How to export and import VPN connections on Windows 11

You can export and import your VPN settings to another computer, and in this guide, you'll learn how on Windows 11.

Windows 11 VPN export and import settings
Windows 11 VPN export and import settings
  • To export VPN connections on Windows 11, from the “%AppData%\Microsoft\Network\Connections” location, copy the “Pbk” folder containing the VPN settings.
  • To import VPN connections, replace the “Pbk” folder on “%AppData%\Microsoft\Network\Connections” with the backup copy of the “Pbk” with the exported settings.

On Windows 11, you can export Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections, which you can import into another device, and in this guide, you will learn how.

Although setting up a VPN connection is a straightforward process, the ability to export and import settings can help to migrate the configuration to other devices faster. The only caveat is that Windows 11 doesn’t include an option to transfer these settings, but there’s a workaround that you can use.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to export and import VPN connections on Windows 11.

Export VPN connections on Windows 11

To export VPN connections on Windows 11, connect a flash drive, and use these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer on Windows 11.

  2. Copy the following path to the address bar and press Enter:

    %AppData%\Microsoft\Network\Connections
  3. Select the Pbk folder and click the Copy button from the address bar.

    VPN settings export

  4. Open the location to export the VPN settings.

  5. Click the Paste button from the command bar.

Once you complete the steps, the VPN connections will export to the flash drive (or network folder).

These instructions will export all the configuration settings, but it is impossible to export the account credentials. You have to add them manually with the steps below.

Import VPN connections on Windows 11

To import the VPN connections to another computer, connect the flash drive with the backup files, and use these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Click on This PC from the left navigation pane.

  3. Open the flash drive.

  4. Select the Pbk folder and click the Copy button from the address bar.

  5. Copy the following path in the File Explorer address bar and press Enter:

    %AppData%\Microsoft\Network\Connections
  6. Click the Paste button from the command bar.

    VPN settings import

  7. Click the “Replace the files in the destination” button. 

After you complete the steps, the Virtual Private Network connections will transfer and become available from the “VPN” settings page. 

It’s important to note that importing all the VPN connections from another computer will delete the previous connections in the destination device. Also, you need to re-enter your credentials manually.

Change VPN connection credentials on Windows 11

To add or change a VPN connection username and password information, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Network & Internet.

  3. Click the VPN tab.

  4. Select the Virtual Private Network connection.

  5. Click the Advanced options button.

    Windows 11 VPN settings

  6. Click the Edit button.

    VPN settings edit

  7. Confirm the username and password information.

    Change VPN username and password

  8. Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, the VPN connections will now be available on the new Windows 11 device.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].