Installing and using NordVPN on Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 32-bit

We will stop updating the NordVPN app for older Windows versions.
As Windows 7/8.1/10 32-bit no longer receives mainstream security updates from Microsoft, it becomes increasingly complex to ensure security, reliability, and provide the latest features of the NordVPN app.

That being said, we still recommend using the legacy version of the NordVPN client application to connect to NordVPN servers on your Windows PC. To begin using the NordVPN Windows client application, download and install the NordVPN app on your Windows PC, log in, and connect to a NordVPN server. This tutorial will cover all of these steps. If you need a guide on installing and using NordVPN on a newer Windows system, follow the guide here.

Downloading and installing the NordVPN app

1. Download the NordVPN app:
   
   Download legacy app version for Windows 64-bit
   Download legacy app version for Windows 32-bit
    
2. Go to your Downloads folder and double-click the NordVPNSetup.exe file:
   
   
    
3. A pop-up window may ask if you allow the app to change your device. Click Yes:
   
   
    
4. The installer window will open. Click Next:
   
   
   
   
5. Tick the boxes if you want shortcuts for the NordVPN app on your Desktop and/or start menu, then click Next and Install.
   
   
6. The installer will proceed with the installation process. Once it’s complete, the installer will ask you if you want to launch NordVPN immediately. Click Finish to complete the setup.
   
   

Setting up and using NordVPN

1. Click on the NordVPN logo on your Desktop. After the Desktop loads, click Log In to continue.
   
   
    
2. Your browser will open up and load the Nord Account login page. First, enter your username or email address, press Continue, and then enter your password.
   
   
    
3. To start using NordVPN immediately, simply press Quick Connect and wait until you see the status change from Unprotected to Protected. Then, you're good to go for a secure and private session!
   
   
   
   However, to fully understand what the NordVPN app offers, let's briefly review what is on the main screen and then in the settings menu.
   
   
   
   
   1. Search bar: one of the ways you can connect to NordVPN servers. Use the search bar to find specific servers by typing the name of the country, city, server number, or server type. Learn more about VPN servers.
   2. Specialty servers: NordVPN offers multiple categories of servers, each with unique benefits. We have a dedicated article explaining the different types in detail: What do the different server categories mean?
   3. All countries: a list of countries you can connect to. Hovering over a country's name reveals additional options, such as specifying the city (if applicable) and server name.
   4. Quick Connect: this option automatically connects you to the fastest and closest NordVPN server. 
   5. Threat protection: an innovative solution for dealing with malware, web tracking, malicious ads, and more! Read about it here: Threat Protection. 
   6. Settings menu: clicking on this cogwheel icon reveals additional options, which we explain below. 

Choosing between different NordVPN servers

Using the search bar. To find what you need, you can connect to specific servers by typing in a category, region, or a specific server number with a hashtag (e.g., United States #4672).



Using the All Countries list or the Servers map. Click on the nodes on the map or the specific country in the list to connect to the best server in the given location.



Clicking on the three dots next to the country name reveals additional connection options, such as the ability to select the specific city and server. 

NordVPN settings menu 

You can customize the application in the Settings tab. Press the cogwheel icon in the bottom left corner to open the settings menu. 

General settings

• Launch at Windows startup makes NordVPN run automatically when you start your computer. Enabled by default.
• Launch the app minimized, displays the NordVPN icon only in the Windows system tray when the computer starts (instead of opening the main window). Enabled by default.
• The VPN connection status notifications option displays Windows notifications when you connect to or disconnect from a server. It is enabled by default.
• Threat Protection: Block ads and malicious websites to protect you from intrusive ads, malware sites, phishing links, and other threats.
• Select the app language from the Language dropdown menu. You can select English, Spanish, French, or German.
• You can also access your account details in the left sidebar. The Logout button is also at the bottom.
  
  

Auto-connect settings

• When the app launches, it always makes the app connect to a server automatically when using an Ethernet connection or a Wi-Fi network. It does not apply to Trusted Wi-Fi networks. Disabled by default.
• Auto-connect on Wi-Fi — This option makes the app connect to a server automatically when you connect to a network: Unsecure networks or Always. It is turned off by default.
  
  Unsecure networks: connect to a server automatically when you connect to an unsecure Wi-Fi network. Unsecure wireless networks are networks without a password and/or networks with weak encryption. It only works when connecting to a new Wi-Fi network or switching networks. It does not apply to an Ethernet connection or Trusted Wi-Fi networks. The setting allows you to disconnect after being auto-connected.
  
  Always applies only to Wi-Fi networks. When using untrusted Wi-Fi, make the app connect to a server automatically. You cannot disconnect unless you trust your current Wi-Fi or turn off auto-connect.
   
• Choose a VPN protocol and server automatically lets the app choose a VPN protocol and server. Enabled by default.
• VPN protocol (visible after turning off the Choose a VPN protocol and server automatically option). UDP is useful for streaming and downloading. TCP is more reliable but slower, and is helpful for web browsing. NordLynx is turned on by default.
• Auto-connect lets you select your preferred country or server type to which the app will automatically connect. After you select a preferred country, you can choose a specific city.
• Trusted Wi-Fi networks disable Auto-connect on specific Wi-Fi networks. If you trust your home Wi-Fi, you can make an exception.
  
  IMPORTANT NOTE: You will lose internet connectivity while connected to a Trusted Wi-Fi with an enabled Internet Kill Switch.
  
  

Kill Switch

• Internet Kill Switch cuts off your internet connection when you are disconnected from secure NordVPN servers. It is turned off by default.
• App Kill Switch shuts down specified programs if you lose your VPN connection. For example, if you add Skype to the list, NordVPN will close it whenever you disconnect. Since it takes a few seconds to reach a secure VPN server, this will prevent your data from leaking upon automatically reconnecting to the internet. It is turned off by default.
  
  

Split Tunneling

• Split tunneling allows you to exclude applications from the VPN connection. In other words, the apps you select to add to the split tunneling feature will enable them to stay unaffected by NordVPN.
  
  

Advanced settings

• Custom DNS lets you specify a particular DNS server for the NordVPN application.
• Obfuscated Servers enable you to bypass network restrictions, such as firewalls. We recommend it for countries with restricted network access.
• Invisibility on LAN makes your computer invisible to others on the same local area network (LAN). Once enabled, you cannot connect to devices on the same LAN, like printers. It is turned off by default.

My Account

• This section will provide information about your subscription and an option to change your password and activate Two-factor authentication. You can also download our application for other operating systems.
  
  

Dark Web Monitor

• We will let you know if we find your information about the email used with NordVPN on the dark web. You can read more about the feature in our dedicated section.