Best Free VPN for Windows PC

When surfing the web from a Windows PC, you need take extra precautions to protect your data. A VPN is highly useful in this situation because, by installing one on your desktop or laptop, you’ll be able to encrypt your data in transit, hide your real IP address, and shield yourself from malicious ads.

A VPN can do alf of that and loads more (such as letting you remove regional limitations on popular streaming services); the good news is that many VPN services include Windows-optimized client apps that are both feature-rich and easy to use. And the even better news is, many of these VPNs can be used for free.

However, it can be difficult to evaluate which provider is the greatest fit for your needs when there are so many VPN companies on the market. We can help with that here at VPN Hound; I’ve done the legwork and put up a list of our favourite VPNs for Windows as of 2023.

If you go with one of my suggested VPN companies, you can rest assured that your personal information and communications online will be safe, secure and private at all times. So, why are you stalling? Read on to find out which free VPN software we recommend for Windows and how to set it up on your computer.

What to look for when choosing a free VPN for PC:

There are several things to consider when deciding on the best VPN for Windows (or any OS) for PC – and these apply whether it’s free or not.

1. First and foremost, check to see if the VPN software is obviously compatible with the version of Windows you’re using – some may not work on older versions like Windows 7, or even on Windows 11 yet. You should also be looking for a VPN that has a straightforward UI and setup procedure.
2. PC VPNs must prioritize user security and privacy above everything else. Select a VPN service that places a premium on your online safety by employing robust encryption methods, keeping no activity logs, and providing additional safeguards like a kill switch. This will keep your online life secret and secure from inquisitive eyes.
3. The VPN’s ability to watch content and download torrents is also crucial. You’ll want a VPN that doesn’t slow down your connection if you’re using your PC for streaming or torrenting. Access to worldwide material can also be ensured by using a big server fleet with server locations all over the world.
4. When choosing a VPN for PC, cost should also play a significant role (no sh*t!). A completely free VPN is tempting, but if you want the greatest service and security, it’s better to invest in a VPN that offers a good value for your money and use a free trial first. That way, it’s still ‘free’.
5. Last but not least, it is crucial to have access to customer service at all hours of the day in case any technical issues arise; look for a PC VPN that has multiple points of contact with its users, such as email, livechat, even phone, etc.

Overview: Best Free VPNs for PC (2023)

There are a lot of VPN services out there, and it can be difficult to figure out which one is best for your Windows PC or laptop – particularly if you want a free version or trial.

Because of this, I’ve spent time testing and reviewing a variety of VPNs for Windows, and I’ve narrowed it down to the best ones based on factors like functionality, connection speed, and support for streaming services. What I found is as follows:

1. NordVPN – Best overall (Free)

Frankly, NordVPN is the best VPN for any Windows PC; perfect if you want lots of extras like enhanced privacy, streaming options, and more. In addition, the Windows software is a breeze to setup and operate, making it a great option for users of all skill levels.

The ability to stream media on Windows is one of NordVPN’s most notable features; in testing we were able to bypass regional blocking for Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, and Amazon Prime Video with relative ease. With NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature, owners of Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices can also bypass geographical restrictions on their media streaming – in other words, it’s not just limited to PCs, so you can extend it to all your devices.

For Windows 7 – 11, NordVPN supports OpenVPN and NordLynx (an improved version of WireGuard) as tunneling protocols, whereas IKEv2/IPsec requires manual configuration. Compared to the standard WireGuard protocol, the NordLynx protocol delivered lightning-fast speeds and improved privacy during our tests. When it comes to Windows, NordVPN uses the most up-to-date AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption methods to keep data safe.

It should also work on Windows 12, when that’s released.

⭐ VPN Hound User Rating:	4.7
📝 No logs policy:	No logs
💯 Money-back guarantee:	30 days
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV
💵 Cheapest price:	$3.71/month (2-year plan)
💥 Current deal:	Get 75% OFF + 3 Months FREE at NordVPN

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The Windows version of NordVPN is really quite user-friendly, with a quick and painless setup process; supported platforms include macOS, Android, iOS, and a few smart TVs in addition to Windows 10 and Windows 11. During our testing, we were able to successfully block advertisements and malware-ridden websites using the app’s Threat Protection feature and its invisibility on LAN feature. Both types of split tunneling are available on Windows too – NordLynx is the best bet here, but also try out teh IKEv2/IPsec if you’re an advanced user.

