Best VPNs for Windows 11: how to set up in 2026
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Windows 11 offers improved features and functionality, but pairing it with a reliable VPN can further elevate your online experience. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, masks your IP address, and safeguards your data from potential threats, making it a must-have tool for any user.
VPNs help solve common challenges like bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming platforms, accessing censored content, securing public Wi-Fi connections, and ensuring online privacy. Features such as AES-256 encryption, kill switches, and no-logs policies work seamlessly to protect your digital activities.
Not every VPN delivers the same level of performance or security. That’s why Cybernews research team and I tested and reviewed 41 of VPNs for streaming, gaming, and privacy. With expertise from hundreds of detailed articles, I’ll guide you to the best VPNs for Windows 11 users.
Top 5 best VPNs for Windows 11
- NordVPN – best VPN for Windows 11 in 2026
- Surfshark VPN – best next-gen VPN for Windows 11
- IPVanish – best inexpensive Windows 11 VPN
- ExpressVPN – best fast and strong Windows 11 VPN
- CyberGhost – best Windows 11 VPN with a huge server fleet
What to look for in the best VPN for Windows 11
When choosing the right Windows 11 VPN, there are several important features to consider in order to get the most secure and private option:
- Encryption. One of the first things to look for is the type of encryption cipher a potential Windows 11 VPN is using. If it’s anything other than AES-256 or ChaCha20, I would recommend moving to another VPN provider.
- Tunneling protocols. Look for VPNs with the WireGuard tunnel and proprietary versions of it, like the NordLynx.
- Kill switch. Select a robust VPN for Windows 11 that has a functional kill switch feature. Once enabled, your IP address becomes protected at all times, even if a VPN connection drops.
- Privacy policy and security features. Ensure that your selected Windows 11 VPN follows an independently audited no-logs policy. Also, it should have features like dark web monitoring, an ad blocker, and web filters, among others, to prevent malware.
- Compatibility. You would get a better value for money if your VPN also works on other operating systems, like Android and iOS. This way you’ll be able to use the same account with your smartphone, too.
The best VPNs for Windows 11 – detailed list
Our research team has tested 41 VPNs to determine which ones work the best on Windows. I then narrowed down the list to the top 5 based on advanced security measures, user-friendliness, privacy, and overall performance on a Windows 11 device. Check my VPN list to find the one that could match your needs:
1. NordVPN – best VPN for Windows 11 in 2026
| Servers/countries: | 8,000+ servers in 149 countries |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Black Friday offer 78% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN is overall the best VPN service for Windows 11, as it strongly focuses not only on your online security but also on providing you unlimited internet possibilities. It uses advanced security features and effortlessly unblocks various geo-blocked content.
Security: I find it worth the mention that NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is one of the most secure encryption types there is. And if your VPN connection accidentally drops, the kill switch feature will shut off your internet connection to prevent accidental data leaks.
Also, I have found that NordVPN has an audited no-logs policy, meaning that the company does not keep logs of your activity and won’t be able to share such data with authorities.
Features: NordVPN offers Double VPN servers that combine two VPN servers to create an even more secure connection. For extra protection, you also get a free SOCKS5 proxy that ensures great P2P (torrenting) download speeds. Plus, you can customize which apps use a VPN connection with the split tunneling feature. But the feature I like the most is Threat Protection. It’s a basic antivirus that can protect from main types of malware.
Speed: In terms of performance, I wasn’t disappointed. The next-gen proprietary NordLynx protocol provides excellent speeds, retaining up to 90% of the initial connection speed.
Windows 11 app: NordVPN offers the best experience for Windows users. There are no features excluded, you can see all server locations on a comfy map or a list, and the features can be accessed through a left-side menu.
Price: I was able to claim NordVPN’s free 3-day trial and make use of their 30-day money-back guarantee to try the service out. If you decide that this VPN is the best for you, the prices start from $3.49/month.
To learn about all features, check out the in-depth NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – feature-loaded VPN service
| Servers/countries: | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 88% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Another best VPN for Windows 11 is Surfshark, mainly due to being one of the most versatile and fastest VPNs out there. Not to mention a groundbreaking price-to-quality ratio with unlimited simultaneous connections and cheap pricing. Even deal is even better when you apply the Surfshark discount code: OFFCN.
