Setting up a VPN connection and Windows VPN server. VPN: setup. VPN connections in Windows, Android

Virtual Private Networks are private remote networks, encrypted in special ways, with foreign servers. They provide connections at high speeds. They are used by Internet surfers to log in anonymously and visit blocked sites. Let's look at how to set up a VPN on Windows through different programs. This possibility exists even if it is not officially supported by the provider.

What is a VPN?

To configure it correctly, you need to understand the features and operating principles of the service. A VPN connection is a local network that connects several computers. The operating principle is based on a router that provides IP to all connected PCs.

Thus, it becomes almost impossible to determine the IP from which the user accesses the network, and it is possible to bypass most blocking programs. This occurs due to encrypted traffic packets, the keys for receiving which only the server has, from where requests are sent in the specified directions.

How to use on different Windows OS?

First you need to connect to the VPN server. This can be a home or remote PC. Providers that support such a service issue logins and passwords to their subscribers. In this case, the setup process is extremely simple. It is enough to fill in a few cells with the correct data.

Windows 7

This version is the most common. The question of how to set up a VPN on Windows 7 interests many. This is done through the control panel:

At the top, change the images to "large icons".
Find “network center” - “new connection settings” - “connection to a workplace”.
Two methods are offered - through direct dialing or a global network. You need the latter - it will allow you to learn more about VPN.
Server details required. The myip website will help you determine your IP. Indicate any location – network performance does not depend on this information.
Enter the login and password issued by your provider. When using your own server, the information is specified independently. Then you need to set “remember password” and save.

Detailed and step-by-step video instructions!

Now the connection will appear among the available ones. If there are several accounts on the computer, additional adjustments will be required through the control center. On the left you need to select “change adapter settings” so that a list of all available connections appears. Click "file" then "new incoming connection".

If there are several accounts, the system will prompt you to select a user. Having done this, click “add”. Then you will need a login, name (any name will do), password, and confirm the actions.

Now it remains:

Select the connection option - via the Internet.
Configure protocol – TCP\IP
Click “properties”, allow access to callers, set IP. If this is not done automatically, register a random output of 192.168.200.1 to 192.168.200.100.
Confirm the actions and click “allow access”.

These are the main steps of the procedure that can be followed on other versions of the OS.

The process is very simple and is carried out through the control panel. Once you click "Connection Wizard", select your private virtual network and follow the prompts. If your provider works with VPN, the name must correspond to that specified in the contract. Call the network home, work, like a PC.

Windows 8

The eighth version is automated, so the instructions on how to set up a VPN on Windows 8 are simple:

At the bottom, find the corresponding icon that looks like a monitor.
Find “Network Control Center” - “create and configure a connection” where the network parameters change.
Confirm your PC's direct connection to the Internet.
Specify the name of the work environment by changing the options. The same values are entered as for other OS versions.

The process completed successfully.

For those who find it difficult, watch the video instructions.

Windows 10

Here the procedure is different. It combines auto-tuning with user-specific settings. It is enough to know your login, password, and server address. The tenth version ensures stable operation of this service through providers that do not work with VPN. You need to download the appropriate program. It will be accepted and adapted by the OS.

Further actions:

Start - Settings - Network and Internet. Select VPN from the list that appears on the left.
Click + to add a new connection. Enter the parameters in the window that appears. They will be provided by the administrator or provider. Specify the provider, type of VPN, login information.
Save the changes, return to the network management menu, click “change settings”. Select connection properties by right-clicking.
Select the line IP version 4, then properties.
Leave the general settings as default and click “advanced”. Remove the “use default gateway” market. Confirm.

A special icon will appear on the panel. Activation takes a few seconds and occurs without entering a login password.

Windows Vista

How to set up a VPN on Windows Vista? Through Start, enter the “Network and Sharing Center”, then “Establish a connection or network”. Next you are interested in “connecting to a workplace” - “use my connection”. They will offer to install or defer. Click the second option. Enter your login information.

To select a VPN, you just need to enter network connection management. You can also create a shortcut there.