The Windows version of NordVPN is really quite user-friendly…

In terms of cost, you can try NordVPN for free using their money-back guarantee. This means that if you’re not satisfied, you can get a refund in full and just cancel it from recurring. And with monthly plans starting at just $3.29, NordVPN offers extremely cheap pricing if you do continue. But if you need more time to make a decision, they provide a 30-day money-back guarantee.

You’ll be able to connect up to 6 devices at once once you’ve paid for the service; sadly there are limitations for the free PC plan. But if you’re looking for a VPN that works well with Windows 10 and 11 on your laptop or desktop and doesn’t break the bank, look no further than NordVPN.

2. IPVanish – Free Trial Available

IPVanish is a great VPN service for Windows PC users since it is easy to set up and configure, making it ideal for newbies and non-experts who want to take advantage of advanced capabilities like split tunneling, without all the technical know-how.

IPVanish’s ability to bypass geographical restrictions on blocked content is one of its most appealing qualities on Windows. It may not be as good as other VPNs for unlocking streaming services, but it does a fantastic job of avoiding VPN IP blocks when playing games. Interestingly, when we tested IPVanish on several Windows PCs, we were able to access Netflix and YouTube TV, but not BBC iPlayer.

IPVanish uses AES-256 encryption, the standard in the industry, to keep users’ data safe while maintaining high speeds. It provides a selection of fast VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard.

IPVanish features an intuitive and adaptable Windows app, in addition to versions for macOS, Android, and iOS. The Windows app is very adaptable to the individual needs of the user too, and that’s something we really liked. Torrenting or P2P users will, too, appreciate the SOCKS5 proxy included in the IPVanish Windows program, along with traffic obfuscation, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy. All of these features come as standard with IPVanish.

You can get a free trial with IPVanish to test the waters and just cancel the rebill if you’re not happy. IPVanish’s entry-level VPN subscription is $3.33 per month and provides unlimited connections and loads more  – works for all versions of Windows including Winows 7, 8 and 10. Hooray!

⭐ VPN Hound User Rating:	4.3
📝 No logs policy:	No logs
💯 Money-back guarantee:	31 days
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV
💵 Cheapest price:	$2.08/month (24 month plan)
💥 Current deal:	Click here for 81% OFF at IPVanish

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3. PrivadoVPN – An outlier

PrivadoVPN Free has emerged as a strong contender in the VPN market, and with recent updates, it has even deposed long-standing Swiss champion, Proton VPN.

One of its key features we love here at VPN Hound, is its dedicated geoblocking feature, where Privado actively employs people to keep their anti-geoblock feature updated. As a result, PrivadoVPN  reliably unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix, Peacock, Crunchyroll and BBC iPlayer – a feat that many paid VPN services struggle to achieve!

PrivadoVPN Free provides an loads of configuration and security settings, such as a kill switch and always-on VPN, to keep your data safe at all times – for those that don’t know, the latter will prevent you from accessing the internet if your VPN connection drops out.

The Privado app also supports split-tunneling, which lets users connect to their home networks while watching their favorite shows or box-sets in another country. Tip: WireGuard is a VPN service or protocol, that prioritizes speed and security by allowing users to choose their own encryption protocol and it’s this protocol that we suggest you use first.

With an average speed of 310Mbps, PrivadoVPN Free is the second-fastest free VPN available according to our testing. Even though it doesn’t provide an unlimited plan like Proton VPN does, most people won’t need more than 10GB of data each month anyway.

In addition, in “over-quota” mode, users can continue to enjoy limitless bandwidth even after their quota has been exhausted, although at a reduced speed of 1Mb/sec. Even though this is slow, we loved trying it out – you can really get a feel for the VPN before you pay.

