The sheer quantity of VPNs available for Windows can make it difficult to choose the best one. Because Windows is the most widely used operating system and is also the most popular target for hackers, you must have a VPN for your Windows device. Additionally, according to Microsoft’s privacy statement, it automatically collects your data (from which you generally cannot opt out).
To select the top Windows VPNs, my team and I tested more than 200 of them. I looked into their speeds, server networks, and unblocking options in addition to their privacy and safety measures. Based on this, I narrowed down the best VPNs for Windows devices (all compatible with Windows 7-11).
Because of its strong security features, established no-logging policy, blazing-fast bandwidth, and ability to unblock major streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and others, ExpressVPN is my top choice. On a Windows computer, you may try ExpressVPN risk-free. It is supported by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you may obtain a complete refund if you’re unsatisfied.
Quick Step: The best VPNs for Windows on laptops and desktop
VPN will let you access all of your favourite streaming TV shows, movies, documentaries, and other streaming content.
1. Pick a VPN provider. We advise using ExpressVPN.
2. Download & Register for a VPN and connect to the server in the country of your choice.
3. Login & Access your streaming platform service.
4. Watch the movies and TV shows you want to.
With a trustworthy VPN, unblock all streaming and sports channels, including free & live streaming.
The best VPNs for Windows on laptops and desktop
The following is our ranking of The best VPNs for Windows on laptops and desktop

1. ExpressVPN: The best VPN on the market
Number of servers: 3,000+ | Speed: Up to 630Mbps | VPN locations: 160 in 94 countries | Maximum devices supported: 5 | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes
- Rock-solid privacy features
- Apps for just about everything
- Superb for torrenting
- Class-leading 24/7 support
- Slightly more expensive, but well worth it

2. NordVPN: Streaming VPN that is hot on security
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Server locations: 80+ in 59 countries | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Maximum devices supported: 6
- Unparalleled security smarts
- Reliable unblocking
- High-speed NordLynx protocol
- Great value subscription options
- User experience could still be improved