VPN services

Many providers do not provide such a service, trying to control the location of subscribers and save transmitted information. Therefore, utilities that make it possible to use a VPN service based on an existing connection are very popular. They involve changing the IP address and transmitting data over an encrypted channel. Such services help to successfully bypass blocking by providing access to closed services. The utility can be installed on any OS, PC or smartphone.

There are many programs, among which it is worth highlighting several that are recognized as the best:

ZenMate;
ZenVPN;
Spotflux.

ZenMate is a convenient extension for Chrome, Opera, Firefox browsers. This is a convenient service that is provided for free or for a fee. The speed depends on the selected service package. The extension pleases:

stable connection;
long test period;
a wide list of countries;
automatic settings of parameters with the possibility of manual adjustments;
using one subscription for different devices.

Hide.Me is an option that advanced Internet users will prefer. It can be finely adjusted manually. There is limited and unlimited traffic. When choosing unlimited, 5 simultaneous connections are allocated - companies will appreciate this solution. This software is convenient:

emergency disconnect option;
free mode;
expanded support for encryption protocols.

Beginners will prefer Hotspot Shield. It's a highly customizable option that installs and downloads automatically. It supports a stable, long-lasting connection and blocks ads for free. HTTPS encryption is offered, so the protection of personal data is ensured. Bypasses all restrictions set by the provider.

ZenVPN is suitable for those who prefer privacy when using the Internet. This utility is relatively free - only 250 MB per day is provided, if you need more, you will have to buy a special package.

Spotflux offers a secure internet connection. By choosing this software, you don't have to worry about security even while using Wi-Fi. An additional advantage is the compression of packet traffic, which allows you to save it if there are limits.

In addition to a powerful computer and an impressive list of additional programs for convenient surfing and safe work on the Internet, you need a reliable server - a tool that provides communication with people, services, companies and information sites. Among the different types, the best choice would be a VPN server, if only because it is included as an option in the Windows operating system. Read on, and you can launch and configure it on Windows 7 yourself and at no cost.

Connecting and setting up a VPN server

Don't be alarmed. It is not difficult to create and prepare a VPN server for correct operation, but a prerequisite is that you have administrator rights.

What is a VPN server

Literally, VPN (Virtual Private Network) translates as “virtual private network.” Technically, this is a set of protocols and solution architecture that provides secure communication in the digital environment. Essentially, a VPN is a secure add-on on top of the usual virtual network.

Installing and configuring a VPN server will not require much of your time, since it is already built into the Windows operating system. According to experts, the most successful private server configuration is contained on this platform.

This is what a simplified connection diagram via a VPN server looks like:

The server's job is to create tunnels connecting the user to the endpoints he wants to get to. Moreover, the information is encrypted using a complex algorithm, which is almost impossible to decode. No one from the outside can enter the tunnel. The server blocks such attempts, leaving personal information well protected - correspondence, calls, messages, video and audio files.

What is it for?

The essence of the answer is in the tasks that the server performs. It not only combines many devices in the virtual space, such as computer terminals, laptops, tablets and even mobile devices. Its technology provides anonymity, data encryption and protection of confidential information from interception by attackers.

Some will object: we have no need for anonymity and data protection, because there is nothing to hide. Let me not believe you. Encrypted traffic is not only used by attackers; most are not averse to protecting data so as not to “share” access passwords to their bank cards or to avoid becoming an object of blackmail due to leakage of personal information. As they say: it is stupid to leave the door of the house open if the world does not consist of only good and kind people. Anonymity also adds a nice detail - the ability to visit resources that were previously inaccessible for various reasons.

One of the most common reasons for using a VPN is the reluctance to be tied to a workplace

It’s also a good idea to mention the benefits of using a VPN:

scalability - no additional costs are required when connecting another participant;
flexibility - it doesn't matter where you access from;
A valuable opportunity to work anywhere.

A VPN server is also extremely necessary when creating corporate networks, when for the safe operation of a company or enterprise it is necessary to limit access to information circulating among employees by unauthorized persons. Using VPN technical solutions, it is not difficult to organize the confidentiality of clients located outside the company.

