Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are the primary tools used for keeping your online activities secure, private, and hidden from the prying eyes of cybercriminals, government surveillance, and your Internet Service Provider. While there are countless VPN services available for users, many prefer to create their own VPN servers using their Windows 10 Personal Computers, which gives them greater control, privacy, and flexibility. Creating your VPN server is not rocket science, and we will show you how to get started in this blog post.
Creating a VPN server on your Windows 10 PC has many benefits. One of the main advantages of hosting your VPN server is you can connect to your network and access all the files and folders stored on your PC from anywhere in the world. Also, you can access any restricted content that might otherwise be blocked in your geographic location, provided your PC is sitting in the country where the content isn’t being restricted.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
If you’re interested in creating your VPN server on your Windows 10 PC, then you’ll not need any extra hardware other than a PC. All you need is a Windows 10 PC, a stable internet connection, and the ability to follow a few simple steps outlined here.
What Requires Your Focus?
Before we go ahead and learn how to create your VPN server on Windows 10, there is vital information you need to know.
- You must be logged in as an administrator on your PC
- Your PC must be connected to the internet and also be visible to the outside world.
- Your internet connection must be stable:
- A fast upload speed will enable you to experience smoother streaming, fewer lags, and faster connections.
- You should have some basic technical knowledge about networking and command-line interfaces (CLI).
- You will need to install additional software to configure your VPN server on Windows 10.
Different Methods to Create Your Own Vpn Server Windows 10
Method 1: Using the Built-In Windows 10 VPN Server
Windows 10 PCs come with a built-in VPN server, pre-installed in the operating system to help users create their VPN servers. This VPN connection protocol known as Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is the easiest to set up, is secure and fast, but it has some security vulnerabilities.
Steps:
- Hold the Windows key and press "R", type ‘Control’ into the Run window.
- The Control Panel will open, Click on "Network and Sharing Center."
- Click on "Change Adapter Settings" located on the left side.
- Click on the File menu in the upper left corner, and select "New Incoming Connection."
- Select the users you want to access under "Who you’d like to give access to."
- Click the “Next” button and tick the checkbox next to “Through the internet” and click on “Allow access” to complete the creation of the VPN server.
Pros:
- It’s built into Windows 10. No need to install third-party software.
- Easy to set up and configure.
- Enabled PPTP VPN to secure data transmitted via networks.
Cons:
- Vulnerable to cyber-security attacks because it lacks multi-factor authentication.
- May run into compatibility issues when connecting to various VPN servers.
- May have stuck logs and connectivity issues.
Method 2: Using Windows PowerShell
Windows Operating System provides a powerful command-line interface (CLI) known as the Windows PowerShell, which enables users to interact with and automate the administration of Windows operating systems and other applications. This method is more complex compared to the first one but provides additional features and greater security to your VPN server.
Steps:
- Open PowerShell by holding the Windows key and pressing X, then click on the PowerShell (Admin) option.
- Type the following command into the PowerShell window "Install-WindowsFeature RemoteAccess -IncludeManagementTools," then press Enter.
- After the installation, launch the Remote Access Management Console and select Configure and Enable Routing and Remote Access.
- Select Custom Configuration, then VPN access.
- Select the users you want to access the VPN server.
- After selecting users click finish and run through the remaining prompts to complete the setup.
Pros:
- This method provides greater security due to the IPsec encryption used to secure data.
- This method allows users greater flexibility in how the VPN server is configured and operated.
- Enables Remote Access to your business intranet.
Cons:
- The setup is complicated and requires some technical expertise.
- This method is more time-consuming compared to the first method.
- Not suitable for beginners.
Method 3: Using Third-Party VPN Software
There are multiple third-party VPN software options available for Windows 10 users wishing to create their VPN servers. One option is the SoftEther VPN Server, which is open source software and completely free for personal use with a considerable following on GitHub.
Steps:
- Download and install the SoftEther VPN Server Software.
- Launch the SoftEther server manager.
- Click on "Secure Nat Configuration" on the left-hand menu and then click on “Enable NAT Traversal” checkbox option and click the OK button.
- Go to “VPN Azure Cloud Resources Dialog” and click on the “Create your Azure VPN Now” button.
- Follow the prompts in the “VPN Azure Wizard” dialog to create your VPN Server and set up port forwarding and access lists.
Pros:
- Multiple features provided by the third party software for user selections.
- Less complicated than method 2 and more stable than method 1.
- Provides various VPN connection methods for users, including SSL-VPN, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, and Microsoft’s SSTP protocol.
Cons:
- Not free for commercial use.
- The software might not be as optimized as other VPN servers, which might affect performance.
Why Can’t I Create My VPN Server on Windows 10?
The following are some reasons why you can’t create your VPN server on Windows 10 and some solutions to overcome them:
1. Firewall Blocking Your Connection:
If you can’t connect to your VPN server, the first step is to check if your firewall is configured correctly and whether it is blocking your connection. Make sure your antivirus software and Windows Firewall do not block your VPN traffic, and check if the VPN ports are open.
2. Port Forwarding Settings:
If you can’t connect to your VPN server because of a port forwarding issue, you need to login to your router and check if your port forwarding settings are correct. Alternatively, you could configure your server to use OpenVPN which doesn’t require port forwarding to be configured.
3. Router Configuration Issues:
If your VPN server is behind a router, check that your router’s settings are correctly configured to pass the VPN traffic. Check to make sure your router supports VPN pass-through. If it doesn’t, you might need to change your router.
Implications and Recommendations
Creating your VPN server on Windows 10 is a great way to ensure your online privacy and security by enabling a secure connection to your home or office network. But you must have moderate technical knowledge to set it up properly, and it may not be ideal for beginners. It’s essential to choose the right VPN protocol and software for your project. Also, ensure that your VPN server is always updated with the latest security patch and your password is secure and kept confidential.
5 FAQs about Creating Your Own Vpn Server Windows 10
Q1. Do I Need a Static IP Address For my VPN Server?
A: Yes. Getting a static IP address is crucial for your VPN server since it will ensure that the VPN access to your device is not disrupted when your IP address changes. A static IP address enables easy remote access to your VPN server from anywhere in the world.
Q2. Can I Create a VPN Server Using Wireless Connection?
A: Yes, you can create a VPN server using a wireless connection as long as your wireless router supports and allows VPN traffic.
Q3. How Does a VPN Server Protect My Privacy?
A: A VPN server creates an encrypted tunnel over the internet to keep your online traffic safeguarded from interference, snooping, or blocking. By shielding your data from prying eyes, a VPN server ensures your online privacy is maintained.
Q4. Can I Use My VPN Server for Streaming Services Such as Netflix?
A: Yes. Using a VPN server is an effective way to access streaming services such as Netflix from anywhere in the world. You’ll have to check your streaming services’ terms and conditions to confirm if they will allow it.
Q5. Can I Use RDP with My VPN Server?
A: Yes, you can use a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) software application to access your remote computer. VPN enables secure RDP connections to desktops and servers, providing secure, encrypted connections to your network resources from anywhere in the world.
In Conclusion
Creating your VPN server on Windows 10 will protect your privacy and security when using the internet. There are different ways to achieve this, including the Windows built-in VPN server, Windows PowerShell, and third-party software. While it may seem challenging at first, with a little technical know-how, determination, and patience, you can create your own VPN server on Windows 10 in no time.
