How to set up a VPN

Advertisement

Setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your device can boost your online privacy and enable access to global content. Here’s a simplified guide to getting started with VPNs on both Windows and MacOS:

Step 1: Choosing and Installing a VPN

  1. Select a VPN Provider: Popular providers like NordVPN or Surfshark offer user-friendly apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
  2. Download and Install: Go to the VPN provider’s website or app store, download the app, and sign up for an account.
  3. Quick Connect: Most apps have a quick-connect option to instantly connect you to the fastest available server. For specific content access (like Netflix), manually select a server based on the desired location.

Step 2: Configuring VPN on Windows 11

  1. Open VPN Settings: Type “VPN” in the Windows search bar, select VPN Settings.
  2. Add VPN: Click Add VPN and choose Windows (built-in) as the provider.
  3. Enter Connection Details: Input the VPN’s server information, name the connection, select IKEv2 as the protocol, and add login info (usually a username and password).
  4. Save and Connect: Save the settings. To connect, go to the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar, select your VPN name, and click Connect.

If using IKEv2, download and install the required certificate from the VPN provider. To install:

  1. Install Certificate: Open the certificate, choose Local Machine and install it in Trusted Root Certification Authorities.

Step 3: Configuring VPN on MacOS

  1. Install Certificate: After downloading the certificate, go to Keychain Access, locate the VPN certificate, right-click, and select Always Trust.
  2. System Settings: In MacOS settings, go to VPN and click Add VPN Configuration. Select IKEv2 and enter the VPN’s server details and your credentials.

This setup ensures a secure browsing experience on both Windows and MacOS, with flexible options for location-specific browsing and privacy protection.