How to set up a VPN connection on Windows 11

• To set up a VPN connection on Windows 11, open Settings > Network & internet > VPN, click on “Add VPN,” configure the connection settings, click on “Save,” and from the “VPN” page, click on “Connect” to establish a VPN connection.

UPDATED 12/18/2025: On Windows 11, you can manage Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections through the Settings app using the built-in VPN client, and in this guide, I’ll teach you the steps to complete this configuration.

The basic idea of a VPN is to provide an encrypted tunnel over the internet to connect a device to a remote network, offering access to the same resources as if you were physically at the remote location.

Although the technology may not be straightforward for most users, Windows 11 makes it easy to create and manage VPN connections in the Settings app without installing third-party applications.

Related

How to set up VPN connection on Windows 10

In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to set up and manage a VPN connection in the Settings app on Windows 11.

• Create a VPN connection on Windows 11
• Connect to a VPN server on Windows 11
• Change VPN settings on Windows 11
• FAQs about setting up a VPN connection on Windows 11

Create a VPN connection on Windows 11

To create a VPN connection on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on Network & internet.

3. Click the VPN tab.

4. Click the Add VPN button.

   

5. Choose the Windows (built-in) option from the “VPN provider” setting.

6. Confirm a name for the Virtual Private Network connection.

7. Confirm the domain name or public IP address of the remote network in the “Server name or address” setting.

   

   Quick tip: When setting up a connection to your home office, you can find your public address by running the curl ifconfig.me command in Command Prompt or PowerShell.

8. Select the Automatic option in the “VPN type” setting to let the system negotiate the connection protocol automatically.

   Quick note: If your company has specific requirements, Windows 11 offers different protocol types, including “IKEv2,” “Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP),” “L2TP/IPsec with certificate,” “L2TP/IPsec with pre-shared key,” and “Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).”

9. Select the “Username and password” option in the “type of sign-in info” setting.

10. Confirm the connection credentials.

11. Click the Save button.

Once you complete the setup, the new VPN profile will be created on Windows 11.

Connect to a VPN server on Windows 11

After setting up a new VPN connection, you can use it to access your home or work office resources as if you were on site.

Connect to the VPN server

To connect to a VPN on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Network & Internet.

3. Click the VPN tab.

4. Select the Virtual Private Network connection that you created earlier.

5. Click the Connect button.

   

Alternatively, you can open the “Quick Settings” flyout (Windows key + A) from the System Tray, click the “VPN” button, choose the VPN profile, and click the “Connect” button.

If everything is working correctly, the connection time shouldn’t exceed two seconds. You’ll know your device is connected to the remote network because the connection will read “Connected.” Also, the network icon in the System Tray will include a badge indicating that the connection is established.

Disconnect from the VPN server

To disconnect from a VPN on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Network & Internet.

3. Click the VPN tab.

4. Select the connection and click the Disconnect button.

   

5. (Optional) Click on the connection to view the duration and bytes sent and received.

Alternatively, open the Quick Settings flyout (Windows key + A) from the System Tray, click the “VPN” button, select the VPN profile, and click the “Disconnect” button.

Delete a VPN profile

To remove a VPN connection on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Network & Internet.

3. Click the VPN tab.

4. Select the connection and click the Remove button.

   

5. Click the Confirm button.

After you complete the steps, the connection will be removed from Windows 11.

Change VPN settings on Windows 11

If you encounter a connection issue or if the requirements for connecting to a remote network change, you will need to reconfigure the VPN connection settings.

To change a VPN profile setting on Windows 11, 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.

   

6. Confirm the current settings under the “Connection properties” section.

   Quick note: If you access the properties while the connection is active, you will also find the option to change the network profile to private or public.

7. Click the Edit button to update the settings.

   

8. (Optional) Click the Edit button for “Proxy settings for this VPN connection” to configure automatic settings or manually enter the proxy settings.

Finally, on the main “VPN” settings page, you will also find additional settings (such as “Allow VPN connections over Metered networks” and “Allow VPN to connect while Roaming”). You should consider keeping these options enabled at all times, especially when accessing a private network or using a mobile hotspot.

FAQs about setting up a VPN connection on Windows 11

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about configuring and managing VPN connections on Windows 11.

What is the built-in VPN client in Windows 11?

Windows 11 includes a native VPN client in the Settings app that lets you create, manage, connect, and remove VPN connections without installing third-party software.

Do I need a VPN service or server before setting up a connection?

Yes. Windows 11 only provides the client. You must have access to a VPN server, such as one provided by your workplace, school, home network, or a commercial VPN service, along with the required connection details.

Which VPN protocols does Windows 11 support?

Windows 11 supports IKEv2, SSTP, L2TP/IPsec with certificate, L2TP/IPsec with pre-shared key, and PPTP. You can select Automatic to let the system negotiate the best protocol, unless your network requires a specific one.

What information do I need to create a VPN connection?

You typically need a connection name, server address or public IP address, VPN type, sign-in method, and valid credentials, such as a username and password. For work connections, this information should come from your network administrator.

Can I connect to a VPN without opening Settings every time?

Yes. After the VPN profile is created, you can connect or disconnect directly from the Quick Settings flyout using the “Windows key + A” shortcut.

How can I tell if the VPN connection is active?

When connected, the VPN status shows “Connected” in Settings, and the network icon in the system tray displays a badge indicating an active VPN connection.

Why won’t my VPN connect on Windows 11?

Common causes include an incorrect server address, incorrect credentials, incompatible protocol settings, firewall port blocking, or changes on the VPN server. Reviewing and updating the connection properties usually resolves the issue.

Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi with a VPN on Windows 11?

Yes. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which helps protect your data on public or unsecured networks. Enabling options like allowing VPN connections over metered networks is recommended when traveling.

Can I edit VPN settings after creating the connection?

Yes. You can edit connection properties, authentication details, protocols, and proxy settings from the Advanced options page of the VPN profile.

How do I completely remove a VPN from Windows 11?

You can delete a VPN profile from Settings > Network & internet > VPN by selecting the connection and choosing “Remove.” This permanently deletes the configuration from the system.

Update December 18, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.