Windows · Network & Internet
Manage VPN Connections
VPN settings let you add, connect, and manage Virtual Private Network profiles for securely routing your traffic through a work, school, or personal VPN server. This is where you configure server details, sign-in info, and whether the VPN connects automatically.
How to open VPN
- Open Settings → Network & internet → VPN.
- Click 'Add VPN' and enter the connection name, server address, and VPN type.
- Enter your sign-in credentials or select the appropriate authentication method.
- Click the new VPN profile and select 'Connect' to test it.
What you should know
- Add a VPN profile manually or import one provided by your organization's IT department.
- Choose the VPN type (like IKEv2, L2TP, or PPTP) to match what the server requires.
- Enable 'Allow VPN over metered networks' if you need it to connect on mobile data.
- Set a VPN to connect automatically whenever you're not on your trusted network.
A VPN app installed from a third-party provider (like a consumer privacy VPN) usually manages its own connection outside this Settings page — this panel primarily covers manually configured or IT-provided VPN profiles.
Why it matters
VPN configuration matters most for remote work, since many company resources are only reachable once you're connected through the corporate VPN, and for anyone concerned about privacy on public networks. A correctly configured VPN profile encrypts your traffic end-to-end, which is especially relevant on untrusted networks like airport or cafe WiFi. Getting the protocol and server details wrong is one of the most common reasons remote employees can't reach internal company systems, so this panel is often the first troubleshooting stop for that exact problem.
Best practices
- Get the exact server address, VPN type, and authentication method from your IT department rather than guessing, since a mismatched protocol simply fails to connect.
- Enable 'Allow VPN over metered networks' if you need reliable access while tethered to a phone's mobile data.
- Set the VPN to connect automatically for work profiles you use daily, to avoid forgetting to enable it before accessing internal resources.
- Remove old or unused VPN profiles, especially ones tied to a former employer or expired subscription.
Common problems and fixes
- VPN connection fails immediately after entering credentials.
- Double check the VPN type matches exactly what the server expects (IKEv2 vs L2TP vs SSTP, for example), since a mismatched protocol is one of the most common causes of an immediate failure.
- VPN connects but you can't reach internal company resources.
- Confirm split-tunneling or DNS settings with your IT department, since a successful VPN connection doesn't guarantee correct internal DNS resolution is also configured.
- VPN won't connect over a mobile hotspot or cellular data.
- Enable 'Allow VPN over metered networks' in the VPN's advanced options, since Windows blocks some VPN traffic on metered connections by default.
Tips and tricks
- Click the network icon in the taskbar for a quick VPN connect/disconnect toggle instead of opening full Settings each time.
- Check 'Advanced options' on a VPN profile for per-connection proxy settings if your organization requires a specific proxy configuration alongside the VPN.
Frequently asked questions
Is the built-in Windows VPN client the same as a commercial VPN app like a privacy service?
No, this panel manages manually configured or IT-provided VPN profiles; most commercial consumer VPN services install their own dedicated app that manages the connection separately.
Does a VPN slow down my internet connection?
Usually somewhat, since encrypting and routing traffic through a remote server adds overhead, though the impact varies depending on the VPN server's location and load.
Can I have more than one VPN profile and switch between them?
Yes, you can add multiple VPN profiles, for example one for work and one for personal use, and connect to only one at a time from the network icon or VPN settings.
Related settings
- WiFi ConnectionWiFi Connection settings allow you to view, connect to, and manage wireless networks. You can configure automatic connections, set network priorities, and troubleshoot connectivity issues from this panel.
- Network ResetNetwork Reset restores all networking components to their factory default settings. This includes removing all saved WiFi networks, resetting TCP/IP stack, and clearing DNS cache. Use this as a troubleshooting step when other network fixes have not resolved your issue.
- Mobile HotspotMobile Hotspot lets you share your PC's internet connection (WiFi, Ethernet, or cellular) with other nearby devices over WiFi, Bluetooth, or a USB cable. It's useful for sharing a wired connection with a phone, or a cellular data plan with a laptop that lacks its own SIM.
More Network & Internet guides for Windows
- Bluetooth SettingsBluetooth settings allow you to connect wireless devices such as headphones, keyboards, mice, and smartphones to your PC. You can pair, remove, and manage connected devices easily.
- Remote DesktopRemote Desktop lets you connect to this PC from another Windows device, or from Mac, iOS, and Android using the Remote Desktop app, over your local network or the internet. Once enabled, you can control this PC's full desktop remotely, which is useful for accessing a work computer from home or troubleshooting a family member's PC.
- Nearby SharingNearby Sharing lets you send files, photos, and links wirelessly to another nearby Windows PC using Bluetooth and WiFi together, without needing a shared network drive, email, or a USB stick. Both the sending and receiving PC need Nearby Sharing turned on and Bluetooth enabled for it to work.
- Airplane ModeAirplane mode instantly turns off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and GPS radios all at once, which is required during flights and useful anytime you want to quickly disable wireless connectivity.
- Proxy SettingsProxy settings let you route your PC's internet traffic through a proxy server, either automatically detected or manually configured, which is often required on corporate or school networks.
- EthernetEthernet settings manage your PC's wired network adapter, including IP configuration, connection metering, and network profile type for a plugged-in cable connection.