Security: Like all top VPNs, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, the provider uses AES-256 as their primary encryption cipher, ensuring your data can’t be accessed by any malicious actors. Plus, Surfshark’s no-logs policy is audited by official third parties, so you don’t have to worry about your data being shared with advertisers or government agencies.
Features: This Windows 11 VPN includes a standard kill switch that prevents your data from leaking even if the VPN connection accidentally fails. And if you want some extra privacy, you can use the camouflage mode that doesn’t let others know you’re using a VPN. Additionally, if there are some apps you don’t want to use a VPN connection with, you can exclude them using the split tunneling feature.
Speed: In terms of performance, the market-leading WireGuard protocol will provide you with phenomenal speeds. During my test Surfshark maintained up to 93% of the initial speed, even while streaming.
Windows 11 app: Unlinke NordVPN, Surfshark doesn’t have a map with server locations. Yet, you receive a simple server list with flags helping to notice the region. I found the app to be simple to navigate, so I believe it will be easy to use even for a complete beginner.
Price: you can claim Surfshark’s free 7-day trial and test the service for yourself. If you decide to stick with this provider, the prices start from as low as $2.49/month.
To find out more, check the detailed Surfshark VPN review. And if you can’t decide between Surfshark and NordVPN, dive into Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison.
3. IPVanish – comprehensive Windows 11 VPN
| Servers/countries: | 3,400+ servers in 112 countries |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 85% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish could be considered one of the most secure VPNs for Windows 11. With quite a few features at hand, it’s a solid solution that ensures a completely private experience.
Security: IPVanish uses the 256-bit AES cipher, which is currently the most secure encryption on the market. It also includes a SHA-512 hash function that scrambles your login credentials to ensure extra security.
As expected, IPVanish has a kill switch, guaranteeing no accidental data leaks if VPN connection gets interrupted. Also, IPVanish has a strict and audited zero-log policy, promising that privacy is the provider’s main concern. I personally checked the information IPVanish provided and the audit claim does hold.
Features: I found On Demand toggle feature to be convenient for automating VPN connections. There’s also a free SOCKS5 proxy, which not many other VPNs have. So if you’re a torrenter, you’ll be able to enjoy better download speeds and extra security. And just like other providers, such as NordVPN or Surfshark, IPVanish also offers split tunneling.
Speed: IPVanish uses the WireGuard protocol, ensuring great performance and little to no visible impact on connection speed. That being said, I noticed that it kept up to 80% of the actual connection speed.
Windows 11 app: Compared to Surfshark or NordVPN, I found IPVanish Windows 11 app to be quite plain-looking. But despite the design, I was able to receive all the expected features, and the app was easy to navigate.
Price: IPVanish's prices start from $2.19/month, which is quite adequate considering the quality it delivers. And the provider also has a 30-day money-back guarantee which you can use instead of a free trial.
To learn about all features, check out an in-depth IPVanish review.
4. ExpressVPN – VPN for lightning-fast connection
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 113 countries |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 80% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
With an in-house-built Lightway tunneling protocol, ExpressVPN stands as one of the fastest VPNs available for your Windows 11 device. And its security is just as well-developed as speed.
Security: ExpressVPN is no less secure than IPVanish or Surfshark. It uses advanced AES-256 encryption as well as ChaCha20/Poly1305, which goes along with the Lightway protocol. A functional kill switch is self-evident. However, due to the TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers infrastructure), your data is deleted from the servers each time the system is rebooted.
Features: With ExpressVPN, you get all the essential features, like split tunneling, and more. A pleasant feature, similar to NordVPN, was Threat Manager that blocks trackers, infected websites, and other malicious activity. Stealth servers allow me to mask my VPN connection, so there’s a potential to use ExpressVPN in highly-censored locations.
Speed: Even though the WireGuard tunneling protocol is considered to be an industry-leading one, some VPN providers, like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, have delivered enriched versions of the protocol. In this case, I got the Lightway tunnel, which offers a blazing-fast connection that averages around 77% of my initial speed without compromising safety. While it is slower than NordVPN, I personally did not notice any lag.
Windows 11 app: ExpressVPN keeps its Windows app simple and intuitive. Although there’s no server map, I found a location filter based on the continents I chose. The ExpressVPN Windows app also had all the features it mentioned when subscribing to it.