When it comes to the speed of their servers, PrivadoVPN is unparalleled…

When it comes to the speed of their servers, PrivadoVPN is unparalleled. PrivadoVPN is unique among VPNs in that it manages its own bandwidth and transit routes, which leads to lightning-fast connections and virtually no server congestion. This makes the free service stand out from other available free VPN services by giving it a more premium feel.

⭐ VPN Hound User Rating:	0
📝 No logs policy:	No logs
💯 Money-back guarantee:
🍿 Streaming services:
💵 Cheapest price:
💥 Current deal:

Click Here

Limited Offer: ⚠️ — today only!

Comparison of the top 3 Free VPNs for PC

A side-by-side comparison of the above, for those who prefer visual aids!

4. Proton VPN

For a while, Proton VPN Free topped the charts for the best PC VPN here at VPN Hound, because of its robust set of features and speedy performance. Despite its reent fall from the hallowed top spot, this VPN provider is still pretty exceptional – for the simple reason that it does not impose any limitations on your ability to upgrade. You can use this free VPN for as long as you like without worrying about exceeding any kind of monthly data cap. The kill switch and WireGuard, two essential privacy tools, are also at your disposal whenevr you want them 🙂

You can use this free VPN for as long as you like…

There are, however, some huge drawbacks of course, such as a maximum of 3 server locations to choose, and only one simultaneous/single device can be used – to get round either of these, you need to pay. P2P functionality, streaming servers, and protection against ads and malware are also not available with the free version; however, all things considered, the service acccomplishes its goals and is faster than some premium options.

The apps included with Proton VPN Free are simple to use but come packed with helpful customizations, tools, and technologies; they are also well-engineered, open-source, and audited. In addition, the company has partnered with Deutsche Welle to set up a network of free, publicly accessible servers in different locations throughout the world, though they’re a bit slow.

Proton VPN Free is fast, secure, and strong, yet it is also really simple to use, though it is not the best option for everyone at the moment due to the changes they made. But still, it’s worth checking out.

⭐ VPN Hound User Rating:	4.3
📝 No logs policy:	No logs
💯 Money-back guarantee:	30 days
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV
💵 Cheapest price:	$4.20/month (From)
💥 Current deal:	Click here for 85% OFF at Proton VPN

Visit Proton VPN

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5. PureVPN – Don’t Overlook It…

PureVPN is the fifth of our ‘top 5’ VPNs for Windows users thanks to its simple-yet-highly-configurable interface for Windows devices.

The app also has some of th ebest capabilities for both streaming and downloading – in particular, on that latter point, PureVPN’s compatibility with streaming services is hugly impressive: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube were all accessible during my tests, even the US libraries. There was no lag or buffering, and it all loaded quickly on my Windows 7 and 10 PCs.

I further tested this is on multiple Windows devices and both OpenVPN and IKEv2 variants are available on PureVPN’s extensive list of tunneling protocols. The company is also the first globally to provide an Always-On Audit, coupled with AES-256 encryption… This means that at any time, an impartial third party can examine PureVPN’s security measures. We really like this feautre here at VPN Hound as it gives you a certain level of peace-of-mind, though you may want to look into the 2017 incident with PureVPN too, for the fuller picture.

In terms of speed: It’s not quite as quick as Surfshark or NordVPN, but it works well enough. The Windows program has a lot of personalization options and – interestingly – displays the ping of every server location. You can now avoid connecting to overworked, slow, janky servers in other words. And in addition, PureVPN has native apps for Windows, Mac OS X, and mobile platforms including iOS and Android – no Linux version yet though.

PureVPN includes a kill switch and port forwarding, two very valuable functions in the world of VPNs now. The split tunneling feature is currently only available on Android though, so be aware of that. However, there’s some really good news: this VPN service permits up to 10 simultaneous connections, so you may access your  data from any computer or mobile device.

If you weigh PureVPN’s benefits against its costs, you’ll find it’s hard to beat the value it provides. All of these features are available for an average of $2.18 per month with the longest subscription plans, which is absolutely brilliant value for money. If you’re still not convinced that PureVPN is the top choice VPN for your Windows device, you have 31 days to get your money back too!

