If you’ve been considering installing OpenVPN on a Windows 10 computer then you’ve made an excellent choice.
The problem is it can appear quite difficult so in this guide I’m going to walk you through the simple steps from start to finish.
In this guide you’ll learn how to download and install OpenVPN and also how to use the program with a VPN provider. I’ll show you how to import configuration files for your favourite provider and connect.
Overall you’ll learn how to increase your internet privacy and wonder what all the fuss was about, the process is extremely simple.
How to install OpenVPN on Windows 10
Visit the OpenVPN downloads page by clicking this link.
If you have a 32-bit computer download “Installer (32-bit), Windows Vista and later”, if you have a 64-bit computer download “Installer (64-bit), Windows Vista and later”.
If you’re unsure what type of system you have then download the 32-bit option.
You can start the download by clicking the name in the middle column, eg; “openvpn-install-2.3.12-I602-i686.exe”.
A window will open requesting where to save the file. It’s good to save it to the desktop making it easy to find but you’re free to save it elsewhere if you prefer.
Once the file has downloaded double click the file on your desktop or the location you saved it.
A prompt will ask “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device”. Select Yes.
On the Welcome screen select Next.
On the license agreement screen, you can simply press I Agree after reading through the agreement if you wish.
The Choose Components screen should be left as it is and just press Next unless you know what you’re doing.
If you want to alter the installation location you can do so on the next screen. It’s best just to leave it as standard and press Install.
OpenVPN will now install all the required files. Once it has finished the installation process is now complete and you can use the software.
How to install configuration files
Now that OpenVPN is fully installed you will need to install configuration files for your chosen VPN provider.
For example with VPN service IPVanish these can be downloaded from the Apps -> Windows -> Windows 10 OpenVPN section of the website.
You should download and extract the configuration files for your chosen VPN provider.
Once extracted you should copy the configuration files to C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config if you have 64-bit Windows or C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenVPN\config if you have 32-bit Windows.
Run OpenVPN GUI by double clicking the desktop icon. When asked if you want to allow it to make changes select Yes.
In the notification area you will now have a new symbol that looks like a computer monitor with an open padlock.
Right click on this icon and you will see a list of available servers from your chosen VPN provider.
You can now left-click on the required server and press Connect to make connection.
You will need to enter your username and password and then the connection will be complete.
To disconnect left-click on the same server and press Disconnect.
Your privacy is now secure and OpenVPN GUI is installed.
How to install OpenVPN on Windows 10... Followed your tutorial and all went well until I got to config.. Program said it was installed but the little window with the open padlock never appeared... ??? Since I'm pretty dense on computer programing...
Hi George, At 80, you're doing better than most of us so not to worry! Did you managed to "Run OpenVPN GUI by double clicking the desktop icon"? After this step nothing happened? If you did do this have to clicked the small 'up arrow' next to the ...