How to create and configure on a computer with Windows 7: step-by-step instructions

The sequence of actions that need to be performed to launch and configure a VPN server on the Windows 7 platform is as follows.

Open the Start menu and go to the Control Panel tab.
Go from the Start menu to Control Panel
In Computer Settings, select Network and Internet.
Open the “Network and Internet” section
In the window that opens, click “Network and Sharing Center.”
Select "Network and Sharing Center"
Then click “Set up a new connection or network.”
Select “Set up a new connection or network”
Select “Connect to Workplace” in the new window.
Click on the “Connect to Workplace” button
Then click on “Use my Internet connection (VPN)”.
Select "Use my Internet connection (VPN)"
When prompted to establish an Internet connection immediately or defer this action, select “Delay setting up an Internet connection.”
Select “Delay Internet connection setup”
Next, write the server address, destination name and come up with a name for the connection.
Enter the VPN server address and write the name of the connection in the “Destination name” field
In the next window, enter the username and password that are registered on the VPN server. In the “Remember this password” field, check the box so that you do not have to enter it every time you connect. Be sure to save.
Enter the username and password registered on the VPN server. Check the box "Remember this password"
The connection has been created. Click the "Close" button. For convenience, create a shortcut to the program on the “Desktop”.
Close a window
Go back to the Start menu, then Control Panel, Network and Internet, Manage Networks and Sharing, and select Change adapter settings.
Go to “Change adapter settings”
Find the VPN connection in this window and right-click on it, then go to its “Properties”.
In the VPN connection window, right-click on it and go to its “Properties”
Next, select “Security”, where in the “VPN Type” field select “Point-to-Point Tunnel Protocol (PPTP)”, and in the “Data Encryption” field click on “Optional”.
Open “Security” and in the “VPN Type” field select “Point-to-Point Tunnel Protocol (PPTP)”, in the “Data Encryption” field select “optional”
In the same window, only on the “Network” tab, uncheck the boxes next to “Client for Microsoft Networks” and “File and Printer Sharing Service for Microsoft Networks”.
On the “Network” tab, uncheck the boxes next to the items: “Client for Microsoft Networks” and “File and Printer Sharing Service for Microsoft Networks”
Then, without closing the window, go to the “Options” tab and uncheck the box next to “Include Windows logon domain”, then click “OK”.
On the “Options” tab, uncheck the box next to “Include Windows login domain”, then click “OK”

Before starting, the VPN will ask for a location. The best choice is “Public Place”, then the greatest privacy in the digital space will be ensured. If desired, in the “Connection” menu, configure the settings for encryption and use of other devices.

If you still have questions about installing and configuring a VPN server in Window 7, watch the video.

Video: how to set up and configure a VPN connection in Windows 7

Setting up for multiple clients

The process of connecting new private network participants is as follows.

Go to “Control Panel” => “Network Connections” => “Create a new connection”.
Start working with the “New Connection Wizard” => “Direct connection to another computer” => “Accept incoming connections”.
The “Wizard” will prompt you to indicate those devices with which you plan to receive incoming connections, but they are not suitable, so click on “Next”. When the “Wizard” asks a question about VPN, stop at the “Allow virtual private networks” item.
Entering authorization parameters. The “Wizard” prompts you to select those users who are allowed to log into the virtual private network. Select and click the “Add” button. When prompted by the Wizard, enter the new username and password.
Configure TCP/IP protocols. Select the appropriate item in the list of protocols and click on the “Properties” button. To allow the client to access the local network, activate the “Allow callers access to the local network” option. Next, designate the range of IP addresses that connected participants can use.

Troubleshooting installation and operation problems

Launching a VPN is often accompanied by errors. The machine reports them in three digits. Thus, errors with a digital value of 6** report the working status of the network, but you need to check the entered information. This refers to the communication protocol type, password and name. Code 7** provides information about the presence of errors in the connection settings. Code 8** hides problems with network settings or those related to a simple lack of Internet connection.

Let's look at common mistakes and how to fix them.

