Best VPN for Windows 7, 8, 10 & 11 PCs & Laptops

Navigating the extensive realm of VPN services available to Windows users can be a labyrinthine experience, with many options spanning varying functionalities, performance levels, and user interfaces. Windows, the world’s leading operating system, is a sprawling hub to almost every VPN service imaginable, tailoring its solutions to resonate with the versatile needs of Windows users across versions 7, 8, 10, and the recent Windows 11.

Understanding the conundrum users face in deciphering the ideal VPN service, we’ve deployed extensive research and real-world testing methodologies to distill the essence of performance, security, design, and customer support. This is whether accessing entertainment services like Netflix and Hulu or ensuring secure and seamless internet experiences.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each recommended VPN for Windows, detailing their distinctive features, strengths, and potential areas of improvement, empowering you to decide what VPN is right for you.

For those seeking immediate insights and concise recommendations, a summary is provided below, offering a snapshot of our comprehensive exploration into the world of the best VPNs for Windows:

Best VPNs for Windows: Our hands-on review

We’ve tested and compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Do you prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Windows 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 and PCs and Laptops.

The best VPN for Windows

To find the best of the best VPNs for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11, we looked for providers that met the following criteria:

• Logging policy
• Security features and encryption
• Connection speeds and useability
• App design and compatibility
• Customer support
• Ability to unblock websites and bypass censorship

For more detailed information about how we recommend VPNs, check out the VPN testing methodology section later in this guide. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made our list.

Here is our list of the best VPNs for Windows 7, 8, 10 & 11:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 Works with WindowsTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our first choice for a Windows VPN. It is one of the most secure VPNs with specialized servers such as anti-DDoS for super stable connections, ultra-fast streaming for high-quality video, double VPN for extra privacy, and Tor over VPN for extra anonymity. It stores neither traffic logs nor metadata logs.

NordVPN uses military-grade encryption, and customer service responded quickly to support tickets in our testing. At of the time of writing, this VPN can provide secure access to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Now.

NordVPN operates more than 5,400 servers in 80+ countries. You can choose server locations from a map or a list. Speeds are excellent and enough to stream video in HD and quickly download files. Perfect for streaming on any Windows 7 or higher computer.

BEST VPN FOR WINDOWS DEVICES:NordVPN is our first choice. Boasts incredible speeds and works well with most streaming services, including Netflix. Great online privacy and security credentials. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with windowsTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN based in the British Virgin Islands and, accordingly, doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. It has over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries and is more than fast enough for streaming, torrenting, or general web browsing. This service secures your traffic with IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch (in all versions of the software).

This VPN is capable of accessing platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer from abroad. It also blocks ads and malware automatically, so there should be nothing to distract you from your favorite shows. Finally, Surfshark includes a NoBorders feature that allows you to bypass country-wide internet blocking, and it even works in China. 24-hour support is available via live chat.

Surfshark provides apps for Windows 7, 8, 10 & 11, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux systems. It can be manually configured for use with home routers too.

BEST BUDGET CHOICE:Surfshark works great on Windows systems, but it also lets you secure every device you own. Strong privacy protections, great unblocking potential, and a 30-day money-back guarantee make this VPN well worth your time.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

Works with WindowsTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, which is beyond the jurisdiction of both the USA and UK governments. It keeps no traffic logs and uses the strongest available security, including 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy. Users can choose from over 3,000 servers located in 94 countries. Live chat support is available around the clock. ExpressVPN works with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Now at the time of writing.

Speeds are generally fast and reliable, ensuring fast downloads and high-quality streaming video without buffering. A connection kill switch and leak protection come baked into the app.

Apps are also available for macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and certain wifi routers.

SOLID UNBLOCKER:ExpressVPN reliably unblocks all major streaming services with fast speeds for buffer-free HD viewing. Lots of security and privacy features. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

Works with WindowsTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost upped its game in the past year with a slew of new servers, features, and websites it can unblock. The company doesn’t keep any logs of user activity or their real IP addresses. Connections are reliable, and CyberGhost scored well in our speed tests. The tunnel to the VPN server is secured with 256-bit AES encryption. Live chat is available to help 24/7 and in 4 different languages.

The Windows app allows users to choose their server by location and according to what they want to use it for. Whether you want to bypass a firewall put in place by a country’s government or your office management, secure a public wifi connection, or access a specific streaming site, CyberGhost has you covered. You can even choose a server based on the specific streaming site you want to access, which at this time includes Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more. Additional features include anti-tracking and adblocking.

Apps are also available for MacOS, iOS, and Android.

