How to Easily Setup VPN on Windows 10

In today's digital world, privacy and security are of utmost importance. One way to ensure your online safety is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs encrypt your internet connection, making it secure and allowing you to access shared files and applications remotely. Setting up a VPN on Windows 10 is relatively simple and can be done in a few easy steps. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up a VPN on your Windows 10 device.

Before You Begin

Before proceeding with the VPN setup, there are a few things you should be aware of. This process requires some technical knowledge, including understanding concepts like port forwarding, creating user accounts, and configuring firewall settings. Additionally, having a static IP address is beneficial but not necessary. If your internet service provider assigns you a dynamic IP address, you can sign up for a dynamic DNS service to obtain a static address for your VPN configuration.

Setting Up VPN on Windows 10

To start, you need to create a VPN server on the device you want to access remotely. This device will act as the server, and its IP address should be static. If you have a dynamic IP address, you can use a dynamic DNS service to create a static address.

To begin, open the Control Panel on your Windows 10 device. Navigate to “Network and Internet” and then “Network and Sharing Center.” From there, click on “Change adapter settings.”

In the new window, press the ALT key on your keyboard to reveal the top navigation menu. Click on “File” and select “New Incoming Connection.”

In the new window, choose the user account you want to access remotely and click “Next.” If needed, you can create a new user account specifically for this purpose. Select the “Through the Internet” option and click “Next.” Leave the default options as they are and click “Allow Access.”

Once you've completed these steps, an incoming connection adapter will be created, and your computer name will be displayed. Click “Close” to finish the process.

Next, you need to assign an IP address range to the VPN adapter. Right-click on the Incoming Connections adapter and select “Properties.” Go to the Networking tab, select “Internet Protocol Version 4,” and click on “Properties.” Choose the “Specify IP Addresses” option and enter a range of local IP addresses that are not in use by any other system. Save your changes.

Configuring Windows Firewall

After creating the VPN, you need to configure Windows Firewall to allow the connection. Search for “Windows Defender Firewall” in the start menu and open it. Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” and scroll down until you find the “Routing and Remote Access” feature. Select both checkboxes next to it and click “OK” to save the changes.

Configuring Port Forwarding in Your Router

To ensure the VPN connection works properly, you need to configure port forwarding on your router. Log into your router and find the port forwarding option, which may vary depending on the manufacturer and firmware version. Configure the port forwarding settings as follows:

• Service type: PPTP
• Protocols: TCP and UDP
• IP Address: Enter the IP address of the computer hosting the VPN server
• Starting port: 1723
• Ending port: 1723

Save the changes and exit the router settings.

Creating a Windows VPN Client

Finally, you can create a VPN client on the machine you want to use to access the VPN server remotely. Windows has built-in options that allow you to connect to another computer over the internet.

Open the Settings app on your Windows device and go to “Network & Internet > VPN.” Click on “Add a VPN Connection” and configure the connection as follows:

• VPN Provider: Windows (built-in)
• Connection name: Give it a name of your choice
• Server name or address: Enter your public facing IP address or the address provided by your dynamic DNS service
• VPN type: PPTP
• Type of sign-in info: User name and password
• Username: Enter the username of the user selected while creating the VPN server
• Password: Enter the password for the above user

Select “Remember my sign-in info” and click “Save.” Finally, click on the newly created VPN connection and click “Connect.” If everything goes well, the VPN should connect to your remote system.

From this point onwards, you can access shared folders via File Explorer or use other services and applications over the VPN connection. To access specific applications, you may need to configure them to monitor the port and respond to incoming connections.

Setting up a VPN on Windows 10 allows you to securely access your files and applications remotely. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create your own VPN server and connect to it from any Windows 10 device. Enjoy the benefits of a secure and private internet connection!