Best VPNs for Windows 11 – Protect Your Privacy and Data
The market for Windows 11 VPNs is saturated with providers all offering the same promises: total privacy and protection online.
But most of them fail to deliver. And many can’t be trusted. They’re secretly harvesting your data and selling it to the highest bidder.
Over the years, we must have tested and reviewed 100s of VPNs. For this updated Windows 11 guide, we picked the top five in 2024. Here they are:
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Here’s a quick breakdown of the criteria we used in selecting these VPNs (keep reading for more details):
- Plenty of global servers
- Fast, reliable connections
- Excellent security
- Unlimited bandwidth (no limit to how much you can stream)
- Access any content, including popular global streaming sites
- Work on numerous devices (Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, and more)
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Deep dive: The best VPNs for Windows 11 in 2024
Let’s delve into an in-depth review of the best VPNs for Windows 11, highlighting their features and explaining why we consider them stellar for Windows 11.
However, before we begin, an important note.
A VPN will hide your data, location, internet activities, and identity behind a thick wall of encryption and military-grade tech. But it won’t protect your Windows 11 operating system from viruses, malware, and other threats – especially if they’re already on your computer.
If you’re worried about viruses and similar threats, you need a dedicated Windows 11 antivirus package. In the meantime, let’s look at the best Windows VPNs.
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Methodology: how we tested the best VPNs for Windows 11
Our evaluation process to identify the best VPNs for Windows 11 centered around key features to ensure optimal content access and an enhanced online experience.
Our testing involved rigorous assessments, including Windows 11 compatibility, server hopping, extensive interaction with customer support, HD streaming sessions, and comprehensive checks for location and data leaks.
Here’s a quick summary of each step:
- Global server network: We specifically recommended VPNs boasting a robust global server network to optimize the browsing experience on Windows 11.
- Universal content access: The chosen VPNs provided access to a wide range of global streaming sites, bypassing geo-restrictions on websites, including financial and personal portals, without location limitations.
- Fast connection speeds: We exclusively considered VPNs that minimized the impact on internet speeds and delivered reliable performance to accommodate HD streaming and consistent connectivity on Windows 11.
- Lightweight: Every VPN listed works without impacting your Windows 11 PC’s battery, CPU, browser speed, and page load times.
- Top-notch security: The VPNs on our list offer industry-best security measures to ensure online anonymity and safety for Windows 11 PCs. These measures include 256-bit AES encryption, IP leak protection, automatic kill-switches, and more. Rigorous testing verified the effectiveness of these features.
- User-friendly interface: Only VPNs with user-friendly apps and easy setups are included, catering to users new to VPN usage.
- Affordability: We reviewed each VPN’s pricing, money-back guarantee, refund policies, and customer support to protect users from unfair practices.
For a more detailed breakdown, please refer to our comprehensive testing methodology overview.
How to set up a VPN For Windows 11
To set up a VPN for Windows 11, simply follow these steps:
- Download a VPN; we recommend ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN on your Windows 11 PCs.
- Open the VPN app and configure it to Windows.
- Restart your device.
Viola! You’re now ready to enjoy a seamless online experience on your Windows 11 PC.
If you encounter any issues, consider clearing your PC’s cache and cookies to address temporary glitches. Ensure your PC is connected to a server within your preferred location, then reconnect to the VPN. Refresh the page, and you should have unrestricted access on your Windows 11 PC.
Can I Use A Free VPN With My Windows 11?
Most free VPNs struggle to provide an optimal experience on Windows 11 PCs due to various limitations. However, the drawbacks go beyond just functionality concerns:
1. Free VPNs limit your server access. They typically offer only two to three countries that quickly become overcrowded with other free users.
2. Free VPNs on Windows 11 PCs are frequently too slow for seamless online activities. They may struggle to deliver fast connections or intentionally throttle your speed, nudging you toward upgrading to a paid plan.
3. Free VPNs come bundled with intrusive and irritating ads. These create a disruptive user experience.
4. Free VPNs may compromise your privacy on Windows 11 PCs by selling your information to data brokers and advertisers. Additionally, there’s uncertainty about malware and trackers on your device, potentially used to track your online activities.