BEGINNER FRIENDLY:CyberGhost is simple to set up and ideal for first-time users. Great speeds and strong security features. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

Works with WindowsTested Nov 2024

IPVanish users can choose from more than 2,000 servers across 60 countries. These are exceptionally fast, delivering average speeds of over 300 Mbps in our latest round of testing. Better still, you’ll be able to access stubborn streaming services like Netflix or BBC iPlayer, no matter where you are in the world. Unlike most of its rivals, IPVanish doesn’t have a connection limit – as such, it represents great value, especially for large families. The apps aren’t very complex or resource-intensive but if you need it, support is available day and night via live chat.

Most of IPVanish’s security features are enabled by default. These include a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and the newly-introduced tracker-blocker (which also blocks ads and sketchy websites). Thanks to this service’s unbeatable encryption and independently-verified no-logs policy, you can trust that your online activities are hidden from prying eyes. If you’re having problems accessing a particular site, we recommend activating the traffic scrambling feature; this helps disguise the fact that you’re connected to a VPN at all.

IPVanish offers apps for Android, Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. What’s more, you can follow manual setup instructions to get it running on most routers.

VERSATILE NO-LOGS VPN:IPVanish offers first-class performance and a great set of security tools. It’s a fantastic choice for secure streaming, browsing, or torrenting. Expansive server network,affordable prices, and a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Check out our complete review of IPVanish for more info.

6. Private Internet Access

Works with WindowsTested Nov 2024

Private Internet Access offers apps for Windows that provide fast and secure connections. Windows aside, it also supports macOS, iOS, Android, and selected routers. PIA doesn’t collect user logs, and with DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and 256-bit encryption, you can ensure your activities are kept private.

PIA accesses an array of streaming providers like Netflix, but its ability to evade geo-restrictions can be inconsistent. You can use the service on up to 10 devices simultaneously, whether you have 10 Windows machines or a mix of other devices.

Extra features include the option to adjust your encryption level, WireGuard support, and malware blocking. Support for PIA users is impressive and is available 24/7, and you can try the service risk-free for a month.

10 DEVICE CONNECTIONS:Private Internet Access secures connections with a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Apps are available on mobile and desktop, and it includes 24/7 support. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

7. PrivateVPN

Works with WindowsTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN is a relative newcomer in the VPN market, but the Sweden-based provider is growing fast. Despite its smaller network of servers, speeds are excellent, and it has been able to access almost everything we’ve thrown at it thus far. That includes Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more. You can use it on your Windows 7 computer, plus you can connect up to 10 devices at one time on a single plan. Live chat support is available during business hours.

PrivateVPN does not log users’ activity or how they use the VPN. You can choose between TAP and TUN interfaces, which are protected with 128-bit and 256-bit AES encryption, respectively. A connection kill switch and leak protection come built-in.

Apps are also available for macOS, iOS, and Android.

ALLOWS 10 DEVICES:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks popular geo-blocked sites. Also good for browsing and torrenting. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

8. PureVPN

Works with windowsTested Nov 2024

PureVPN is extremely attractive for Windows users seeking a cheap and reliable VPN. Subscription rates start at just $1.96 per month, and it allows simultaneous connection of up to 10 devices, making it a decent option for larger families or people who own many devices.

The Windows app is feature-rich, equipped with DNS leak protection, AES encryption, and a kill switch to ensure robust security for your online activities. Port forwarding is available for those who torrent, albeit it is an add-on you pay extra for.

PureVPN’s extensive network spans over 65 countries, providing global IP access. Our tests showed its effectiveness with various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Max, and various British TV services, among other international options. Its fast WireGuard protocol also makes it superb for torrenting and making video calls.

The VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a region without mandatory VPN data retention laws. PureVPN adheres to a strict no-logging policy, which ensures privacy and discretion for Windows users at home, at work, and on public Wi-Fi.

Live chat support is available 24/7 on the PureVPN website and there’s a 31-day money-back guarantee to try the VPN risk-free. This lets you compare the VPN to any other service that is compatible with Windows.

LOW COST:PureVPN has a reliable Windows app that works to get watertight online privacy. It provides some of the fastest speeds available and is highly secure and reliable despite being a bargain. Users get access to a no-logs policy, AES encryption, a killswitch, and DNS leak protection. Live chat support is available and it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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9. Proton VPN

ProtonVPN is a standout choice if you are a Windows user looking for an advanced VPN. It combines advanced functionality with a comprehensive feature set that is perfect for getting online privacy and global accessibility. Each subscription supports up to 10 devices, which means you can use it not only on Windows devices but also tablets and smartphones. The VPN is based in Switzerland, a country with excellent privacy laws. The company is known for its dedication to user privacy, which includes a fully audited no-logs policy.

