Switching protocol to OpenVPN UDP or TCP (Windows)

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The NordVPN Windows app lets you fine-tune your VPN experience by selecting your VPN protocol. This tutorial teaches you how to change the NordVPN protocol to OpenVPN UDP or TCP. Before you begin, we encourage you to read our article on the difference between TCP and UDP.

On Windows 7 and 8.1: 

1. Open NordVPN the app and click on the cog (gear) icon in the bottom-left corner.
   
   
    
2. Click “Auto-connect” on the left side of the settings and make sure to disable "Choose a VPN protocol and server automatically." Next to “VPN protocol,” select “OpenVPN (UDP)” or “OpenVPN (TCP)” from the drop-down menu.
   
   

On Windows 10 and 11:

1. Open NordVPN the app and click on the cog (gear) icon to access the app settings.
   
   
    
2. Click on “Connection.”
   
   
    
3. Under “VPN protocol,” select “OpenVPN (UDP)” or “OpenVPN (TCP)” from the drop-down menu.