Not exactly a free trial I admit, as you need to sign up first, but read our article on the best truly free VPNs if you don’t want to enter your credit card details.

⭐ VPN Hound User Rating:	4.4
📝 No logs policy:	No logs
💯 Money-back guarantee:	31 days
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV
💵 Cheapest price:	$2.08/month (24 month plan)
💥 Current deal:	Click here for 81% OFF at PureVPN

Visit PureVPN

Limited Offer: ⚠️ Click here for 81% OFF at PureVPN — today only!

How do I set up a VPN on Windows 7/10/11?

After making a decision on which free VPN to use for Windows, the next step is the fun one: to install & begin using it!

1. First, get the VPN client software from the provider’s website and install it on your device. After downloading, run the setup program and follow the prompts to finish the installation.
2. The next step is to register for a service with the VPN company. In most cases, this will require entering an email address and password. Be sure to read the VPN’s privacy policy before signing up for an account, since some services may request more information than others.
3. After signing up, choose a server region to access your account. If you want your VPN connection to feel as fast as possible, select a server location that is close to your physical location. Select the server location that best suits your needs from the list that your VPN provider provides.
4. Connecting to a VPN is easy after choosing a server location. In most cases, all you have to do is tap a button or connect symbol within the app. Connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your data as it travels to and from your device and routes it through a remote server.

Make sure you’re using your VPN properly, byy taking advantage of all of its features and following the provider’s guidelines to the letter. If the app has advanced capabilities like (for exmaple) a kill switch, split tunneling, or port forwarding, you should definitely check them out and test the waters; they may not be useful for your own use-case but give them a whirl and see…!

Methodology – How we arrived at this list

A service doesn’t get featured on our list of the best VPNs for Windows for nothing – it has to meet certain basic requirements for speed, security, and features. So, here are the criteria that helped us choose the best of the best while testing a VPN on Windows OS:

• Server coverage and locations: Having a wide selection of servers in different countries can provide more options for users to connect to and potentially improve their connection speeds. It can also allow users to access content that may be restricted in their region.
• Kill-Switch must work on Windows: The effectiveness of a kill switch is a critical aspect of any VPN and one that cannot be overlooked; providers sadly sometimes make claims that they cannot fulfil. To ensure that the kill switch provides the protection it promises, we test each VPN connection using various techniques to force it to close, and then monitor each application to ensure that it handles each situation appropriately.
• No-logs policy must be STRONG: We would never recommend a VPN, no matter how reliable it is, if we had reason to doubt its logging policy. Therefore, the services listed below all have genuine no-logs privacy policies.
• Compatibility: Usually, there are other devices besides Windows ones  lying around the house. That’s why it’s crucial that a VPN has apps for multiple platforms and supports multiple connections at once. The service must also provide a cutting-edge Windows software that is not only functional but also “aesthetically pleasing”. 😉
• Security features: In addition to a no-logs policy, VPNs should have other security features such as encryption protocols, a kill switch, and DNS and IP leak protection to ensure that a user’s online activity is protected and their identity remains anonymous.
• User reviews and ratings: It can be really helpful to read reviews and ratings from other users to get an idea of their experience using a particular VPN on their Windows PC  and we do that for you, by checking websites like Trustpilot in advance. This can provide insight into factors such as ease of use, reliability, and customer support.
• Streaming capabilities: PC-based VPNs should be able to unblock popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, allowing you to enjoy their favorite content on Windows or any other device/OS.

What can I do on a Windows PC over VPN?

Using a VPN built ‘for’ Windows usually comes with several benefits – benefits that can improve your overall online experience in many ways. Some examples are the ability to shop online anonymously, access blocked content, and watch regionally restricted content (such as movies and TV shows) while also protecting your personal information while using public Wi-Fi.

First, understand that a virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all of your internet traffic, making it nearly impossible for your ISP or any third party to monitor what you do online; to unblock geo-restricted content and international libraries on services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO, it’ll mask your true IP address and effecitvely give you a new one. Your streaming and browsing experiences should also be faster and more consistent with a VPN because your ISP won’t be able to limit your bandwidth for ‘high risk’ activities.

