Best VPN for Windows That Goes Beyond Basic Encryption
Generic VPNs miss what Windows users need. We tested providers for ARM64 support, malware scanning and telemetry control. Find the best VPN for Windows.
Top VPNs for Windows
Bottom Line: Over 83% of malware targets Windows specifically; NordVPN leads with file-download malware scanning, CyberGhost is the only VPN that disables Windows telemetry, and PIA is the strongest open-source pick for power users.
Windows is the most used desktop operating system in the world and the most attacked one. Over 83% of malware targets Windows specifically.
Every unprotected connection your PC makes on public Wi-Fi, a home network, or a corporate setup is a potential entry point for data interception. Windows also ships with background telemetry that sends usage data to Microsoft by default. Most users never touch those settings.
A VPN encrypts your traffic, masks your IP address, and keeps your activity private. But the top Windows VPNs go beyond basic encryption with platform-specific tools that generic apps simply do not offer. This guide breaks down the top picks based on analysis of five major review platforms.
What Separates a Windows VPN from a Generic One?
Most VPN reviews treat all platforms the same. Windows users face platform-specific risks that demand specific tools.
- ARM64 support is now essential. Surface Pro and Copilot+ PCs run on ARM processors. A VPN without native ARM64 support falls back to emulation, which runs slower and drains battery faster.
- Malware download scanning separates the best from the rest. Most VPNs only block malicious URLs at the DNS level. NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro scans file downloads before they execute. It blocked an EICAR malware test file in independent testing. No other provider on this list does that.
- Windows telemetry control is a CyberGhost exclusive. Every Windows 10 and 11 machine sends background usage data to Microsoft by default. CyberGhost’s Privacy Guard disables those telemetry services in one click from inside the VPN app.
- Split tunneling on Windows is more powerful than on mobile. Route your torrent client through the VPN while your browser connects normally. Every provider on this list supports it on Windows, even where their Android and iOS versions do not.
Windows VPN Feature Comparison
| VPN | Price | ARM64 | Malware Scanning | Telemetry Control | Port Forwarding | Open Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $3.39/mo | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| ExpressVPN | $3.46/mo | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| PIA | $1.98/mo | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| CyberGhost | $2.03/mo | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Proton VPN | $2.99/mo | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
NordVPN Scans Windows Downloads for Malware
NordVPN includes Threat Protection Pro, which scans file downloads for malware, blocks phishing sites, and monitors the dark web for leaked credentials. This makes it the deepest Windows-specific security package available.
NordLynx delivers strong throughput with minimal overhead on Windows desktops and ARM64 laptops alike. Meshnet adds encrypted device-to-device connections for remote file access and private LAN gaming at $3.39/mo.
ExpressVPN Installs in Two Minutes via the Microsoft Store
ExpressVPN installs in under two minutes with zero configuration required. It is available directly through the Microsoft Store for sandboxed, auto-updating installs. Lightway Turbo splits traffic across multiple tunnels on Windows, reducing latency on congested connections. Network Lock reliably cut and restored the internet during forced disconnect tests.
PIA Offers Open-Source Transparency and Port Forwarding on Windows
Private Internet Access (PIA) is the only mainstream VPN with a fully open-source Windows app and native port forwarding for faster torrent seeding and self-hosted servers.
Its SOCKS5 proxy completed a 20 GB download in 8 minutes versus 12 minutes via standard VPN tunneling. Configurable encryption between AES-128 and AES-256 with unlimited connections at $1.98/mo.
CyberGhost Disables Windows Telemetry in One Click
CyberGhost includes Privacy Guard, which disables Windows background telemetry services, including Microsoft Defender data collection, in one click from inside the app. No other mainstream VPN offers this level of Windows-specific privacy control.
Over 11,690 purpose-labeled servers remove any guesswork. A 45-day money-back guarantee is the longest on this list.