Price: ExpressVPN starting price is $2.99/month. That’s quite pricey, but I was able to pay less by using ExpressVPN special discounts.
Learn more about the features in ExpressVPN review. Or compare them by reading NordVPN vs ExpressVPN analysis.
5. CyberGhost – geographically diverse Windows 11 VPN
| Servers/countries: | 9,800+ servers in 100 countries |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Halloween offer, now with 83% OFF CyberGhost + 2 months FREE |
CyberGhost is a Windows 11 VPN with one of the largest server fleets in the market. It also ensures good connection speeds and robust protection.
Security: CyberGhost uses AES-256 encryption for personal user data. An automatic kill switch feature had proven its effectiveness during my tests and protected my IP when a VPN connection was lost.
The provider promises not to log your online activity or collect personal information. On the other hand, the owner of this VPN (Kape Technologies) raises some privacy concerns.
Features: Among 9,800 servers in 100 countries, I found specialized servers for torrenting, streaming, and more. To experience an ad-free and overall safer browsing experience, CyberGhost offers the ad blocker feature. In the meantime, NoSpy servers, fully managed by this VPN, are located in Romania and offer an extended bandwidth for faster speeds.
Speed: With the WireGuard tunneling protocol, CyberGhost delivers one of the best connection speeds on the market. With it, I was left with 91% of the actual network speed – a better result than ExpressVPN.
Windows 11 app: CyberGhost’s app for Windows 11 will work perfectly for beginning users. I found the interface to be clear and simple. Yet, don’t get surprised if you have trouble connecting to a selected server for no reason, this should be a temporary issue.
Price: Apart from the listed benefits, what’s also great about CyberGhost is its pricing. You can get it from as low as $2.19/month with a 45-day money-back guarantee included.
Read a detailed CyberGhost review to find out more.
Comparison of the best Windows 11 VPNs
| VPN | Rating | No-Logs Policy | Servers | Works with Windows 11 | Malware Protection | Price | Money-Back Guarantee | |
| NordVPN | Colocated servers, Kill switch, Threat Protection, Dark Web Monitor, Meshnet, AES-256 encryption | No logs | 8,000 servers in 149 locations | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | From $3.49/month | 30-day | |
| Surfshark | CleanWeb, IP rotator, Dedicated IP, Alternative ID, AES-256 encryption | No logs | 4,500 servers in 100 locations | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | From $2.49/month | 30-day | |
| IPVanish | Kill switch, Forward secrecy for account authentication, WireGuard , Obfuscated servers, AES-256 encryption | No logs | 3,400 servers in 112 locations | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | From $2.19/month | 30-day | |
| ExpressVPN | AES-256-GCM encryption, IP & DNS leak protection, Malware protection | No logs | Servers in 113 locations | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | From $2.99/month | 30-day | |
| CyberGhost | WireGuard tunneling protocol, Advanced AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, Ad blocker | No logs | 9,800 servers in 100 locations | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | From $2.19/month | 45-day |
How these Windows 11 VPNs were selected and tested
There’s a lot to consider in order to fairly rank top VPNs. So, when rating each Windows 11 VPN, I mainly prioritized the following criteria:
- Security. I paid extra attention to the security measures that Windows 11 VPN services offer. Such features as a kill switch, double VPN, or port forwarding are remarkably useful for extra protection.
- Privacy. When using Windows 11 or another device, your online privacy might get compromised. That’s why when choosing a VPN provider, you should pay attention to where it’s located and whether it has a strict and audited no-log policy.
- Speed. No one wants a service that slows down your Windows PC. That’s why I looked for VPN providers that include WireGuard or other speedy protocol options for optimal speed retention.
- Customer support. When you pay money for a product, you deserve some quality customer service. It’s important that a VPN provider for Windows 11 offers live chat or at least email support so you can get fast solutions to your problems.
- Value. You want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. That’s why I chose services that aren’t overpriced for what they offer.
Why do I need a VPN for Windows 11?
There are a lot of reasons why you should get a quality VPN service. Aside from staying anonymous online, you can also:
- Protect your device when on public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is notoriously unsafe. When a lot of people can connect to the same network, malicious agents can easily breach your device’s safety. One of the means is by creating a duplicate false network for potential victims to connect to.