You can also protect yourself from dangerous ads, websites, and malware by using a VPN if it includes an ad blocker. Windows users are – arguably – especially in need of this advice because that OS is the primary target of fraudsters and criminals.

Finally, a VPN can help you save a bit of cash by letting you shop online from a place with lower pricing. This is especially useful when (for example) booking flights or renting a hirecar, since suppliers surprisingly can sometimes employ price discrimination or cookies to increase the final bill, based on your location. Or in other words: spoofing your location can mean savings at the checkout!

🔥How to get a ‘Premium’ VPN for Free:

Stuck between a rock and a hard place? Don’t fret.

I know it can be difficult to decide between free and commercial VPN services if you’re on the fence about making a long-term commitment to a VPN. There is, however, a happy medium available, since many of the greatest VPN services in the world now provide free trials. If you need assistance choosing a reliable VPN service and signing up for a trial, then we’ve got you covered too.

Some of the better VPN services, like ExpressVPN with its 30-day free trial, aren’t featured in this guide because they don’t work so well on PC. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay up front for some of these services too, but that there is an easy option to get your money back if you’re not satisfied:  get a FULL refund with no hassle by filing a claim online. Most of them don’t even want to know why you want to cancel – for example, I was able to instantly cancel my NordVPN subscription without having to even select a reason.

NordVPN gives you all of the best features without any frustrating limitations. Join Nord now via the FREE TRIAL risk-free with their money-back guarantee!

VPN Hound user rating: 4.9 / 5

• Fastest speeds around
• Full streaming + torrenting support
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Try NordVPN now ›

Should I use a free VPN for this?

You may have noticed that some of the above VPNs aren’t ‘free’ in the true sense; they only offer free trials. This has been done on purpose, and before you think ‘what a waste of time that was!’ let me enlighten you:

Even though free VPNs are tempting, they don’t always provide the security you need: while “free” VPN services may seem appealing at first glance, they often come with significant risks to your privacy and also your security.

The economic models of free VPNs are the reason. Why? Because these services don’t charge their users, instead they typically sell your data to marketers in order to monetize themselves. If you use a free VPN service thinking it will protect your privacy, you could be putting yourself at risk by exposing your data to the highest bidder.

The complete absence of safety features with free VPNs is another issue…

The complete absence of safety features with free VPNs is another issue. Free VPNs, in contrast to paid providers, sometimes will use out of date, crappy encryption, making your data susceptible to theft by hackers and other cybercriminals. Free VPNs also typically have fewer servers and lower capacity, both of which can reduce performance and make the connections less stable.

Let’s use a metaphor to show this: take the example of automobile shopping. A free VPN is analogous to a free automobile. It could have a nice exterior, but there are probably a lot of problems underneath, and there is no guarantee. However, a premium VPN that offers a free trial or a refund promise is similar to purchasing a high-quality automobile that comes with a money-back guarantee. Purchasing this product gives you confidence in its quality and the security of knowing you can send it back if it doesn’t live up to your standards.

So a free VPN may sound appealing, but keep in mind that there is no such thing as a free lunch…

In any case, it isn’t even that expensive to buy a ‘premium’ VPN, if you purchase over an annual subscrpiption for example. Here’s a rundown of the above:

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Conclusion: Where do you go from here?

The takeaway here is that while “free” may not always be free, there are several good VPNs for Windows that are truly free.

Inadequate bandwidth, data logging, weak security, slow speeds, and other restrictions can all compromise your online safety and privacy. Because of this, you should exercise caution when selecting a free VPN for your Windows device and give preference to those that strike a good balance between the two criteria. It’s way better to invest in a premium VPN service that allows you to try it risk-free with a trial period and a money-back guarantee before really paying for it.

Of course, there are many VPN providers out there, so you really should take the time to find the one that best suits your needs and gives you the protection and privacy you expect. Let me know in the comment area below, how you get on!