This wikiHow teaches you how to change VPN (virtual private network) settings on PCs and Mac computers. Most VPN services come with an application that can automatically configure your operating system. However, Windows 10 and MacOS Sierra give you the convenience of connecting your computer to a VPN via the computer's network settings.
Step
Method 1 of 2: On Windows Computer
Step 1. Click the Windows “Start” menu
This key is indicated by the Windows logo. By default, you can find this icon on the taskbar in the lower-left corner of the screen. The Windows “Start” menu will open after that.
Step 2. Click “Settings”
This option is indicated by the gear icon in the left sidebar of the Windows 10 “Start” menu. The “Settings” menu will open after that.
Step 3. Click Network & Internet
It's next to the globe icon in the “Settings” menu.
Step 4. Click VPN
This option is in the menu to the left of the “Network & Internet” menu.
Step 5. Click + Add a VPN Connection
This option is the first option on the “VPN” menu.
Step 6. Select Windows (built-in) under the "VPN provider" section
Use the drop-down menu under the “VPN provider” segment, at the top of the “VPN” menu to select the “Windows (built-in)” option.
Step 7. Type a name in the "Connection Name" field
You can type anything. You may use the VPN service provider's name, location, or any other name (e.g. "My VPN Connection").
Step 8. Type in the name or address of the server
Enter this information in the field labeled "Server name or address". You can get the VPN name or address information from the VPN service provider.
Step 9. Choose a VPN type
If you don't know which type to choose, just select “Automatic” or contact your VPN service provider to find out which type of VPN to use. The available options are:
- ” Automatic ”
- ” Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) ”
- ” L2TP/IPsec with certificate ”
- ” L2TP/IPsec with pre-shared key ”
- ” Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) ”
- ” IKEv2 ”
Step 10. Choose a sign-in method (“Sign in”)
Specify the logon method used by the VPN service provider to access the service. The available options are:
- ” Username and password ”
- ” Smart card ”
- ” One-time password ”
- ” Certificate ”
Step 11. Type in the username and password
If prompted, fill in the last two lines to enter the username and password used to log in to the VPN service.
Step 12. Click Save
This button is below the form you fill out to set up the VPN. You will be taken back to the “VPN” menu in the “Network & Settings” menu. The VPN connection created will be shown at the top of the "VPN" section.
Step 13. Click the connection you just created
All VPN connections are displayed in the “VPN” section at the top of the “VPN” menu, just below the “+ Add a VPN Connection” button.
Step 14. Click Connect
The computer will connect to the VPN. You can connect your computer to any VPN connection that has been established in this menu. You can also disconnect by clicking " Disconnect ".
If you need to edit the VPN information or set additional settings, click “ Advanced options ” under the VPN connection name in the list of available VPN connections.
Method 2 of 2: On Mac Computer
Step 1. Click the Apple menu
It's in the top-left corner of the menu bar, at the top of the screen.
Step 2. Click System Preferences…
This option is the second option on the Apple menu. The System Preferences application window will appear.
Step 3. Click the Network icon
This icon looks like a blue globe with white curves.
Step 4. Click +
This button is below the list of network connections, on the left side of the “Network” menu.
Step 5. Select VPN in the " Interface " section
Use the drop-down menu next to “Interface” to select “VPN” as the interface type. It's at the bottom of the “Interface” drop-down menu.
Step 6. Select the VPN type
Use the drop-down menu next to "VPN Type" to select a connection type. Contact your VPN service provider to find out what type of connection is required. The three available options are:
- ” L2TP over IPSec ”
- ” Cisco IPSec ”
- ” IKEv2 ”
Step 7. Type in the connection name
Enter the connection name next to " Service Name: ". You can use any name. You can name your connection based on your VPN service provider, location, or use another name like "My VPN Connection".
Step 8. Click Create
A VPN connection will be established. However, you still need to configure the connection.
Step 9. Enter the server address
Use the field labeled "Server address" to enter the server address provided by the VPN service provider.
Step 10. Type in the account name, remote ID, or local ID
If you are using a "L2TP over IPSec" or "Cisco over IPSec" VPN, you will need to enter an account name. If you select type " IKEv2 ", you need to enter remote ID and local ID. This information is provided by the VPN service provider.
You can leave the option " Default ” in the “Configuration” drop-down menu.
Step 11. Click Authentication Settings
A new menu will appear and you will need to enter authentication settings (eg password) in the menu.
Step 12. Select the authentication type
Click the circle button next to the authentication type the VPN uses. If you use a password to access the VPN service, select " Password " at the top of the list and type the password used to use the VPN service in the field next to it. If you are using another authentication method (eg certificate), select the appropriate option in the list of options and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
Step 13. Type in the shared secret password
Select " Shared Secret " in the " Machine Authentication " section and type the shared password in the field next to " Shared Secret ". Contact the VPN service provider if you do not know the shared password applied.
If you are using a certificate, select " Certificate " in the “User Authentication” and “Machine Authentication” segments. After that, click " Select " Select a certificate from the list, and click “ Ok ”.
Step 14. Click Ok
It's in the lower-right corner of the Authentication Settings window. The “Authentications” setting will be saved.
Step 15. Click Advanced…
It's in the lower-right corner of the connection settings. Advanced options for the VPN will be displayed.
Step 16. Check the box
"Send all traffic over VPN connection" and click Ok.
With this option, all your internet activity is done through the VPN. Click Ok ” in the lower right corner to close the advanced options window.
Step 17. Click Apply
It's in the lower-right corner of the "Network" menu. The VPN connection settings will be applied.
Step 18. Click Connect
The computer will connect to the VPN. If the connection is successful, you will see a “Connected” message at the top of the “Network” menu.
