ProtonVPN is the best free VPN for Windows 10 and 11. It offers unlimited data with no caps, strong encryption, and a strict no-logs policy. Download the app from protonvpn.com, create a free account, install it, and click Quick Connect to connect to the nearest server. The free tier includes servers in multiple countries with no time limits.
Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: April 1, 2026
The ProtonVPN links in this post are affiliate links. If you choose to upgrade to a paid plan after trying the free version, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Key Takeaways
- ProtonVPN’s free tier has no data caps, no ads, and a strict no-logs policy — it is genuinely the best free VPN I have found for Windows.
- The desktop app offers Quick Connect (auto-selects nearest free server), profiles, and advanced features like Kill Switch and NetShield.
- The browser extension (Chrome and Firefox) protects only browser traffic — useful when you do not want to route all system traffic through a VPN.
- Free users get servers in a limited number of countries with one device at a time — upgrading unlocks all server locations and multi-device support.
Quick Steps
- Go to protonvpn.com and click “Get ProtonVPN Free.”
- Scroll down and select “Continue with Free” to create a free account.
- Download the ProtonVPN installer for Windows.
- Run the installer — uncheck “Install Proton Drive” if you don’t need it.
- Sign in with your email and password.
- Click Quick Connect to connect to the nearest free server.
In This Guide
This guide covers two ways to use ProtonVPN on your PC:
- Method 1: ProtonVPN Desktop App — Full system-wide VPN protection. (Recommended)
- Method 2: ProtonVPN Browser Extension — Browser-only VPN, no app install needed.
If you can’t install software and need a no-app option, this guide also covers how to set up a manual VPN connection through Windows settings.
Method 1: Install the ProtonVPN Desktop App
Why ProtonVPN?
I have tested a lot of free VPNs over the years, and most of them come with serious catches — data caps, speed limits, shady logging practices, or ads plastered everywhere. ProtonVPN is the exception. It gives you unlimited data on the free plan, uses strong encryption, and has a verified no-logs policy. The app is clean, easy to use, and works reliably on both Windows 10 and 11.
The free tier does limit you to servers in a smaller number of countries, and you can only connect one device at a time. But for basic privacy — protecting yourself on public Wi-Fi, hiding your IP address, or keeping your browsing private from your ISP — the free plan is more than enough.
Download and Create an Account
Head over to the ProtonVPN website and click “Get ProtonVPN Free.” The site will show you the paid plans first — scroll past them and click “Continue with Free” to set up a free account.
Enter your email address and create a password. That’s all you need — no credit card required.
Install ProtonVPN
Once your account is set up, download the ProtonVPN installer for Windows. Run the installer and leave the default settings as they are. If you don’t need Proton’s cloud storage, uncheck “Install Proton Drive” to keep things clean. Click Install and wait for it to finish — the installation only takes a minute or two.
Sign In and Connect
Launch ProtonVPN and sign in with the email and password you just created. Once you’re in, click Quick Connect — this automatically connects you to the nearest available free server for the best speeds.
If you want to connect to a different country, click Change Server. Keep in mind that free users have access to a limited number of server locations, and there’s a short cooldown between server changes. You can also set up Profiles to save your preferred server connections for quick access later.
Once connected, your IP address is hidden and all your internet traffic is encrypted. You can verify the connection is active by checking the status indicator in the app, or by searching “what’s my IP” in your browser to confirm your IP has changed.
Free vs Paid: What You Get
The free plan covers the essentials — unlimited data, strong encryption, and access to servers in a handful of countries. But there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Limited server locations (fewer countries than paid plans)
- One device connected at a time
- Short cooldown when switching between servers
- No access to Secure Core or Tor over VPN features
For basic browsing privacy and protecting yourself on public Wi-Fi, the free tier is more than enough. If you want access to all server locations, faster speeds, and the ability to connect multiple devices at the same time, you can upgrade to a paid plan.
Method 2: ProtonVPN Browser Extension
If you don’t want to install a full desktop app, ProtonVPN also has a browser extension that works on Chrome, Firefox, and other Chromium-based browsers like Edge and Brave. It only protects traffic from that browser, but it’s a quick and lightweight option.
Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons. Once installed, pin it to your browser toolbar so you can access it quickly.
Sign in with the same ProtonVPN account you created earlier (or create a new free account if you haven’t already). Click Connect and the extension will auto-select the best available free server. Just like the desktop app, free users have limited server options in the extension.
Note: The browser extension only protects traffic from that browser. Other apps and system connections are not routed through the VPN. For full system protection, use the desktop app instead.
Alternative: Manual VPN via Windows Settings
Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 have a built-in VPN client that you can find in Settings > Network & Internet > VPN. This lets you manually enter VPN server details without installing any software. Services like VPNBook provide free PPTP and L2TP server addresses that you can plug in directly.
However, I do not recommend this method. PPTP is a deprecated protocol with well-known security vulnerabilities. It can be cracked relatively easily and does not provide the same level of encryption as modern VPN protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN, which ProtonVPN uses. If you still want to try it — maybe for casual use where security is not a priority — the video below walks through the full setup process.
Warning: PPTP is no longer considered secure. It can be cracked relatively easily and does not provide the same level of encryption as modern VPN protocols. I recommend using ProtonVPN instead.
A VPN is just one piece of keeping your PC secure online. If you want to make sure your system is properly protected, check out my guide on the best free antivirus for Windows 10 and 11. If you think your PC might already be compromised, I also have a step-by-step guide on how to remove malware and viruses from Windows. And if you want to tighten up your Windows privacy settings without digging through menus, take a look at Winhance — it makes the process a lot easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProtonVPN really free?
Yes. ProtonVPN offers a genuinely free tier with no data caps and no time limits. The free plan includes servers in a limited number of countries and supports one device at a time. There are no hidden costs — the free tier is funded by paid subscribers.
Will a VPN slow down my internet connection?
All VPNs add some overhead due to encryption, but ProtonVPN’s impact is generally minimal. Free servers may be slower during peak hours since they have more users. For the best speeds, connect to the server closest to your actual location.
Can I use ProtonVPN on my phone and PC at the same time?
Not on the free plan — it supports one device at a time. Paid plans allow multiple simultaneous connections across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.
What is the difference between the desktop app and the browser extension?
The desktop app routes all internet traffic from your computer through the VPN — every app, every connection. The browser extension only protects traffic from that specific browser. Use the desktop app for full system protection, or the extension if you only need to secure your browsing.
