Setting up a secure VPN connection on Windows: Steps and benefits

Protecting our privacy is very important these days, especially when using the internet. By setting up a secure VPN connection in Windows, we can do a lot to protect our personal data and location. In this article, we'll look at What is a secure VPN connection, how to set it up on Windows, and what are the benefits? to do it. Let's get started.

What is a secure VPN connection?

Before explaining how to configure a secure VPN connection in Windows, let's first look at what a VPN is. In Spanish, VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and is responsible for create a secure connection between your computer and another network over the InternetAnd while a VPN is typically only associated with the ability to connect by simulating another location, it has other applications.

For example, with a secure VPN you can encrypt your traffic, preventing third parties from intercepting it. In addition, hide your IP address, which allows you to protect your identity and location. And on top of all this, you can access restricted content, as if you were connected from another region and to internal networks remotely.

Setting up a secure VPN connection on Windows

A secure VPN connection setup in Windows allows you to It will work whether you need it for work or personal use.It can help you have more secure access to the company network or the Internet in general. For example, when connecting from a public place like a coffee shop or airport.

If you need to secure your VPN connection for work, you'll first need to find the VPN settings your company uses. However, if it's a personal VPN service, you have two options: create your own VPN network for free or use a VPN service (such as ExpressVPN o Surfshark) and check their website to see if the VPN connection settings appear there.

Steps to configure a secure VPN connection on Windows

Once you have your personal or work VPN setup ready, follow those steps: Steps to configure a secure VPN connection in Windows:

1. Enter the Configuring Windows, Select Network and Internet, choose VPN and then click the option Add VPN.
2. Now you need to add a VPN connection. To do this, do the following:
   1. En VPN provider, choose Windows (built-in).
   2. In the frame Connection name, enter a name that you recognize. This name will be assigned to the VPN connection you'll need to connect to.
   3. In the frame Server name or address, enter the VPN server address, either the one provided by your company or school or the VPN service you use personally.
   4. En VPN type, Choose the type of VPN connection you want to create. You can leave it set to Automatic, or if you know the type of connection the company or VPN service uses, select it from the list.
   5. En Login information type, you need to choose the information you'll use to log in to the VPN connection. This can be a username and password, a one-time password, a certificate, or a smart card if you're connecting using a work VPN. If necessary, enter your username and password in the corresponding boxes.
   6. Then select Save.
   7. Finally, when you see the VPN listed, click on Connect and enter your credentials if requested. Done.

In case you need edit the information you entered on the VPN connection or add some additional configuration, you must do the following:

1. Go to the VPN settings page.
2. Select the VPN settings you want to edit.
3. Click Advanced Options – Edit next to the aspects you want to update.
4. Finally, after making the required updates, select Save or Apply.

How to connect to a secure VPN on Windows?

Once you have set up a secure VPN connection in Windows, you will be able to quickly connect to it from the taskbarTo do this, select the network, volume, and battery icons. Once you have a VPN configured, simply tap the shield-shaped icon with a lock in the middle to activate it.

If you have multiple VPNs configured, you'll need to select the one you want to use. To do this, tap the arrow next to the VPN icon, choose the one you want to use, and click Connect. Finally, if necessary, enter your username and password to log in and use it without any problems.

Of course, you can also connect to the VPN from the Windows Settings pageOnce there, select Network & Internet, then VPN. Now, choose the VPN connection you want to use and click Connect. Again, if necessary, enter your username and password or any other information required to use the connection.

What are the benefits of setting up a secure VPN connection on Windows?

Setting up a secure VPN connection in Windows has multiple advantages. Not only does it give you a extra layer of protection, but it also improves your user experience in several ways. Below, we've listed some of the main benefits of using a secure VPN on your Windows PC:

• Increase your privacy: VPNs hide your IP address, so websites, hackers, or advertisers are less likely to detect your activity.
• Access without geographical restrictionsThanks to a VPN, you can connect as if you were in another country. This allows you to watch content or access services even if they aren't available in your region.
• Secure access to corporate or school networks: When working remotely or accessing an educational institution's internal servers, you can connect without risking your information being exposed.
• Protection on public networksIf you use public places for work or browsing the internet, a VPN will prevent your data from being intercepted, even if you're using their Wi-Fi.
• Evasion of censorship or blocks: Sometimes, with a VPN you can access sites or pages blocked by the government or Internet providers.
• Stability in the Internet connectionSome types of VPNs provide a more stable connection, even if you switch between networks, such as switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa.