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Here Are 3 Easy Methods to Auto Connect VPN [Windows 10/11]

Use our recommendation for extra auto-connect options

6 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

If you’re wondering how to make Windows 10 automatically connect to a VPN, we’ve got you covered.

You have to create a simple BAT file with your VPN connection details and add it to the Windows autostart sequence.

This way, the VPN connection you created using theWindows 10 built-in VPN providerwill autostart every time you switch on your computer, just like Skype, Steam, or an antivirus.

However, if you have a VPN desktop client installed, things become significantly easier since you have to find and activate the autostart and auto-connect options in the UI.

Follow our easy instructions below to find out how to make Windows 10 automatically connect to a VPN using a manual VPN connection and a VPN desktop client.

We’re also showing you how to stop your VPN from auto-connecting if you need to temporarily or permanently off this feature.

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How do I keep the VPN on all the time in Windows 10?

There are a few ways to do this, depending on your VPN type. If you use the built-in option, you will have to add the VPN BAT file to the Windows 10 autostart file.

If you use a third-party VPN client, chances are that their dedicated app already has an option to connect to a VPN at startup.

If not, you can also do the same BAT file trick to your third-party VPN app.

How do I make Windows 10 automatically connect to VPN?

1. Create a VPN connection

You can also use a third-party VPN client. Paid VPNs offer a more extensive server network, many of which come with built-in auto-connect features, so you won’t have to go through much trouble.

We recommend usingPrivate Internet Access. It’s thebest VPN for Windows 10, thanks to high-speed VPN servers, military-grade encryption, and its user-friendly interface.

Here’s how to configure it on your PC:

After making these changes, PIA will auto-launch every time you turn your PC and connect to the last used VPN server.

Furthermore, it’s easier to change VPN servers in PIA for Windows 10 to automatically connect to the new VPN server instead of editing the VPN connection info in the OS and manually updating the BAT file every time you do this.

Windows 10 has limited native support for VPN protocols, some considered obsolete (PPTP, L2TP).

On the other hand, PIA supports OpenVPN and WireGuard, which are safer and more versatile protocols.

Moreover, PIA comes with a bunch of security features that Windows 10 lacks, including a kill switch that cuts off Internet access in case the VPN connection drops, to protect you from IP leaks.

Private Internet Access

2. Create a shortcut

Before this, you must configure the connection with your credentials just like in Solution 1.

3. Create a BAT file

If you can’t see the format of your files, find outhow to show file extensions in Windows 10.

From this point on, Windows 10 will automatically connect to the VPN at every system startup. Command Prompt briefly opens a console window and shows how it verifies the username and password, registers your PC over the network, and connects to the VPN.

If you need to switch VPN servers, you only have to edit the VPN connection details in Windows 10. The changes will get automatically picked up by the BAT file.

However, if you also modify the VPN connection name, username, or password, then you will need to manually update the BAT file, too. Otherwise, Windows 10 won’t be able to automatically connect to the VPN.

How do I stop my VPN from automatically connecting?

If you change your mind and want to re-enable Windows 10 to automatically connect to the VPN, follow the same steps as above and clickEnableon the disabled entry.

To make a permanent change, head over to the startup folder usingCtrl+Randshell:startupto delete the BAT file.

If you used a VPN desktop client like PIA, simply find and disable the autostart and auto-connect options in the user interface.

You can also use Task Manager to prevent PIA from autostarting at every Windows startup (same steps as disabling the BAT file).

In conclusion, it’s a good idea to make Windows 10 automatically connect to a VPN as soon as you turn on your PC.

This way, you can immediately connect to another computer over the Internet, like accessing your work PC from home.

However, using a premium VPN solution likePIAis significantly easier and unlocks more possibilities. For example, you can use PIA toaccess blocked websites, defeat government censorship,host game serversfor you and your friends, and unlock Netflix catalogs.

Plus, PIA is among thebest VPNs for BBC iPlayer.

Here Are 3 Easy Methods to Auto Connect VPN [Windows 10/11]#

How do I keep the VPN on all the time in Windows 10?#

How do I make Windows 10 automatically connect to VPN?#

1. Create a VPN connection#

Private Internet Access#

2. Create a shortcut#

3. Create a BAT file#

How do I stop my VPN from automatically connecting?#