With the advancement in technology, access to the internet has increased. We have found different uses of the internet over the years. Gone are the days when people used the internet for email and still were amazed at its prowess. And this increase in consumption has led developers such as Microsoft to make their platforms more user-friendly and popular. However, popularity has its own drawbacks. As such, Windows has been an all-time favorite of malware. And this constant state of being under siege has raised an issue. Is my online activity safe while using Windows? If you are worried about your online safety and find yourselves asking questions like “Should I use a VPN on Windows?” then read further to find out.
What is a VPN?
In layman’s terms, a VPN is a tunnel that hides you from outsiders when you are exploring the web. Being more technical about it, a VPN is, as the name suggests, a Virtual and Private network.
A VPN enables your device (be it desktop, laptop, tablets, or smartphones) to connect to another one over the net (we call this a server); in a remote location (be it another city, state, or country), and then gaining access via that device. This connection is a Network that is both Private and Virtual.
Usually, when you browse the internet with a device, it constantly sends and receives data packets over the web. This connection is highly insecure, as any capable third party can intercept these data packets. Now, what a VPN actually does is encrypting any data packet your device sends out. This way, the threat of you losing your data is neutralized.
To summarize, a VPN not only ensures your privacy by making you anonymous on the internet by spoofing your actual location all over the globe. It also guarantees your security, as it encrypts any piece of data you send out when connected to the web.
How does a VPN work on Windows?
For a VPN to work on Windows, you need little information. Firstly, any decent VPN service will provide you a desktop client. If not, you can even manually configure your VPN. After you set up your VPN connection, all you need to do is connect to the internet. The VPN does everything for you.
Without a VPN, your internet traffic flows freely, unencrypted from your device to the web and vice versa. It allows a potential malicious individual to intercept and steal your data. However, if you use a VPN to connect to the web, your device will act as if it is on the same local network as the VPN. Then all your internet traffic will go over the internet via the VPN, encrypted. To be more specific, when you connect to a VPN, the following happens to our data:
- The VPN client on your desktop first encrypts your data, and then it sends it over to the VPN server through a secure connection. The fun thing is, even your ISP cant find out what you are sending. (remember Tunnel)
- Then the VPN server decrypts the data.
- This data is sent to the internet via the remote VPN server, thus ensuring your anonymity. (Whosoever receives the data can only see the location of the VPN server from where the decrypted data originated.)
- The reply received by the VPN server is again encrypted before it sends it back to the client on your desktop.
- The client will initiate the last step as it will decrypt the data for your use.
Why do you need a VPN on Windows?
A VPN is very different from a proxy. It has a lot of uses that can benefit the users in various ways. It is highly customizable as well as a must-have for internet users today. VPNs usually run in the background on Windows while ensuring your desktop’s privacy and security. The most common reasons to run a VPN on Windows are anonymity, online safety, and freedom. There are several others. Lets us have a quick look at a few benefits of having a VPN on Windows.
Online Security and Privacy
The most fundamental feature of a VPN is to hide your online activity. It not only makes you anonymous but also encrypts your traffic to be more secure. A VPN is a god sent for those who take their privacy seriously. Without a VPN your location, and even your identity is traceable. All thanks to the IP address. However, you can prevent this by using a VPN. VPNs are essential for your safety and privacy. They hide your actual location by spoofing your IP across numerous servers spread all over the globe. A VPN shields you from the prying eyes of not only the cybercriminals but also your ISP, Government, various apps, and websites who shamelessly steal your data and sell it to the highest bidder.
However, to ensure quality service, please confirm your VPN’s
- Encryption
- Server density
- No-Log Policy
A VPN offers encryption to secure your data traffic. That way, anyone else on the internet can’t intercept and steal your precious data. From our government to cybercriminals, a lot of them are interested in what you do online. They will not leave any chance to get their hands on our data if allowed. That is why it is of importance that you use a VPN to safeguard yourself.
Enjoy worry free public Wi-Fi
Everyone loves free Wi-Fi. Yet, many do not know the risks associated with it. A public Wi-Fi is a hotbed for malicious programs, waiting to discover a breach in your online security. To learn more about these risks, you can check our article on whether connecting to public Wi-Fi is safe?.
A VPN can rid you of these troubles. It can encompass every bit of data you exchange on the public network. That way, even if someone is on the same network and tracking your traffic, all they will see is encrypted information.
