Select Certificates in the left list and click Add to add it to the right section.

5. Choose Computer account in the new popup.

6. Keep the default setting and click Finish.

7. Click OK when you are redirected to the Add or Remove Snap-in window.

8. Then, unfold the Certificates (Local Computer) in the left panel of the Console window.

9. Further expand the Trusted Root Certification Authorities.

10. Right-click on the Certificates subfolder and select All Tasks > Import.

11. In the pop-up Certificate Import Wizard, click Next on the welcome screen.

12. Browse to select the correct certificate file. You may need to set to show all file types to make the certificate file be detected.

13. Input the password for the selected certificate file and click Next to continue.

14. Keep the default selection and click Next.

15. Click Finish.

16. When it pops up saying the import was successful, click OK.

17. Close the Console window and click No to not save console settings.

Part 3. Change Network Properties

1. Go to Control Panel and set to view its item in icons in the upper right.

2. Select Network and Sharing Center.

3. Click Change adapter settings in the left menu.

4. Right-click on the added VPN and choose Properties.

5. In the new popup, switch to the Networking tab. There, click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

6. Next, select Use the following DNS server addresses, input your preferred and alternate DNS server, and click OK.

7. Click OK and close the Network Connections window.

8. If you don’t want all your network connections through the VPN, just click the Advanced button under the DNS server settings and uncheck Use default gateway on remote network.

Also read: How to Set Up a VPN on Your Windows 10 PC [Full Guide] 

Way 2. How to Set up a VPN on Windows 11 from Network and Sharing Center

Or, you can directly build up your VPN in the Network and Sharing Center.

1. Click on the Start menu in the center of the taskbar and select Settings.

2. In Windows 11 Settings, choose Network & internet in the left panel.

3. Move to the right part, scroll down to find and click on the Dial-up option.

4. On the next screen, choose Network and Sharing Center.

5. In the Network and Sharing Center, click the Set up a new connection or network.

6. In the new window, choose a connection option. You should select Connect to a workplace to set up a dial-up or VPN connection to your workplace.

7. Next, click Use my Internet connection (VPN).

8. Then, you will be asked to fulfill the Internet address (IP address or IP name) and Destination name (it can be the same as the Internet address).

9. Return to select Change adapter settings in the left menu in the Network and Sharing Center. Then, just change the properties of the added VPN as in Way 1.

Finally, you have your Windows 11 VPN set up and it is available for connection.

How to Connect to Your Added VPN in Windows 11?

After you have successfully added the VPN, you can find that it is listed under the VPN connections in the Network and internet settings. You can click the Connect button to connect your computer to this VPN.

Or, you can click on the network icon on the taskbar, select VPN in the pop, click on the target VPN, and select Connect.

To disconnect the VPN, just click Disconnect either in Settings or from taskbar.

To remove the added VPN, you need to firstly disconnect it, then click on the VPN in Network and internet settings, and finally click Remove.

Best Free VPN to Use on Windows 11

• ExpressVPN
• NordVPN
• Surfshark
• Betternet
• Brave’s TOR Browser
• Hotspot Shield
• Opera Unlimited VPN
• Proton VPN
• Turbo VPN
• Windscribe

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