Error 807

This error indicates that the network connection has been interrupted. A common reason is problems with traffic transmission due to poor Internet quality or server overload.

This is how the system reports error 807

There are many options to solve the problem. Try re-creating the VPN connection. Did not help? This means remove the KV958869 system or, better yet, restore it to its previous state. Didn't work out again? Then change the connection type from automatic to “PPTP”. Please note that error 807 also occurs when blocked by a firewall/firewall, so try disabling them.

Error 868

We are talking about the incorrect operation of VPN ports. Often the termination occurs due to an incorrect DNS server name. Therefore, first of all, look at the TCP/IP protocol. The DNS address is either entered incorrectly or not entered at all.

This is what error message 868 looks like

Determine the status of the local network connection. In the “Network Connections” tab, follow these steps: “Start” => “Control Panel” => “Network and Internet” => “Network Center” => “Change adapter settings”. The detected defect will dictate further actions.

So, if there is no local network connection, connect via VPN. No result? Check if the cable is working. When you disable it, you will see blue screens with a red cross on the corresponding icon. Try using the right key to first disconnect and then reconnect the connection. Nothing happened again? Then do the same “disconnect/connect” operation with the cable (manually).

Is the error still there? Check your connection. Open it with the right button and see how many packets have been sent - there should be at least 5-7. If the shipment received less or is completely empty, then find out how the equipment works. Go to “Administration” in this way: “Start” => “Control Panel” => “System and Security” => “Administration” => “Services”. Find the DHCP client in the list of services. Restart it with the right button. Then restart your PC.

A non-working state can also be caused by blocking port 53. Your excessive caution simply played a cruel joke - you yourself programmed the security system in such a way that it does not allow absolutely everything. In this regard, it is recommended to check whether port 53 is blocked. Even if “Port is open” is written, this does not mean that the connection is working. Here we only mean readiness to connect. Just create an allow rule for port 53 in TCP and UDP protocol. No result? Then you will have to resort to a last resort, that is, reinstall Windows.

Be sure to watch the video with detailed instructions on opening the port. It also shows ways to correct port connection errors.

Video: opening a port on a local network

Errors 734 and 741

Error 734 occurs when the PPP Link Control Protocol is interrupted, and error 741 is due to the machine not recognizing this type of encryption.

Error 734 can be resolved using a simple algorithm

Simple steps will help correct the situation. Double-left-click the VPN and open Properties, then Security, and uncheck “Require data encryption.” Confirm your intentions.

This is only a small part of the problems that arise when launching a VPN, but almost all of them can be solved quite simply and without much time.

What is OpenVPN

The most popular solution for organizing a private network is OpenVPN. The main advantage is economy, since the traffic is compressed. Among the disadvantages of the program is the complexity of configuration, which we will now deal with.

OpenVPN is a special program for setting up a VPN connection. Naturally, you first need to install it on your computer. It is better to take the download file from the official website of the program:

The installation process is quite simple, except that you will need to temporarily disable the antivirus. When loading the program, the TAP-Win32 Adapter V9 virtual network adapter and its driver are introduced into the system. OpenVPN's task is to set the IP address and mask of the local add-on.

First of all, you need to copy the configuration file that your provider should provide to you. Save the data in the C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config folder. Once in it, click on the “Insert” item.

OpenVPN should only be run with administrator rights, otherwise the program may not work correctly. Be sure to change the compatibility properties in the OS. On OpenVPN, open Properties, find Compatibility, and check Run this program as an administrator. Next, confirm your actions by clicking on “OK”. A connection log window should appear.

If you followed all the steps correctly, then setting up a VPN via the OpenVPN protocol for Windows 7 was successful. Still having difficulties? Watch screenshots of step-by-step instructions for setting up Open VPN and a short video.