Overcome Censorship
Censorship is the killer of ingenuity. It goes against the fundamental of freedom each one of us is entitled to. Still, sometimes reality begs to differ. Whether you hail from an oppressive state or are just tired of your government deciding everything on your behalf, a VPN is the perfect product for you.
Lots of countries, nowadays, censor the internet. Some moderately, while some extremely. In fact, in some countries (China, N. Korea, Russia, Iran, etc.), even news and social media fall victim to government censorship. Ignoring the fact such countries are impeding their citizens of freedom(of speech), they openly monitor your online activity.
That’s where a VPN comes in. Forget monitoring, as it will encrypt your data traffic; a VPN will allow you to bypass censorship easily. It can, with a simple click, connect you to a server in a different country. Thus effortlessly overcoming any restrictions.
Access geo-restricted content
Internet is a hub of diverse cultures. As such, there is no shortage of foreign content on the web you may find interesting. But when trying to access them, you discover that they do not provide service to your region.
Worry not, just fire up your VPN, and you are good to go. Believe it or not, general users employ VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions. They love this functionality in a VPN so much; that a VPN unable to do so gets poorer reviews. In fact, people frequently rate VPNs on their ability to unblock Netflix from different regions.
It works exactly the same as when used to bypass censorship. Spoofing your actual location, a VPN tricks services like Netflix into providing the content.
Downloading Torrents via VPN on Windows
Let’s face it, every one of us has one way or other used an (illegal) torrent in our lives. Most torrent sites are banned by authorities and ISPs as a means to curb piracy. However, the fact remains that other than pirated content, sites like BitTorrent provide legal P2P services for online games and software.
A VPN will allow you to not only access torrent sites but also download files, even if your ISP has blocked them. Nonetheless, piracy is bad. Be responsible when using torrent sites. On another note, a VPN can’t guard you against worms and malware hidden in the torrent download. So make sure to access only trusted sources and always keep your antivirus active.
Keep your data to yourself
Several giant corporations are on the lookout for customer data. Why? To create more target-centered adverts. To sell information to the government. Or to use such data as a reference to manipulate polls. You may not believe it, but today, information has become power.
Always try to use a VPN. It will help you take charge of your online life. With complete control over your data, the internet may not seem such a bad place.
There are obvious benefits to having a VPN. But keep in mind to avoid Free VPNs. VPNs, while awesome, are never free. At least a good one isn’t. Those free VPNs you see on web stores are not actually secure.
They either have a
- Bogus No-logs police
- Use outdated encryption
- Limited server
- Bandwidth and Latency issues
- Overcrowded Servers
How to get a VPN on Windows
Getting a VPN on your Windows is pretty easy. There are a lot of good service providers out there. With so much competition and diverse selection available to users, you just need to pick one that suits most of your needs.
Things to consider when buying a VPN
- Cost
- Encryption
- Speed
- Server location and density
- No logs policy
- A few advanced features (only for particular users)
After you select your provider, just head to their homepage and select a suitable subscription pack. Then you register an account with the provider and download their dedicated Windows client.
Most VPN providers have their own Windows application. Just in case, if you want, you can manually set up a VPN connection using details from your provider.
Best VPNs on Windows
There is no shortage of VPNs on Windows. Though, not every VPN may be a good fit for you. On top of that, some VPN services are just disappointing. In order to help you chose one of the best VPN for your windows, we have prepared a list. You can also check our article on Best VPNs for Windows, for a detailed explanation/review.
- ExpressVPN
- All-rounder
- Consistently Fast speed
- 24/7 chat support
- Military grade security
- 30 days money-back guarantee
- CyberGhost
- User Friendly
- Intuitive UI
- Token Based IP system
- 24/7 chat support
- 45 days money-back guarantee
- PIA
- Part of the old guard
- Over 20k servers (the highest no. of servers)
- Adware & Malware Blocker
- 30 days money-back guarantee
- connect up to 10 devices
- IPVanish
- Value for money
- Great Compatibility
- 30 days money-back guarantee
- Tier 1 Network (owns its every server)
- vyprvpn
- Unlimited Bandwidth & Data Transfer
- NAT firewall
- Proprietary protocol
- 30 days money-back guarantee