

If you've created an account with a VPN provider, log in and browse the pages for OpenVPN setup files, or tools to generate them. Search the Support pages for references to OpenVPN or OVPN files.Ī few services hide the files away in a web management console. Others may not have any setup guides, but still provide the files for those who need to use them. Good examples include ExpressVPN (opens in new tab), IPVanish (opens in new tab), IVPN (opens in new tab), NordVPN (opens in new tab) and VyprVPN (opens in new tab). The best VPN providers have OpenVPN setup tutorials which not only mention configuration files, but also show you how to use them. Some providers make these hard to find, others ask you to generate them manually, and a few don't give you any at all, so we would recommend checking your VPN's website before you do anything else. OpenVPN Connect is a powerful package, but it won't be able to connect to your VPN until it has all the necessary configuration files, the settings which define how each connection should work. Image credit: ExpressVPN (Image credit: ExpressVPN) Configuration files It’s also worth bearing in mind the good reasons why a VPN isn't enough.Most users should have OpenVPN up and running within 30 minutes, and it'll often take less time than this.

However, you’ll still need a VPN provider, so users in the market for a VPN service should check out our list of the best VPNs. Try your provider's client for one session, OpenVPN for the next, see which you like best. Unsure? You can generally install OpenVPN Connect and your provider's client on the same system, without conflicts. If you've signed up with two VPNs, or want to use one commercial and one free service, that's no problem – the server list can include locations from wherever you like.

On Windows, for instance, there's 'Seamless Tunnel' (which tries to keep the VPN tunnel active when pausing, resuming or reconnecting), automatic reconnection when your device starts, IPv6 control, TCP or UDP connections, a DNS fallback option, and more.Īs OpenVPN Connect isn't tied to a specific VPN provider, you're able to import server profiles from anywhere. But on the plus side, you'll get a strong set of core features.
