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How to set up and connect to Synology VPN on Windows 10
8 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
ANASis a data storage server that you can connect to your home or office network.
You can use it to save all essential data in a single place, including photos and videos, without having to rely on cloud storage.
Anyone can access these files through the Internet using a web browser or mobile app: you, your family, or your team members.
If you have a Synology NAS, it means that you can turn it into aVPNserver on your Windows 10 PC.
This way, users can remotely connect to the NAS device and perform file transfers, safe from hacker interceptions.
Check out our complete step-by-step guide below to find out how to easily set up and connect to Synology VPN onWindows 10.
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Before getting started
When setting up the Synology VPN server, you have to choose a VPN protocol fromPPTP,L2TP/IPsec, andOpenVPN.
Keep in mind that the VPN clients must apply identical configurations to their devices in order to establish a successful connection.
Furthermore, any modifications made to the VPN configuration must be also updated in the VPN clients.
That means you should take into account the devices and operating systems used by the VPN clients.
At the same time, you need to ensureanti-hacker VPN protection, so you can’t set the bar low for security.
Which VPN protocol should I use?
Most platforms and operating systems have native support forPPTP, so it’s really easy to set it up without installing additional software.
However, PPTP has weak security and is mostly considered obsolete because of this. Also, some old routers block the GRE protocol (IP protocol 47), which is required for VPN connections over PPTP.
L2TP/IPsecprovides better security than PPTP and has good compatibility with most devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile.
It requires DSM 4.3 or newer. If you make any changes to the L2TP/IPsec VPN server, this can be easily applied at the VPN clients, too.
OpenVPNoffers the best security among the three, but it’s not built into operating systems. That means that VPN users must install an OpenVPN client (free to use).
On top of that, you need to export the OpenVPN configuration every time you make changes and share it with the VPN clients. Plus, OpenVPN server mode doesn’t support bridge mode for site-to-site connections.
We suggest usingOpenVPN for best securityorL2TP/IPsec for good security and native integration.
How do I set up a Synology NAS VPN server on Windows 10?
For PPTP
For L2TP/IPsec
For OpenVPN
*The dynamic IP address is taken into account by the VPN server when it assigns the virtual IP addresses to all connected clients. It should not be identical to any local IP addresses used by your devices in LAN. You can use thearp -acommand inCMDto view all local IP addresses.
Many routers have VPN server support for PPTP and L2TP/IPsec.
To avoid conflicts caused by occupied ports, make sure that the VPN server isn’t enabled on your router if you want to set up a Synology VPN server over PPTP or L2TP/IPsec.
Furthermore, you should use a router that allows VPN pass-through.
How do I connect to Synology VPN on Windows 10?
For PPTP
Here’s how to add a VPN connection, edit VPN properties, and connect to the Synology VPN when using the PPTP protocol.
For L2TP/IPsec
When it comes to the L2TP/IPsec protocol, start by making a minor registry tweak
Then, you can add your VPN connection, edit L2TP/IPsec settings, and connect to the Synology VPN.
*This part is required for Windows 7 and newer to avoid receiving a VPN connection error. It’s an easyregistry hack to make Windows 10 connect to L2TP VPN. A faster way to achieve the same results is by adding a single line of code in CMD (click the link to see how).
For OpenVPN
The OpenVPN option is the most complicated because you have to install an OpenVPN client (no operating system has native support for OpenVPN).
Before doing that, you have to get the OpenVPN configuration settings ready. Once everything is set up, you can connect to the Synology OpenVPN server.
Synology VPN troubleshooting
To avoid VPN connection issues, it’s a good idea to checkport forwardingand if the requiredports are opened in the firewallon the Synology NAS and router, for both the VPN server and clients.
Conclusion
To sum up, you can turn your Synology NAS into a VPN server and then connect to it from any part of the world to access files.
It’s a time-consuming process, but it’s not difficult at all if you follow the instructions accurately.
You just need to set up the right VPN protocol for your home or office. No matter what you choose, you can change the VPN settings anytime to try something else.
More about the topics:VPN,windows 10
Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. With a firm grasp of software reviewing and content editing, she is always trying new things to improve her skill set.
Once in a blue moon, she steps aside from the desk to play with her bunny and to water her probably dead plants.
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Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. She’s a software reviewer and content editor.
