Set Up vpn.now on Windows

VPN Setup help

Pick the easy path or the manual one

There are two ways to connect a Windows PC, and you only need one.

• The vpn.now app (easiest). Get it from the Windows download page, sign in, and press connect. The app creates and manages the config for you, so there are no files to move. This is the right choice for most people.
• Manual tunnel setup (more control). You add a device, download a config file, and import it into the official tunnel app. Use this when you want to see exactly what is set up. The steps below cover this path, and the full reference is in the manual tunnel setup guide.

Both paths reach the same servers with the same VPN protocol. The only difference is how much you do by hand.

What you need for manual setup

For the manual path you need a vpn.now account, a registered Windows device, and its config file. If you have not done that yet, add a Windows device on the devices page and download its config. The whole flow is described in adding your first device. The config is a small .conf file, usually under 5 KB.

Connect with the vpn.now app, step by step

1. Download the vpn.now app from the Windows download page and run the installer.
2. Open the app and sign in with your account email, or paste the activation code from your account.
3. Pick a server location, or leave it on the fastest automatic choice.
4. Press the connect button.
5. The status turns green when your traffic is protected.

To disconnect later, open the app and press connect again to toggle it off. Reconnecting is one click.

Tip: download the config file directly on the PC that will use it. That way the file never travels through email or chat, which is both easier and safer.

Check it worked

After connecting, confirm your IP address changed using the steps in verifying your IP changed. The location shown should match the server you picked. Unsure which protocol to use? Read the VPN protocols overview.

If it does not work

A few snags are common on Windows. Work through them in order:

• "Activate" turns red or fails fast. The config may have downloaded only part way. Download it again from your dashboard and import the fresh copy.
• It connects but no websites load. This is usually a DNS problem. The fixes are in fixing DNS issues.
• It will not connect at all. A firewall or antivirus may be blocking the tunnel, or the network may block the tunnel's UDP port. The full checklist is in cannot connect to the VPN.
• The tunnel keeps dropping. Try a closer or less busy server. The guide fixing slow VPN speeds explains how to choose.

Why these happen: the tunnel needs an unbroken config file, an open UDP path out of your network, and DNS settings it can apply. When one of those is blocked, the tunnel either fails to activate or connects without carrying traffic. Clearing them one at a time finds the cause quickly.