Setting up the program step by step (photo)

Copy the configuration file to the C:Program FilesOpenVPNconfig folder

Confirm your access request

Run Open VNP as an administrator: go to “Start” and right-click on the OpenVPN shortcut, select “Properties”

Open the program menu in the tray (right corner) and select “Connect”

A window will open with the contents of the connection log

Video: Installing OpenVPN GUI

Setting up IPSec VPN

The IPSec standard is specifically designed to enhance the security of the IP protocol. Allows you to confirm authenticity (authentication), and also checks the integrity and encryption of IP packets. IPsec contains protocols for secure key exchange:

RFC 2401 IPSec
RFC 2402AH
RFC 2406 ESP,
RFC 2409 IKE.

How you can set up a VPN using IPsec is outlined in the step-by-step guide below.

In the Control Panel, click View: Small Icons, then go to Control Center.
Next, find “Set up a new connection” on the “Change network settings” tab.
Complete the action by clicking on “Connect to Workplace”. Go to it via the “Connection or network setup” tab.
What you do next depends on whether a VPN was previously installed on your machine. If yes, then in the pop-up window click “No, create a new connection and continue with your actions.” If not, select “Use my Internet connection.”
Don't forget to add your VPN address, and in the "Destination Name" line, write the server name. Don't forget the mark. Select the “Installation for future connection” column and continue with your actions.
Next, add your password and login registered on the VPN server. In the window that opens, agree to connect.
Then, in the Network and Sharing Center, change the adapter settings.
Finally, select VPN Type. This will be an IPsec VPN. Of course, note that encryption is optional. IPsec VPN channel is ready!

To conclude the topic about IPsec VPN, I would like to emphasize the usefulness of the program, given the two disadvantages that VPN has. The first and most serious is the vulnerability of the PPTP protocol. We are talking about the insufficient reliability of single-factor authentication. In other words, when we confirm our access rights only using a login and password. In this case, the login or user name is usually known, and the password quite often falls into the hands of a hacker (for example, when a Trojan virus is introduced into your OS). Then the unauthorized person gets full access to the local network. The second drawback is that there is no way to verify that the connection was made by a trusted user and not by the same attacker who gained access to the account.

Video: setting up an IPsec tunnel between two Mikrotik routers

Now, user, you know, if not all, then the basic steps for creating and setting up your own, full-fledged and completely secure virtual network based on a VPN connection in Windows 7. You also learned how to correctly configure the OpenVPN and IPsec VNP programs. Rest assured, a private server guarantees the same full connection as a regular one. Your computer will not notice the difference between a VPN and a channel without encryption, but the security of your work in the digital space increases several times.

Instructions

Click on the Start menu and select Control Panel. Find the "Network and Internet" section. To organize a VPN connection, you need to launch the Network and Sharing Center snap-in. You can also click on the network icon in the tray and select a similar command. Proceed to create a new connection or network, noting that you need to connect to your desktop. Click "Next". You will be prompted to use an existing connection. Check the box “No, create a new connection” and proceed to the next step of the settings.

Select "Use my Internet connection" to set up a VPN connection. Set aside the Internet settings prompt that appears before continuing. A window will appear in which you need to specify the VPN server address according to the agreement and come up with a name for the connection, which will be displayed in the Network and Sharing Center. Check the “Don’t connect now” checkbox, otherwise the computer will try to establish a connection immediately after setup. Check Use Smart Card if the remote VPN host authenticates the connection using a smart card. Click Next.

Enter your username, password and domain, according to which you gain access to the remote network. Click the “Create” button and wait until the VPN connection is configured. Now you need to establish an Internet connection. To do this, click on the network icon in the tray and start setting the properties of the created connection.

Open the Security tab. Set VPN Type to Automatic and Data Encryption to Optional. Check "Allow the following protocols" and select the CHAP and MS-CHAP protocols. Go to the “Network” tab and leave a checkmark next to “Internet Protocol Version 4” only. Click the "Ok" button and connect the VPN connection.

Any VPN net provides for the presence of a specific server that will provide communication between network computers and other devices. At the same time, it provides some of them (or all) with access to an external network, for example, the Internet.

You will need

- network cable;
- LAN card.

Instructions

The simplest example of a VPN network would be the creation of a local network between, each of which will have access to the Internet. Naturally, only one PC will have a direct connection to the provider’s server. Select this computer.