3. SurfShark: Excellent, great value VPN
Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 30 days | Number of servers: 3,200 | Server locations: 100+ | Countries: 65 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Eye-catching prices
- Covers unlimited devices
- Excellent unblocking
- Apps can look a little complicated
- Below-par OpenVPN speeds
Quick Comparison Table: Top VPN Features for Windows
The most important characteristics of the Windows VPNs I propose are shown in the table below.
VPN | Lowest Price | # of Devices | Speeds | P2P Support | Can Unblock | Windows Versions | Edge Browser Extension |
🥇ExpressVPN | $6.67/month | 5 | Very Fast | Yes, on all servers | Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more | 7, 8, 10, 11 | Yes |
🥈CyberGhost | $2.03/month | 7 | Fast | Yes, plus specialized servers | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and more | 7, 8, 10, 11 | No |
🥉PIA | $2.03/month | 10 | Fast | Yes, on all servers | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more | 7, 8, 10, 11 | No |
IPVanish | $3.19/month | Unlimited | Fast | Yes, on all servers | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more | 7, 8, 10, 11 | No |
PrivateVPN | $2/month | 10 | Average | Yes, plus specialized servers | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more | 7, 8, 10, 11 | No |
Guide on Choosing the Best Windows VPN
The VPNs in the aforementioned list all fit the following requirements. If you’re confused of what to look for in a top-notch Windows VPN, have a look at the criteria I used to determine my top options, which are listed below:
- Strong encryption: A Skill switch that automatically activates in case of emergency, a rigorous no-logs policy, and DNS/IP leak prevention are all examples of strong security features your VPN should have. By doing this, you protect your data from outside parties trying to monitor your online activity.
- Compatible with the most recent Windows versions: To stay up with Windows upgrades, look for a VPN that updates its software frequently. Each VPN on the list is user-friendly and suitable for Windows 7 through 11.
- Fast speeds: Fast speeds enable lag-free HD streaming and game play. In my tests, all of the VPNs I suggested had average speeds of at least 20 Mbps (4 times the minimum requirement for HD streaming and double the minimum needed for online gaming).
- Large server network: Since users are dispersed more widely, a large server network can aid with speeds by lowering server congestion. Additionally, you’re more likely to locate a nearby server (which are usually faster).
- Help for streaming: The top VPNs consistently unblock streaming websites like Netflix. Travelers would especially benefit from this because it will allow them to watch content from home wherever they are. Netflix, Disney+, APV, and BBC iPlayer were just a few of the platforms that all of the VPNs on this list unblocked.
- P2P-friendly: If you intend to torrent, you should choose a VPN that supports P2P, preferably on all servers or on dedicated servers with faster download rates.
- Various screen connections: Each VPN on my list allows for at least five simultaneous connections, allowing you to use a single subscription to cover all of your devices.
- Reliable money-back promise: Pick a VPN service company that provides a reliable money-back guarantee. To ensure that you can simply request a refund if you’re unsatisfied, I evaluated each VPN on my list.
- Continually available: live chat assistance is provided by the best service providers. You can reach a support representative at any moment with any of the VPNs on my list.
FAQs The best VPNs for Windows on laptops and desktop
Which VPN for Windows 11 is the best?
Since every VPN on this list works with Windows 11, those are the ones I suggest. However, if you haven’t yet upgraded from Windows 10, I advise you to wait until Microsoft has addressed the problems inevitably present with new operating systems. Microsoft has already acknowledged that OpenVPN UDP performance on Windows 11 may be a little slower. All of my testing was done on a Windows 10 device, and I’ll update it if Windows 11 introduces any significant changes (although I haven’t seen any yet). Having said that, I feel confident keeping with Windows 10 until the most recent OS has had a comprehensive update and all significant flaws have been resolved.
Does Windows 10 come with an integrated VPN?
Although it features a VPN client, a VPN is not the same thing. You can independently connect to a third-party VPN network using a VPN client. To utilise it, you must still subscribe to a VPN provider. I briefly gave it a shot, but the procedure seemed overly complicated and not really worth the trouble. Because of this, I prefer to utilise fully functional, tried-and-true VPN programmes. They are simpler to set up and include many features that I believe are essential, such as extensive server networks, unblocking capabilities, a kill switch, and many more.
Additionally, the built-in client only supports Windows, however you may secure your phone and other devices that run other operating systems by using a premium VPN. The earlier protocols it offers (IKEv2, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and SSTP) are vastly inferior than OpenVPN which the Windows VPN client cannot access.
Is it possible to use a free VPN for Windows?
You can, however it’s not advised due to the large number of dangerous free VPNs. It’s always preferable to utilize a VPN that is secure, dependable, and offers a money-back guarantee. In this manner, you avoid incurring any debt within the guarantee period and putting your Windows device or yourself in danger.
To give an example, numerous free VPN services have been exposed for selling customers’ data to outside companies (Betternet and Hola VPN for example). Additionally, free plans always have limitations such as bandwidth caps and minimal server capacity. Thus Windows devices have the most users, they frequently have inferior security safeguards, and because they are the most popular target for hackers. Additionally, Microsoft declares in its privacy statement that it will gather your data. Therefore, I strongly advise utilizing a premium VPN on your Windows device more than I would on any other OS.
Here, get the best VPN for Windows
Choosing the best Windows VPN can be challenging because there are so many options available. Additionally, Microsoft isn’t recognized for safeguarding the privacy of its users, and Windows-based computers are a popular target for viruses and hackers. I conducted thorough research to identify the very best VPNs for Windows in order to make it simpler for users to obtain high-quality VPNs.
I choose ExpressVPN because it has excellent security, a well-established no-logging policy, is incredibly fast, and has a large number of servers. The best part is that ExpressVPN may be tried risk-free. I put it to the test to ensure its dependability, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. My cancellation was immediately approved, and three days later I received my money returned.
How to fix problems with Windows VPN
There are numerous causes for your Windows VPN to fail. You might need to attempt a few remedies before finding one that works because the reason of the problem can occasionally be difficult to identify. Here are a few of the most popular techniques you can use.
Try restarting the DHCP client as one option. Close all browsers first. then click “Windows,” go to “Services,” and launch the manager. Locate the DHCP client there and select “Restart.”
Disabling IPv6, which frequently conflicts with VPN clients, is an alternative. Access the Network and Sharing Center by going to Control Panel > Network and Internet. Next, right-click on your wifi device and select Properties. Finally, click OK after unchecking the box next to “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”.
You could also want to get in touch with the VPN’s customer service. All of them, with the exception of PIA, offer live chat, which is open 24/7. This implies that even if the problem is with Windows and not the VPN, you should be able to resolve it quickly.
Summary Of Best VPNs for Windows on laptops and desktop
On a Windows device, using a VPN can improve your online experience and safeguard your privacy. You can browse the web anonymously, access geo-restricted material, and avoid censorship and bandwidth limitations. The top VPN choices for Windows devices are the ones we’ve mentioned above.