- Hide traffic from your internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP can fully monitor your online activity, even in Incognito mode. However, with a VPN, your traffic becomes impossible to read.
- Secure personal data. VPN can encrypt your data so that no one can access it or find out your identity. Not only does it hide your data from your ISP, but also from hackers, third parties, and even government organizations.
- Watch geo-restricted content. If you’re into relaxing by watching movies on a Friday night, you should look at VPNs for streaming geo-restricted content. Some VPNs can unblock Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and other streaming services, which is why VPNs are becoming more popular.
- Torrent safely. If you torrent regularly, using a VPN for torrenting is a smart way to keep your identity and location hidden — even from government monitoring.
If you have chosen a VPN that doesn't seem to work with your Windows 11 PC, I suggest looking into tested VPNs list and picking a provider that 100% works. For example, NordVPN offers an intuitive Windows app with top-notch security features.
Try NordVPN for Windows 11Is there a free VPN for Windows 11?
Yes, there is a free VPN for Windows 11. However, you should be aware that due to low investment, free VPN services are very limited and provide you only with basic protection and outdated features.
Plus, free VPNs (much more often than premium ones) have issues with Windows 11 – data leaks, and security. Not to mention the situations where free VPNs were caught selling their users’ data to third parties and hackers.
If you want a VPN that will ensure first-class protection, respect your data, unblock streaming services, let you torrent, or change locations, you might want to consider investing some money in a paid quality VPN, such as NordVPN.
Video review
Check out our team's video review of the best Windows PC VPNs.
Bottom line
While Windows 11 is more secure than its predecessors, it still has numerous risks, mainly regarding user privacy. Windows 11, more than any previous versions, is using pushy tactics to get users to create a Microsoft account and, by agreeing to its Terms & Conditions, to share personal details with the company.
VPN, at its core, is designed to help solve these privacy issues. So, a VPN for Windows 11 can hide your IP address and activity not only from your network provider or malicious agents but also from Microsoft. When you consider that some Windows 11 VPNs have integrated antivirus software, there is no doubt that a VPN can make your device much more secure and your activity – more private.
Because that additional layer of protection is so important, I recommend our best Windows 11 VPN NordVPN. Not only does it have a reliable Threat Protection feature to help prevent malware, but it also has a confirmed no-logs policy and user-friendly Windows 11 app interface.
FAQ
What's the best VPN for Windows 11?
The best VPN for Windows 11 is NordVPN. It's a premium VPN service that is feature-rich and has extraordinary protection measures. The app is very intuitive and suitable for beginner users as well.
Does Windows 11 have a built-in VPN?
Yes, Windows 11 does have a built-in VPN client. However, Microsoft doesn’t provide you with a server, meaning you’d have to get it yourself. So, consider getting a software package instead because quality VPNs have tons of servers to choose from.
Why can’t I use a VPN on Windows 11?
Windows 11 occasionally launches updates that are deliberately obstructing the use of a VPN. More adapting premium VPNs, like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, usually resolve this problem with their updates. But if the issue persists, you might want to clear cookies or Cache or even disable the Firewall, as those can interfere with a VPN connection.
How do I manually set up NordVPN on Windows 11?
You can manually set up NordVPN on your Windows 11 device by going into the Windows control panel and, in Network settings, selecting a “New connection or network” option. Allow NordVPN to make changes, and that should sort it. An easier way, however, is to simply install a NordVPN app on Windows 11 and select the server that you want to connect to.
Does ExpressVPN work on Windows 11?
Yes, ExpressVPN is compatible with Windows 11. I have ranked it as one of the best 6 Windows 11 VPNs due to its advanced security features, like AES-256 encryption and the Lightway tunneling protocol. Not to mention excellent geo-restricted content unblocking capabilities.
How do I enable a VPN on Windows 11?
You can enable a VPN on Windows 11 by following a few simple steps. Go into Settings, then Network & Internet, find VPN and click Add VPN. If you have a subscription, it would show up as an option.
Should I get a VPN for Windows 11?
Yes, even Microsoft’s own website recommends getting a VPN to increase the privacy and security of your device. Also, installing a VPN on your Windows 11 device will help keep your data and activity private, even from Microsoft itself.