Install an additional network adapter into it, which will be connected to the second computer. Using a network cable of the required length, connect the network cards of two computers to each other. Connect the provider cable to another network adapter on the main PC.

Set up your Internet connection. This can be a LAN or DSL connection. In this case it doesn't matter at all. Once you've completed creating and configuring your new connection, go to its properties.

Open the "Access" menu in the window that appears. Allow all computers that are part of a specific local network to use this Internet connection. Specify net, formed by your two computers.

Modern technologies are improving at tremendous speed, opening up an amazing breadth of new opportunities for us. Not long ago, Internet users began to use a private network - VPN. It allows you to create a secure connection between remote PCs, providing:

anonymity of work on the World Wide Web;
the ability to download applications when the IP address is located in a different regional zone;
high safety of work in a corporate environment;
high transfer speed without interruptions;
the ability to create a channel protected from hackers.

Let's look at how to connect to the Internet via VPN on different OSes.

The OS is more complex than previous versions. But setting up a connection via VPN turns out to be very simple. Follow the step by step instructions below.

Open Start. From the drop-down list, go to “Settings”. This subsection may be called "Options".

Where can I find “Options”?

When the Windows Settings window appears, you will see the Network and Internet option. Open the content. There is a “VPN” item here. Make one click. Click "Add VPN connection". In the new window, set the following parameters in order:

Windows (embedded);
Business Communication;
L2TP protocol;
. The necessary information is specified in your agreement for the provision of Internet services.

Check that the fields are filled in correctly and click “Save”.

Setting up a VPN on Windows 7

Here the phasing has no fundamental distinctive features. The only difference is the location of the sections that interest us. Proceed to the "Control Panel".

Where is the Control Panel located?

We will need “Network and Internet”.

We need a control center. From here you can manage networks and access. You will need to configure the connection. This will be a new direction.

You will need an active “Connect to workplace” button. Go ahead. “Use my Internet connection” will appear at the top of the form. Let's make a selection. A form will appear where you enter the following in the stated sequence:

Business Communication;
Check the "Don't connect now" checkbox. You will be prompted to simultaneously check for future connections;
move on.

On the page that opens, enter your username and password. This information is provided when signing an agreement for the provision of communication services. Place a marker in the box that asks you to remember your password. Next, a working connection will be displayed. The form can be closed.

While in Control Center, continue working with custom metrics. In the form, click on “Change adapter settings”. The active and passive connections will be highlighted. Click on the configured option and select Properties. This is done through the right key.

You will be on the General form. Here the address information regarding the VPN server is checked. Correct view: inter.net.

In the “Security” form, you also need to make certain settings. Put VPN type here. There is no need to register anything. It is enough to use the drop-down list. Select the item: L2TP/IPsec. In the “data encryption” line, enter: optional. Click OK.

Stay in the connections tab. Here you will need to create a shortcut for “Business Connection”.

When you see a message that an icon cannot be created in this folder, agree to move it to your desktop.

Go to the main screen. Here you will find the corresponding label. Double-click with the left mouse button. A window will appear where you should select “Connection”.

You can check this point by following this path:

go to “Network and Internet”;
specify the section you are interested in. This is the control center;
you need to check the configured indicators. Go to the form where the adapter settings are changed;
Before finding the information you are interested in, read the sections. You will need “Network Connections”;
we require “Local Area Connection”;
go to “Properties”, open “Network” and select “TCP/IPv4”;
click on “Properties”;
The item about obtaining an IP address automatically must be activated, click on OK.

Now we can say with confidence that the connection to the VPN is complete.

How to connect a VPN on Windows XP

Getting started is exactly the same as in version 7 of the OS. After activating the creation of a connection, the Connection Wizard will automatically launch. With it you will resolve the issue faster and more conveniently. After following “Next”, find the second item. It will allow you to connect to the network on your desktop.

Keep tuning. You will see the “Connection name” window. Specify Business Connection. Proceed to the second stage.

Stop at “Select VPN Server”.

You will be taken to the last page of the wizard. Check the box where you are offered to display a shortcut on the desktop. Complete the procedure.

