Proton VPN is an open-source VPN client for Windows that encrypts internet traffic, masks your public IP address, and provides free or paid access to Proton’s managed VPN service.
Proton VPN is a virtual private network service that encrypts traffic between your Windows computer and its VPN servers, helping protect browsing on shared networks. Websites see the connected server’s public IP address instead of your usual address, which reduces direct exposure of your home connection. The desktop application suits people who want network privacy without configuring a VPN server themselves. You sign in with a Proton account and connect through the app, with available locations and extras determined by your subscription. Its free plan provides unlimited data, while paid plans add more location choices and specialized capabilities for different online activities.
The Windows application manages connections across your computer, so its protection can extend beyond a single browser to other applications. Proton VPN supports WireGuard, a modern VPN protocol that provides an efficient encrypted connection without requiring users to configure tunnels manually. Connection settings let you adjust routing behavior, and the interface displays useful details such as server load and transfer activity. The supplied download is an x64 installer; Windows devices using ARM processors have a separate official package. Speed depends on your connection, server conditions, and selected route. A VPN also cannot prevent websites from recognizing accounts you deliberately sign into.
Proton VPN makes ongoing network privacy more practical by reducing the manual work needed to maintain a protected connection. For people moving between home, office, and public Wi-Fi, keeping one desktop client configured is simpler than repeatedly setting up individual applications. Automatic startup options can make protection part of a normal Windows session, while visible connection status helps users check whether the tunnel is active before beginning sensitive work. The free tier lets occasional users keep browsing without calculating a monthly data allowance or immediately committing to a subscription. People who need more control can choose a paid plan for specific locations and additional routing options. Published source code also gives technically experienced users material to inspect when assessing the client. Together, these choices let users match their setup to everyday browsing, travel, or more demanding privacy needs, while recognizing that account logins and browser tracking still require separate attention.
Key capabilities and highlights.
The free plan lets you keep the VPN connected without a monthly data quota. This supports routine browsing and longer sessions without monitoring remaining gigabytes. Proton VPN reserves some server choices and advanced functions for paid subscriptions, so unlimited data should not be confused with access to every service feature.
The kill switch blocks internet access if the VPN connection unexpectedly fails, helping prevent traffic from falling back to your ordinary connection. Windows also offers an advanced mode that requires a VPN connection for internet access. Choose the behavior carefully, because deliberately disconnecting can leave applications offline when advanced protection remains enabled.
Secure Core sends traffic through an additional server in a privacy-focused jurisdiction before it reaches the exit server. This paid capability reduces exposure if the exit location is monitored or compromised. Proton VPN offers entry infrastructure in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden; the longer route can affect latency and connection speed.
NetShield checks DNS requests against domains associated with malware, advertising, and tracking, blocking matching connections before their content loads. Available with paid plans, it provides filtering across applications using the VPN’s DNS protection. Domain filtering can reduce unwanted requests, but it does not remove every advertisement or replace endpoint malware protection.
Split tunneling lets Windows users decide which applications or IP addresses use the VPN connection. With a paid plan, you can keep selected traffic outside the tunnel or restrict protection to chosen applications. This helps accommodate services that behave differently through a VPN, but excluded traffic retains its normal network exposure.
Connection profiles save a preferred setup for repeated use, reducing the need to choose connection options each time. The Windows interface also provides recent connections and lets you pin frequently used entries. These controls help people switch between familiar locations and workflows, with available destinations depending on their account’s plan.
Proton VPN publishes its Windows client source code under the GPL-3.0 license, allowing developers and security researchers to inspect how the application works. Public code provides a concrete basis for technical review and issue reporting. The software license does not make paid server access or subscription features freely available.
The Windows client detects when other software interferes with its VPN connection, providing a more useful starting point for troubleshooting connection problems. Proton VPN introduced this capability with its newer connection architecture. Identifying interference can help users investigate conflicting network software instead of repeatedly changing servers without addressing the underlying problem.
Browse historical releases and previous builds.
Common questions about Proton VPN.
Yes. A free plan is available without a data cap. Paid subscriptions add broader server selection and features such as Secure Core, NetShield, and split tunneling. The open-source client license and the service subscription are separate.
The current Windows support guide specifies Windows 10 64-bit, build 19045, or later. The linked installer is for x64 computers. A separate ARM64 package is available from the official website for compatible Windows ARM devices.
No VPN guarantees anonymity. It changes the public IP address websites see and protects traffic between your device and the VPN server. Signed-in accounts, cookies, and browser fingerprinting can still identify you.
The August 4, 2026 stable release fixes duplicate cities in search, incorrect ordering of recent connections, a taskbar reopening issue after automatic updates, and unwanted connections after waking from sleep when Auto Connect was disabled.
Yes. You can sign into the Windows app with an account already used for services such as Proton Mail, Drive, or Pass. Available VPN features depend on the subscription associated with that account.
Proton VPN is an open-source VPN client for Windows that encrypts internet traffic, masks your public IP address, and provides free or paid access to Proton’s managed VPN service.
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