5. Free VPNs have been caught hosting malware and hackers on their networks, posing significant security threats.
Cheap, premium VPNs like Surfshark and NordVPN offer a much better experience on Windows 11 PCs than any free VPN. Save yourself a lot of trouble and skip the free VPNs entirely.
VPN for Windows 11 FAQs
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”How does a VPN on Windows 11 enhance my online privacy and security?” answer=”
Here’s how using a VPN on Windows 11 helps protect your online privacy and security:
- Encryption: A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. All your data flowing through this tunnel gets encrypted, scrambling it into unreadable code. This makes it extremely difficult for hackers, snoopers, or your ISP to intercept and decipher your information.
- IP masking: Your IP address acts like a unique online fingerprint, revealing your location and potentially even personal information. With a VPN, your real IP gets masked and replaced with the VPN server’s IP. This anonymizes your online activity, making it harder for websites and trackers to identify and track you.
- Increased security on unsecured networks: Public WiFi networks in cafes, airports, or hotels are notorious for being unsecure, leaving your data vulnerable. A VPN encrypts your connection on these networks, safeguarding sensitive information, like login credentials or financial details.
- Bypass online tracking: Advertisers and websites often track your online activity to build profiles and target you with personalized ads. A VPN can help thwart this tracking by masking your IP and encrypting your data, making it harder for them to follow your online movements.
- Geo-restriction bypassing: Some websites and services restrict access based on your location. A VPN lets you connect to servers in different regions, bypassing these restrictions and accessing content unavailable in your area.
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[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Which VPNs are compatible with Windows 11?” answer=”
Almost every well-known VPN is compatible with Windows 11. But the best Windows 11 VPNs have configured their apps specifically for the operating system and outperformed.
Three VPNs stand out for their Windows 11 apps:
- ExpressVPN: Popular for its lightning-fast speeds, user-friendly interface, and commitment to privacy. Offers dedicated apps for Windows 11 with simple design and features like automatic server selection.
- Surfshark: Praised for its affordability, unlimited device connections, and strong security features. Offers dedicated apps for Windows 11 with user-friendly design and features like multi-hop connections for enhanced security.
- NordVPN: Renowned for its robust security features, sizable server network, and excellent speed. Offers dedicated apps for Windows 11 with easy-to-use interfaces and advanced features like split tunneling.
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[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Does Windows 11 include built-in VPNs?” answer=”Yes, Windows 11 does have a built-in VPN client, but it’s important to understand its limitations compared to dedicated VPNs:
- You can’t configure the built-in VPN to connect to various VPN servers with different protocols like PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2.
- Microsoft doesn’t offer its own VPN servers, so you’ll need to configure the connection details for an existing VPN service you subscribe to.
- It lacks advanced features like split tunneling, multiple server selection options, and robust security protocols found in dedicated VPN services.
Overall, the built-in VPN in Windows 11 can be a basic solution for occasional use, but for comprehensive privacy, security, and advanced features, we recommend subscribing to ExpressVPN, Surfshark, or NordVPN.
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[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Why do I need a VPN for my Windows 11 device?” answer=”
Here are some of the reasons you should consider using a VPN for your Windows 11 device:
- A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to hackers, snoopers, and even your ISP. This is especially important on public WiFi networks, where your data is vulnerable.
- A VPN masks your real IP address, making it harder for websites and trackers to identify and track your online activity. This protects your privacy and browsing history.
- Some countries restrict internet access or block certain websites. A VPN allows you to connect to servers in different regions, bypassing these restrictions and accessing freely available information.
- Streaming services, websites, and games often impose geographical restrictions. A VPN lets you connect to servers in different regions, granting access to content unavailable in your location.
- Some VPNs offer features like server selection and protocol switching that can improve internet speed and reduce lag, particularly when connecting to distant servers.
- Some VPNs offer built-in malware protection, adding an extra layer of security to your online activities.
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[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”What’s the perfect VPN for Windows 11?” answer=”
Choosing the right VPN for your Windows 11 devices is important to ensure a seamless and secure online experience.
The best five we’ve outlined provide robust data protection, enhance online anonymity, grant access to geo-restricted content, and avoid ISP throttling while optimizing internet speed. Most importantly, these VPNs offer features such as data leak protection and malware protection.
For a quick choice, ExpressVPN is our number 1 VPN. Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can explore its features risk-free.
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