Confirming settings and creating a shortcut on the desktop

Click the right mouse button on the window that appears. Go to "Properties". In the first tab, check the VPN server address. It should be written here: inter.net. Go to "Options". Mark with the marker “Call back when connection is lost.” Then open “Security”. Remove the checkbox from “Data encryption required.”

The connection window appears. It asks for a username and password. Enter the information provided by your Internet service provider when completing the contract. Place a marker next to the prompt to save passwords. Start connecting.

As in the option discussed above, double-check that you received the IP address. It should be done automatically. This is done through Start. Find "Network and Internet Connections". From the suggested sub-items, select “Network connections”. Find “Local Area Connection”, right-click to get to Properties. Here you need to highlight TCP/IPv4. Then you need to go to Properties again. Now check for the checkbox next to the offer to register your IP address automatically.

Setting up mobile equipment on Android OS

If you need to set up a VPN on mobile devices, use the step-by-step instructions below. It will create a secure channel connecting separate networks and providing access to them for people who regularly change their location.

Important! For the setup to be successful, you need to know the address of the server to which you will connect, your login and password.

Open the Settings menu on your device.

In the “Wireless Network” column, click on the “More” sub-item and select “VPN”.

Check the box to add a VPN connection. It may be called that or designated as “+”.

A form will open in front of you where you need to enter the settings:

“Network name” - any name. You decide what name to give your new VPN connection;
"Type" - "PPTP";
“Address”—VPN server address;
click on the “Save” button.

Find out detailed instructions for setting up home Internet in the article -

When you first start, the system will ask for your username and password. To avoid having to enter them again next time, check the box next to the prompt to remember user data.

The VPN connection is configured and ready to use. You will learn about this thanks to the corresponding notification. By clicking on the icon that appears, you will see detailed information on the connection.

Recently, methods of accessing the Internet through VPN networks have become increasingly popular. This allows you to maintain maximum confidentiality, as well as visit web resources blocked for various reasons by providers. Let's see what methods you can use to set up a VPN on a computer running Windows 7.

Setting up a VPN in Windows 7, like most other tasks in this OS, is carried out using two groups of methods: by using third-party applications and using only the internal functionality of the system. Next, we will consider in detail these methods for solving the problem.

Method 1: Third Party Programs

Let's immediately look at the algorithm for setting up a VPN using third-party applications. We will do this using the example of the popular Windscribe software. This program is good because, unlike other free analogues, it can provide a fairly high-quality connection. But the limit of transmitted and received data is limited to 2 GB for anonymous users and 10 GB for those who indicated their email.

After downloading, run the program installer. In the window that opens, you will be offered two installation options:
- Express installation;
- Selective.

The installation procedure will start.

After its completion, the corresponding entry will be displayed in the installer window. If you want the application to launch immediately after closing the window, leave a checkmark in the checkbox "Launch Windscribe". Then click "Complete".

Next, a window will open asking if you have a Windscribe account. If this is your first time installing this program, then click "No".

The browser that is assigned by default in the OS will launch. It will open the official Windscribe website in the registration section.
In field "Choose Username" enter the desired account. It must be unique in the system. If you choose a non-unique login, you will have to change it. You can also generate it automatically by clicking on the icon in the form of arrows forming a circle on the right.

Into the fields "Choose Password" And "Password Again" enter the same password that you created. Unlike a login, it does not have to be unique, but it is advisable to make it reliable, using generally accepted rules for composing such code expressions. For example, combine letters in different cases and numbers.

In field "Email (Optional)" enter your email address. This is not necessary, but if this field is filled in, you will receive as much as 10 GB of Internet traffic instead of the basic 2 GB.

Once everything is filled in, click "Create Free Account".

Then go to your email, find the email from Windscribe and sign in. Inside the letter, click on the element in the form of a button "Confirm Email". By doing this, you will confirm your email and receive an additional 8 GB of traffic.

