Alex Ruben
How To Configure a Completely Free VPN on Windows 11
If you’re trying to browse privately on Windows 11 without paying a dime, a free VPN might seem like the way to go. Setting one up isn’t super complicated, but you’ll run into a few quirks—especially with these free services. Anyway, here’s what’s worked for some folks (including me, when I was messing around with VPNBook). Not saying it’s the fastest, or the most secure long-term, but it gets the job done if you’re just testing stuff or trying to access blocked sites.
Prerequisites
Before diving in, make sure you’ve got this:
- A Windows 11 computer (obviously).
- Active internet connection.
- Browser like Chrome or Edge.
- The VPNBook site: VPNBook.
Step 1: Grab the VPN Server Details
Why do this? Because Windows needs the server address, username, and password to connect. VPNBook offers free PPTP servers, which are sorta old but still usable if configured right. The thing is, VPNBook writes the server info right on the homepage, so it’s easy to copy.
- Open VPNBook in your browser.
- Look for the PPTP section — that’s the protocol we’ll use.
- Copy a server address — it’s usually something like
hrg2.vpnbook.com. - Note the username and password located beneath the server list. They tend to change daily, so copy those.
Step 2: Access Windows 11 VPN Settings
Here’s where Windows gets a little quirky. We need to add a new VPN profile manually.
- Click the Start menu, then pick Settings (the gear icon).
- Go to Network & internet.
- Scroll down and click on VPN.
- Hit the Add VPN button — it’s usually a big yellow or blue button.
Step 3: Fill Out the VPN Connection Details
This part trips people up sometimes — filling out the right info, because Windows isn’t exactly straightforward about PPTP. Here’s what you do:
- Set VPN provider to Windows (built-in).
- In Connection name, type something memorable, like
VPNBook. - For Server name or address, paste the server URL you copied earlier.
- Set VPN type to Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).
- Choose Type of sign-in info as Username and password.
- Paste the username and password from VPNBook.
- Scroll down if needed, then hit Save.
Note: Make sure you’ve selected the correct VPN type — Windows sometimes defaults to something else like L2TP or SSTP, and that won’t work with VPNBook’s PPTP servers without additional configuration.
Step 4: Connect to the VPN
After saving, you should see the VPN listed under the network settings.
- Go back to Settings > Network & internet > VPN.
- Click on the VPN profile you just created.
- Click Connect.
- After a few seconds, the status should change to Connected.
On some setups, it’s weird — the first time might fail, but trying again after a reboot often helps.
Step 5: Verify the VPN Is Working
This is the fun part — just check if your IP changed.
- Open a browser and search for “What is my IP”.
- If the IP address is different from your usual one, you’re online through the VPN.
Extra Tips & Troubleshooting
Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than needed. Here are a few things that might help:
- Double-check you entered the server URL, username, and password correctly. Typos happen, especially with daily-changing VPNBook creds.
- If connecting fails, try picking another server from the VPNBook site. Sometimes one runs better than another.
- Make sure PPTP is enabled on your Windows machine — sometimes it’s disabled in Windows features, or your network admin might have turned it off.
- To check or enable PPTP, go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off, and look for Microsoft TCP/IP-Installs or anything related to VPNs. (Note: on Windows 11, you might need to do this via PowerShell or Settings.)
Conclusion
This setup isn’t perfect, but for casual use or quick access to restricted sites, it’s kinda handy. Free VPNBook does the basics, and you can connect pretty fast once you get the hang of it. Just keep in mind, free is free — so don’t expect top-tier speed or privacy. Still, it’s better than nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the VPN really free?
Yup, VPNBook’s free, but it’s not exactly 100% private or fast. Use it as a quick fix, not your long-term privacy tool.
Can this be used for streaming?
On a good day, maybe — but generally, free VPNs like this crash and burn for HD streaming or big bandwidth stuff.
Is using free VPNs safe?
Depends. Some are shady, but VPNBook’s been around for a while. Still, if privacy is a concern, shell out for a paid VPN that’s legit and trustworthy.
Summary
- Get VPN server info from VPNBook
- Add a new VPN in Windows 11 Settings
- Fill in the details—server, username, password
- Connect and check if your IP changed
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Just be aware, free VPNs are kinda hit or miss, but for quick access without extra fuss? Works on multiple machines for now.