How to Set Up a VPN on Windows 7 | OpenVPN

How to Install

1. To download the OpenVPN Windows installer, visit the OpenVPN downloads page.
2. Select the Windows Installer option.
3. Click Run to run the installer.
   . You may encounter a Security Warning screen: “Do you want to run this software?”
   . If you see the Security Warning screen, click Run to run the software.
4. The Setup Wizard prompt will appear. Click Next to continue.
5. The OpenVPN license agreement and terms appear. Click I Agree to continue.
6. The component selection dialog appears. Leave all components checked with their default settings and click Next.
7. Select your destination folder and click Install.
   . Note the Destination Folder location during install (usually C:\Program Files\OpenVPN or C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenVPN)
8. When the installation is complete, click Next.
9. The wizard will notify you of the completion of the installation and prompt you to click Finish.
10. Download the Windows configuration (from your VPN provider).
11. Click Open.
12. Extract the files from the configuration into the config folder in the OpenVPN destination folder referenced in step 7. By default, it will be C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config or C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenVPN\config.
    . Click File.
    . Click Extract All.
    . A setup wizard window will open: “Welcome to the Compressed (zipped) Folders Extraction Wizard”. Click Next.
    . “Select a Destination” prompt will appear. Click Browse.
    . Locate the Destination Folder referred to in step 7, and find the config folder within it. Click Next to begin extraction.
    . Click Finish.

How to Connect

1. Find the OpenVPN GUI icon on your desktop and double-click it to launch OpenVPN.
2. In the taskbar tray, right click on the OpenVPN GUI icon.
3. Find the site to connect to from the menu, and choose Connect from the site’s submenu.
4. Enter your VPN Login and Password when prompted and click OK.
5. The OpenVPN GUI icon in the tray will turn green once the secure connection is established.

How to Disconnect

1. Right click on the OpenVPN GUI icon in the taskbar.
2. Find the site you are connected to, and choose Disconnect from the site’s submenu.
3. The OpenVPN GUI icon in the tray will turn red once the disconnection is complete.