Now close your browser. Most likely, you will already be logged into Windscribe using the current account you just registered. But if this is not so, then in the window with the inscription "You already have an account" click "Yes". In the new window, enter your registration data: login and password. Next click "Entrance".

A small Windscribe window will open. To start the VPN, click on the large round button on the right side of it.

After a short period of time during which activation is carried out, the VPN will be connected.

By default, the program selects the best location with the most stable connection. But you can choose any other available option. To do this, click on the element "Connected".

A list will open with a list of locations. Those marked with an asterisk are only available for a paid premium account. Select the name of the region of the country through the IP of which you want to present yourself on the Internet.

A list of settlements will open. Select your desired city.

After this, the VPN will be reconnected to your chosen location and the IP will be changed. You can easily see this right in the main window of the program.

As you can see, the procedure for setting up a VPN and changing the IP address using the Windscribe program is quite simple and convenient, and specifying your email during registration allows you to increase the amount of free traffic several times.

Method 2: Built-in functionality of Windows 7

You can also set up a VPN using exclusively the built-in tools of Windows 7, without installing third-party software. But to implement this method, you must be registered on one of the services that provide access services for the specified type of connection.

Click "Start" followed by transition to "Control Panel".

Click "Network and Internet".

Open the directory "Control center…".

Go to “Setting up a new connection...”.

Displayed "Connection Wizard". Select the option that involves solving the problem by connecting to the workplace. Click "Further".

Then a window for selecting a connection method opens. Click on the element that suggests your connection.

In the window that appears in the field "Internet address" Enter the address of the service through which the connection will be made, and where you registered in advance. Field "Destination name" determines what this connection will be called on your computer. You don’t have to change it, but you can replace it with any option convenient for you. Check the checkbox below "Don't connect now...". After that click "Further".

In field "User" Enter the login for the service you are registered with. In the form "Password" enter the login code and click "Create".

The next window will display information that the connection is ready for use. Click "Close".

Back at the window "Control Center", click on the element in its left part "Change settings…".

A list of all connections created on the PC will be displayed. Find a VPN connection. Right-click on it ( RMB) and select "Properties".

In the shell that appears, move to the tab "Options".

Uncheck the checkbox here "Enable domain...". It should be checked in all other checkboxes. Click "PPP Settings...".

In the window interface that appears, uncheck all checkboxes and click "OK".

After returning to the main connection properties window, move to the section "Safety".

From the list "VPN Type" stop by position "Tunnel Protocol...". From the dropdown list "Data Encryption" select an option "Optional...". Also uncheck the checkbox "Microsoft CHAP Protocol...". Leave other parameters in default state. After completing these steps, click "OK".

A dialog box will open warning you that if you use the PAP and CHAP protocols, encryption will not occur. We have specified universal VPN settings that will work even if the service providing the corresponding services does not support encryption. But if this is critical for you, then register only with the external service that supports the specified function. In the same window, click "OK".

Now you can start a VPN connection by simply left-clicking on the corresponding item in the list of network connections. But it will be inconvenient to go to this directory every time, and therefore it makes sense to create a launch icon on "Desktop". Click RMB by VPN connection name. From the list that appears, select "Create shortcut".

A dialog box will prompt you to move the icon to "Desktop". Click "Yes".

To start the connection, open "Desktop" and click on the icon you created earlier.

In field "Username" Enter the login of the VPN service, which you already entered at the stage of creating the connection. In field "Password" Enter the appropriate code expression to enter. To always avoid having to enter the specified data, you can check the checkbox "Save username...". To start the connection, click "Connection".

After the connection procedure, the network location settings window will open. Select a position in it "Public Network".

The connection will be completed. Now you can send and receive data over the Internet using a VPN.

You can set up a network connection via VPN in Windows 7 using third-party programs or using only the system functionality. In the first case, you will definitely need to download the application, but the actual settings procedure will be as simple as possible; you will not have to look for any proxy services that provide the corresponding services. When using the built-in tools, you do not need to download anything, but you will need to first find and register on a special VPN service. In addition, you will still need to perform a number of settings, which are much more complicated than when using the software method. So you need to choose for yourself which option suits you best.