The Windows app is extremely well-designed and offers an impressive feature set. This includes AES encryption, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, obfuscation, and multi-hop connections. It also has both split tunneling and port forwarding, making it a superb VPN for torrenting.

ProtonVPN’s extensive network extends to 85 countries, and in our tests, its WireGuard protocol provides superb streaming speeds. We were able to stream Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and many other popular platforms.

Admittedly, ProtonVPN is slightly more expensive compared to some of our other recommendations, however, you can try it for 30 days risk-free, and it offers a cheaper monthly plan making it great for vacationing. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact its live chat.

ADVANCED AND SECURE:ProtonVPN is a reliable and advanced VPN, It has a wide choice of privacy features, including a kill switch and port forwarding. Robust AES-256 encryption, Super fast WireGuard protocol. Torrenting-optimized servers and port forwarding. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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Windows VPN – Our Testing Methodology

There are hundreds of VPNs that have apps for Windows on the market, but they are not all created equally. In order to prevent consumers from wasting their money on inferior VPN servers, we have devised a scientific VPN testing methodology. Here are some of the most important things we check for:

• A no-logs policy. What a VPN does with data is hugely important. We only recommend VPNs for Windows that never track or keep records of what their users do. This ensures that user privacy comes first and there is no paper trail about what users do while connected to the VPN.
• A global server network. For a VPN to be versatile and useful, it must have plenty of servers to pick from. We recommend VPNs that have a wide choice of server locations and whose servers are fast enough to let you do data-intensive tasks such as torrenting, gaming, and streaming.
• Plenty of advanced features. We only recommend VPNs that have apps for Windows and other popular platforms. This ensures that you can use it on your PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, and other devices. We also check that those apps have useful privacy and security features such as OpenVPN, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.
• Superb value for money. There are dozens of VPNs that overcharge for what you get. We only recommend VPNs that are both secure and reliable – and priced fairly.
• Allow Peer to Peer connections. Many VPN users want to protect their IP address from being discovered by the people they connect to P2P. That is why we only recommend VPNs that have servers optimized for torrenting – as well as useful features such as a SOCKS5 proxy or Split tunneling.

How to set up a VPN on Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11

All of the VPN providers we recommend above make their own apps for Windows. Windows has built-in support for VPNs, but it requires manually configuring a connection for each server you wish to connect to. This can get tedious quickly, plus you won’t be able to take advantage of all the features built into the providers’ apps. These include kill switches, leak protection, auto-reconnect, etc.

Furthermore, the baked-in support for VPNs in Windows is limited when it comes to protocols. Windows don’t support OpenVPN by default, which is open-source and generally considered the most secure.

Here’s how to set up a VPN on Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11:

1. Sign up for an account with the provider of your choice, NordVPN is our top recommended option.
2. Download the app for your version of Windows from the provider’s website.
3. Click on the downloaded file to install the app and follow the instructions in the setup wizard.
4. Once installed, run the app.
5. (Optional) Select a server. Most VPN apps will connect you to the nearest server if you don’t choose one. If you want to unblock content that’s restricted to a certain country, for example, select a server in that country.
6. Hit Connect and wait for the connection to establish.

And that’s it! Most VPN apps will notify you when the connection is ready. It typically takes less than 30 seconds. Any internet traffic going to or from your computer will first be encrypted and travel through the VPN server.

Disable IPv6 on Windows for better security

In more recent versions of Windows, the operating system sends DNS requests for web pages using both the IPv4 and IPv6 protocols simultaneously. Whichever one comes back first is used to establish a connection with a web server. This helps web pages load faster–often by only a few milliseconds–but it can cause problems when you’re trying to access geographically restricted websites like Netflix or Hulu.

Most commercial VPNs are only equipped to handle IPv4 requests. Those IPv4 requests go through the VPN tunnel and are resolved by the VPN provider’s DNS servers. But if the IPv6 request bypasses the tunnel and is sent over the normal non-encrypted network, it will go to the nearest public or ISP-run DNS server, revealing the user’s true location. The DNS server mismatch is a dead giveaway for websites like Hulu and apps like Netflix, which will return an error saying the user must first disable the proxy before watching a video. It also lets your ISP snoop on your activity, although to a lesser degree than if you were not using a VPN at all.

Here’s how to disable IPv6 in Windows:

1. Right-click the network icon (usually a wifi symbol) in your system tray and select Open network and sharing center
2. In the window that appears, click the link with the name of your network. If you’re on wifi, it will have (Wi-Fi) in parentheses
3. In the next window that pops up, click Properties
4. Uncheck the entry for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
5. Click OK to save your changes and restart your computer

Windows VPN FAQ