Introduction
Setting up the NordVPN app on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 device is the fastest way to keep your online activity safe. This guide walks you through getting the app running and shows you the main security features you can start using right away.
NOTE: When you connect to a VPN server through the NordVPN app, the connection covers the whole device, so everyone using that computer is protected at the same time. If your computer has more than one user account, only one account can use NordVPN at a time, because the VPN servers cannot handle more than one connection from the same device. This keeps your protection steady across the system.
Before you start
- You need a PC running Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11.
- You need a working internet connection to download the app and log in.
Here's what to do
Step 1: Download and install the app
- Download the NordVPN app for Windows.
- Open your "Downloads" folder and double-click the
NordVPNInstall.exefile. - If Windows asks for permission to let the app make changes, click "Yes."
- In the installer window, click "Next."
- Tick or untick the boxes for the extra browser extensions (NordPass or NordVPN browser extensions), then click "Install."
- When it finishes, click "Launch NordVPN."
NOTE: If the installer will not open, right-click the installation file and pick "Run as Administrator."
Step 2: Log in and connect
- Open the NordVPN app and click "Log In."
- Your web browser will open the Nord Account page. Enter your email and password, or sign in with Google or Apple ID.
- When your browser asks if you want to "Allow this site to open the NordVPN link," click "Open" or "Allow" so the app finishes signing you in.
- To protect your connection right away, click the "Secure my connection" button. The status will change from "Not connected" to "Connected."
Features
- Scam, phishing, and malware protection (previously called Threat Protection Pro): Open the Scam, phishing, and malware protection tab from the left side of the app. To start using it, click "Turn on protection." If you need a short break, click "Pause protection" and pick how long to pause for. To start it again, click "Resume protection." The feature blocks ads, trackers, scam and phishing websites, and malware. It also moves any harmful files it finds into a safe quarantine area, so they cannot hurt your computer. You can then decide whether to keep or delete each file. For more on how the file quarantine works, see our article about the Anti-malware scanner.
- Meshnet: Use the network icon to set up private, secure connections between your own devices or with friends' devices.
- Kill Switch: Go to Settings (the profile icon in the top right) > "Kill Switch" to turn on the Internet Kill Switch. This blocks your internet if the VPN connection drops, so your real IP stays hidden.
- Protocol selection: Under Settings > "Connection and security" > "Protocol," you can switch between NordLynx, NordWhisper, and OpenVPN if you want to pick one yourself.
- Use the "Specialty servers" section to find a dedicated IP, Double VPN, and other servers made for specific needs.
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Auto-Connect: Turn on "Launch at Windows startup" and "Auto-connect" in the settings so you are protected the moment you turn on your computer.
NOTE: You can read more about the features NordVPN apps have in our other article.
