How to Add a VPN Connection on Windows 11
Want to connect your Windows 11 PC to a VPN without installing a VPN app? Windows 11 includes a built-in VPN feature that lets you manually create and manage a VPN connection. This guide explains exactly how to add a VPN connection, configure the required settings, connect to it, and fix common problems.
What You Need Before Adding a VPN
Before creating a manual VPN profile in Windows 11, you need connection information from your VPN provider, employer, school, or VPN server administrator.
Important
A Windows 11 manual VPN profile is different from using a dedicated VPN application. You need the correct server and authentication information for the manual connection to work.
How to Add a VPN Connection on Windows 11
Follow these steps to create a new VPN profile using the built-in Windows 11 VPN settings.
Open Windows Settings
Click the Start button and open Settings. You can also press Windows + I on your keyboard.
Open Network & internet
In the Windows Settings window, select Network & internet from the left-hand menu.
Select VPN
Click VPN. You will see the VPN connections currently configured on your Windows 11 device.
Click Add VPN
Select Add VPN to create a new VPN connection profile.
Select Windows as the VPN provider
In the VPN provider field, choose Windows (built-in).
Enter a connection name
Enter a name that makes the VPN easy to identify. For example, you could use the name of your VPN provider or server.
Enter the VPN server address
Enter the server name or address supplied by your VPN provider, employer, or network administrator.
Select the VPN type
Choose the VPN protocol required by your VPN provider. If you are unsure which option to use, check the provider’s setup instructions before continuing.
Choose the sign-in method
Select the authentication method required for your VPN connection. For many configurations, this will involve a username and password.
Enter your sign-in information
Enter the username and password or other credentials required by your VPN configuration.
Save the VPN profile
Review the settings and click Save. Windows 11 will create the VPN profile and return you to the VPN settings page.
Windows 11 VPN Settings Explained
The manual VPN setup screen contains several fields. Understanding what they mean can help you avoid configuration mistakes.
| Setting | What It Means |
|---|---|
| VPN Provider | Selects the Windows built-in VPN option for a manually configured connection. |
| Connection Name | The name Windows displays for your VPN profile. |
| Server Name or Address | The VPN server hostname or IP address supplied by your provider or administrator. |
| VPN Type | Determines the VPN protocol or connection type used by the profile. |
| Type of Sign-in Info | Determines how Windows authenticates your VPN connection. |
| Username and Password | Credentials used when the VPN requires account-based authentication. |
Tip: Do not guess the server address or VPN type. Incorrect connection details are one of the most common reasons a manual VPN profile fails to connect.
How to Connect to Your VPN on Windows 11
After saving your VPN profile, you can connect through Windows Settings or the network controls on the taskbar.
Open the VPN settings
Go to Settings → Network & internet → VPN.
Find your VPN profile
Locate the VPN connection you created in the list of available VPN profiles.
Select Connect
Click Connect. Windows will attempt to establish the VPN connection using the settings you entered.
How to confirm the connection
Return to the Windows 11 VPN settings page and check the status of the VPN profile. You can also use the Windows network controls to manage the connection.
How to Disconnect a VPN on Windows 11
When you no longer need the VPN connection, you can disconnect it without deleting the VPN profile.
Disconnecting only ends the current VPN session. Your saved VPN profile can remain available for the next time you need it.
Common Windows 11 VPN Problems and Fixes
Still not connecting?
If your VPN provider offers a dedicated Windows 11 application, installing the official app may be easier than manually configuring a VPN profile. Dedicated apps can also provide additional features such as automatic server selection and specialized VPN controls.
Manual VPN vs VPN App on Windows 11
Windows Built-In VPN
Best when you already have specific VPN server information and want to create a manual VPN profile without installing a dedicated app.
Dedicated VPN App
Best for users who want an easier setup process and additional features from a commercial VPN provider.
Best VPN Apps for Windows 11
If you want a simpler Windows 11 VPN experience instead of manually configuring servers, these are three VPN providers worth considering.
ExpressVPN
Best overall VPN for Windows 11
ExpressVPN is a strong choice for Windows 11 users who want an easy-to-use VPN application with fast connections, strong encryption, automatic connection options, and additional privacy features.
- ✓ Windows 11 support
- ✓ Automatic connection options
- ✓ Kill switch protection
- ✓ Split tunneling
- ✓ Strong encryption
- Easy to use
- Strong privacy features
- Good Windows experience
- Premium pricing
NordVPN
Best for advanced Windows 11 protection
NordVPN offers a polished Windows application with strong security features, automatic connection options, multiple VPN protocols, and additional protection tools.
- ✓ Windows 11 app
- ✓ Automatic kill switch
- ✓ DNS leak protection
- ✓ Multiple VPN protocols
- ✓ Additional security tools
Surfshark
Best value option for Windows 11
Surfshark is a good option for Windows 11 users looking for a feature-rich VPN application with tools such as split tunneling, automatic connection, and traffic protection.
- ✓ Windows application
- ✓ Split tunneling
- ✓ Automatic connection
- ✓ Encryption and IP masking
- ✓ Additional privacy features
Which VPN Setup Should You Choose?
Use Windows Built-In VPN for Manual Configurations
Windows 11’s built-in VPN is useful when you have the exact connection information required by your VPN server, employer, school, or network administrator.
However, if you are using a commercial VPN for everyday privacy, streaming, travel, public Wi-Fi, or security, a dedicated VPN app is generally easier because it handles server selection and many configuration details for you.
Windows 11 VPN Setup Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Windows 11 have a built-in VPN?
Yes. Windows 11 includes built-in VPN functionality that allows users to create and manage manual VPN connections through Settings → Network & internet → VPN.
How do I add a VPN manually on Windows 11?
Open Settings → Network & internet → VPN and select Add VPN. Choose Windows (built-in), enter the VPN server information and authentication details, then save the connection.
Do I need a VPN app to use a VPN on Windows 11?
No. You can manually configure a supported VPN connection using Windows 11’s built-in VPN settings. A dedicated VPN app is optional and can provide a simpler setup and additional features.
Why is my Windows 11 VPN not connecting?
Common causes include an incorrect server address, incorrect VPN type, invalid login information, or a VPN configuration that does not match the server. Check the connection details supplied by your VPN provider or network administrator.
Can I remove a VPN connection after adding it?
Yes. Windows 11 lets you manage and remove VPN profiles from Settings → Network & internet → VPN.
Is a Windows built-in VPN better than a VPN app?
Neither is universally better. The built-in option is useful for manual configurations, while a dedicated VPN app is generally easier for everyday users who want automatic server selection and additional VPN features.