Essential Network Settings Connect to Wi-Fi Use Proxy Server Metered Connections Setting up a Wireless Network Wi-Fi and Home Layout File Sharing over Network Cellular Settings Use an eSIM to get Cellular Data Add Device to Mobile Data Plan Fix Ethernet Problems Fix Wi-Fi Problems Fix Nearby Sharing Problems Fix Connectivity Problems during Setup Wireless Network Report Why is my Internet Slow? This article explains how to create and connect to a VPN in Windows 11 to help secure your internet connection at work or on public networks. Whether it's for work or personal use, you can connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on your Windows device. A VPN connection can help provide a more secure connection and access to your company's network and the internet, for example, when you’re working from a coffee shop or similar public place. Open VPN settings This feature is not available in Windows 11 SE. Learn more. Create a VPN profile Before you can connect to a VPN, you must have a VPN profile on your device. You can either create a VPN profile on your own or set up a work account to get a VPN profile from your company. Before you start: If it’s for work, look for VPN settings or a VPN app on your company’s intranet site while you’re at work, or contact your company's support person. If it’s for a VPN service you subscribe to for personal use, visit the Microsoft Store to see if there’s an app for that service, or go to the VPN service’s website to see if the VPN connection settings to use are listed there. Once you have your work or personal VPN settings ready: In the Settings app on your Windows device select Network & internet > VPN > Add VPN . In the Settings app on your Windows device select Network & internet > VPN > Add VPN . Under Add a VPN connection , do the following: For VPN provider , choose Windows (built-in) . In the Connection name box, enter a name you'll recognize (for example, My Personal VPN). This is the VPN connection name you'll look for when connecting. In the Server name or address box, enter the address for the VPN server. For VPN type , choose the type of VPN connection you want to create. You’ll need to know which kind of VPN connection your company or VPN service uses. For Type of sign-in info , choose the type of sign-in info (or credentials) to use. This might be a username and password, one-time password, certificate, or a smart card if you’re connecting to a VPN for work. Enter your username and password in the respective boxes (if required). Under Add a VPN connection , do the following: For VPN provider , choose Windows (built-in) . In the Connection name box, enter a name you'll recognize (for example, My Personal VPN). This is the VPN connection name you'll look for when connecting. In the Server name or address box, enter the address for the VPN server. For VPN type , choose the type of VPN connection you want to create. You’ll need to know which kind of VPN connection your company or VPN service uses. For Type of sign-in info , choose the type of sign-in info (or credentials) to use. This might be a username and password, one-time password, certificate, or a smart card if you’re connecting to a VPN for work. Enter your username and password in the respective boxes (if required). If you need to edit the VPN connection info or specify additional settings, such as proxy settings: From the VPN settings page, select the VPN connection you want to edit, select Advanced options , then select Edit next to the details you want to update. Once you've made the updates needed select either Save or Apply . Connect to a VPN When you have a VPN profile, you’re ready to connect. Connect to a VPN quickly from your taskbar: On your taskbar, select the Network, Volume, Battery icon > VPN . On your taskbar, select the Network, Volume, Battery icon > VPN . If you have one VPN configured, you can turn it on and off by toggling the left side of the VPN quick setting, marked with a (1), below. If you have one VPN configured, you can turn it on and off by toggling the left side of the VPN quick setting, marked with a (1), below.

If there are multiple VPNs configured, you will need to select one to connect to. Select Manage VPN connections (marked with a (2) in the image), select the one you want from the list of connections, and then select Connect . If there are multiple VPNs configured, you will need to select one to connect to. Select Manage VPN connections (marked with a (2) in the image), select the one you want from the list of connections, and then select Connect . If prompted, enter your username and password or other sign in info. If prompted, enter your username and password or other sign in info. Connect to a VPN from the Windows Settings page: In the Settings app on your Windows device select Network & internet > VPN . Next to the VPN connection you want to use, select Connect . If prompted, enter your username and password or other sign in info. Verify VPN connection On the VPN settings page, the VPN connection name will display Connected underneath it. On the VPN settings page, the VPN connection name will display Connected underneath it. On the taskbar, a blue shield will display when you're connected to a recognized VPN. On the taskbar, a blue shield will display when you're connected to a recognized VPN. Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025 After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11. This article explains how to create and connect to a VPN in Windows 10 for secure access to work or personal networks. Whether it's for work or personal use, you can connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on your Windows device. A VPN connection can help provide a more secure connection and access to your company's network and the internet, for example, when you’re working from a coffee shop or similar public place. Open VPN settings Create a VPN profile Before you can connect to a VPN, you must have a VPN profile on your device. You can either create a VPN profile on your own or set up a work account to get a VPN profile from your company. Before you start: If it’s for work, look for VPN settings or a VPN app on your company’s intranet site while you’re at work, or contact your company's support person. If it’s for a VPN service you subscribe to for personal use, visit the Microsoft Store to see if there’s an app for that service, then go to the VPN service’s website to see if the VPN connection settings to use are listed there. Select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > VPN > Add a VPN connection . Select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > VPN > Add a VPN connection . In Add a VPN connection , do the following: For VPN provider , choose Windows (built-in) . In the Connection name box, enter a name you'll recognize (for example, My Personal VPN). This is the VPN connection name you'll look for when connecting. In the Server name or address box, enter the address for the VPN server. For VPN type , choose the type of VPN connection you want to create. You’ll need to know which kind of VPN connection your company or VPN service uses. For Type of sign-in info , choose the type of sign-in info (or credentials) to use. This might be a username and password, one-time password, certificate, or a smart card if you’re connecting to a VPN for work. Enter your username and password in the respective boxes (if required). In Add a VPN connection , do the following: For VPN provider , choose Windows (built-in) . In the Connection name box, enter a name you'll recognize (for example, My Personal VPN). This is the VPN connection name you'll look for when connecting. In the Server name or address box, enter the address for the VPN server. For VPN type , choose the type of VPN connection you want to create. You’ll need to know which kind of VPN connection your company or VPN service uses. For Type of sign-in info , choose the type of sign-in info (or credentials) to use. This might be a username and password, one-time password, certificate, or a smart card if you’re connecting to a VPN for work. Enter your username and password in the respective boxes (if required). If you need to edit the VPN connection info or specify additional settings, such as proxy settings, choose the VPN connection and then select Advanced options . Connect to a VPN When you have a VPN profile, you’re ready to connect. On the far right of the taskbar, select the Network icon (either or ). On the far right of the taskbar, select the Network icon (either or ). Select the VPN connection you want to use, then do either of the following depending on what happens when you select the VPN connection: If the Connect button displays under the VPN connection, select Connect . If the VPN section in Settings opens, select the VPN connection there, then select Connect . Select the VPN connection you want to use, then do either of the following depending on what happens when you select the VPN connection: If the Connect button displays under the VPN connection, select Connect . If the VPN section in Settings opens, select the VPN connection there, then select Connect . If you're prompted, enter your username and password or other sign-in info. If you're prompted, enter your username and password or other sign-in info. When connected, the VPN connection name will display Connected underneath it. To see if you’re connected to the VPN while you’re doing things on your PC, select the Network icon (either or ) on the far right of the taskbar, then see if the VPN connection says Connected . Thank you for your feedback!