Introduction
Setting up the NordVPN app on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 device is the best way to secure your online activity quickly. This guide provides easy-to-follow steps to get your VPN running and explore its core security features, in addition to explaining features in more detail.
NOTE: When you connect to a VPN server via the NordVPN app, it uses device-wide protection, and as a result, all users are protected on the system. Furthermore, if on one device installation you have several users set up, you will not be able to use the NordVPN app simultaneously, since the VPN servers will not be able to connect correctly. This device-level approach ensures consistent protection across the system.
Before you start:
- This guide only works on a PC running Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11.
- You must have an active internet connection for the initial download and login.
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 a Windows pop-up asks for permission to allow the app to make changes, click "Yes."
- In the installer window, click "Next."
- Select or untick the boxes for additional extensions (NordPass or NordVPN browser extensions) and click "Install."
- Once finished, click "Launch NordVPN."
NOTE: If the installer fails to run, right-click the installation file and select "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 credentials (email and password) or use Google/Apple ID to sign in.
- When prompted by your browser to "Allow this site to open the NordVPN link," click "Open" or "Allow" to sync your login with the app.
- To secure your connection immediately, click the "Secure my connection" button. The status will change from "Not connected" to "Connected."
Features
- Threat Protection Pro™: Click the shield icon on the left menu to enable protection against ads, trackers, and malware.
- Meshnet: Use the network icon to create secure, private connections between your own devices or friends' devices.
- Kill Switch: Go to Settings (profile icon in the top right) > "Kill Switch" to enable the Internet Kill Switch, which blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
- Protocol Selection: Under settings > "Connection and security" > "Protocol," you can manually switch between NordLynx, NordWhisper, and OpenVPN if needed.
- Use the "Specialty servers" section to find dedicated IP, Double VPN, or P2P-optimized servers for specific tasks.
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Auto-Connect: Enable "Launch at Windows startup" and "Auto-connect" in the settings to ensure you are always protected the moment you turn on your computer.
NOTE: You can read more about what features NordVPN apps have on our article.