Proton VPN Provides an Audited Open-Source Windows Client
Proton VPN is the only provider here with a fully open-source and independently audited Windows app. Secure Core routes traffic through Switzerland or Iceland before exit, making traffic correlation attacks practically impossible.
NetShield blocked over 90% of ads in testing. Port forwarding supports self-hosted services on Windows. If privacy is your top priority across all devices, our best VPN for privacy guide covers the full evaluation framework.
Before you install: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Diagnostics and Feedback and turn everything off. This stops Windows from sending telemetry data before your VPN even connects. After connecting, verify your protection at ipleak.net to confirm both your IP address and DNS servers reflect the VPN server location, not your own. If DNS still shows your ISP, enable DNS leak protection inside the VPN app and retest.
How to Configure a VPN on a Windows PC
- Download the installer from your VPN provider’s official website or the Microsoft Store. Install, log in, and enable the kill switch before connecting. The entire process takes under two minutes.
- For protocol, select WireGuard or NordLynx on modern Windows hardware. On restrictive networks, switch to OpenVPN over TCP port 443. This blends in as standard HTTPS traffic. Not sure which protocol suits your setup? Our WireGuard vs OpenVPN comparison breaks down the tradeoffs.
- After connecting, visit ipleak.net to confirm your IP and DNS servers both reflect the VPN location. If DNS still shows your ISP, enable DNS leak protection in the app settings and retest.
- For extra privacy before installing, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Diagnostics and Feedback and turn everything off. This stops Windows telemetry before your VPN even connects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Windows PCs face more VPN-related threats than Macs or Linux machines?
Over 83% of malware specifically targets Windows. Windows also ships with background telemetry enabled by default, sending usage data to Microsoft without user action. A Windows VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP, while tools like CyberGhost’s Privacy Guard disable those telemetry services directly.
How does a Windows VPN differ from antivirus software?
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address. Antivirus software scans for and removes malware already on your device. NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro bridges part of that gap by scanning Windows file downloads for malware before they execute, but it does not replace a full antivirus solution.
Do VPNs work on Windows ARM devices like Surface Pro and Copilot+ PCs?
Yes, but you need a VPN with native ARM64 support. Without it, the app falls back to emulation, which runs slower and drains battery. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, PIA, and CyberGhost all offer native ARM64 Windows apps. Proton VPN does not currently provide ARM64 support.
How do I verify my VPN is not leaking my real IP or DNS on Windows?
After connecting, visit ipleak.net in your browser. Both your IP address and DNS servers should reflect the VPN server location, not your own. If DNS still shows your ISP, enable DNS leak protection inside your Windows VPN app and retest.
Is there a free VPN option for Windows?
Some providers offer free tiers, but they typically limit server locations, bandwidth, or features. For a full breakdown of what free plans actually deliver, see our guide.
Which Windows VPN is best for torrenting?
PIA is the strongest pick. It is the only mainstream provider with native port forwarding, which improves peer-to-peer download and upload speeds. Its open-source Windows app and configurable encryption make it the most transparent option for power users.
Final Verdict
NordVPN is the most complete Windows security package with malware scanning, post-quantum encryption, and Meshnet. ExpressVPN is the easiest to set up for users who want one-click daily protection on their PC.
PIA is the strongest pick for torrenting and power users who need port forwarding and open-source transparency on Windows. CyberGhost is the only VPN that tackles Windows telemetry directly. Proton VPN is the right call for privacy-first users who want an auditable, open-source Windows client.
All five come with money-back guarantees. Enable the kill switch after installing and verify your setup at ipleak.net before using it for anything sensitive.
Resources
- https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn-for-windows/[1]
- https://www.techradar.com/vpn/best-windows-10-vpn[2]
- https://www.top10vpn.com/best-vpn/windows/[3]
- https://cyberinsider.com/vpn/best/pc/[4]
- https://www.rtings.com/vpn/reviews/best/pc[5]
- https://www.vpnmentor.com/bestvpns/windows/[6]
- https://www.security.org/vpn/best/windows/[7]