You can set up NordVPN on Windows 11 via the NordVPN downloadable installer or manually with OpenVPN configuration files.
The NordVPN Windows 11 app offers more functionality, is the easiest setup, and gives you access to all the VPN’s features. However, you may prefer the manual configuration files if you want to deep-tweak your NordVPN connections.
Keep reading to find out which method is best for you and how to troubleshoot common issues you might face.
How to Set up the NordVPN App on Windows 11?
Setting up the NordVPN app on Windows 11 is a breeze. Here’s how to do it:
- Click this exclusive deals link to visit the official NordVPN website.
- Click “Get the Deal.”
- Choose a plan. The 2-year plan offers the most value plus three free months.
- Set up your NordVPN account by filling in your email address and selecting a suitable payment method. Make your payment.
- Download NordVPN for Windows 11 by visiting this download page and clicking “Download App.”
- Click the downloaded app to open it.
- Select the location where you’d like to install NordVPN and click “Next.”
- Click “Install.”
- Click “Finish” once the installation is complete.
- Launch the NordVPN app and click “Log in.”
- Log in to your NordVPN account.
- Open the NordVPN app and optimize your initial settings. Keep Internet Kill Switch and Threat Protection on for better security. You can also keep Auto-Connect enabled.
- Head to Settings in the bottom left corner.
- Click “Connection.”
- Change the protocol to NordLynx, NordVPN’s in-house protocol, for better security and performance.
- Return to the VPN’s main screen and click “Quick Connect” for the best available server.
- Alternatively, click the dropdown menu to search for a preferred server or connect to one of NordVPN’s specialty servers.
- Voila! You can now securely surf the Internet, play games without DDoS attacks, or torrent files without getting copyright notices.
How to Manually Set Up NordVPN on Windows 11?
If you want to avoid using the NordVPN client app and lean towards open-source software, then the manual setup route is for you.
Here are the steps to set NordVPN up manually using OpenVPN.
- Get your NordVPN account (discounts here).
- Download the OpenVPN GUI application for your Windows 11 PC here. In this demo, I’m using Windows 64-bit.
- Open the installation file and follow the prompts to install it.
- After it’s installed, download NordVPN server configuration files.
- NordVPN will automatically recommend a server for the best possible experience. You can also choose a preferred country to connect to.
- Click “Show available protocols” and “Download config.”
- Go to the folder to which you downloaded the configuration files, select them all, then right-click and choose “Copy.”
- Paste the files to the directory [C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config\] on your Windows 11 PC. Click “Continue” if admin access is required.
- Alternatively, you can open this location by right-clicking the OpenVPN GUI shortcut on your desktop and selecting “Open file location,” going to the parent OpenVPN folder, then the Config folder.
- Go to your Nord account dashboard and click “Set up NordVPN manually” at the end of the page.
- Verify your email ID with the code received.
- Copy the username and password displayed for manual setup.
- Open the systems tray next to your Windows 11 clock, right-click the OpenVPN GUI app, and then click “Connect.”
- Enter the copied NordVPN credentials into the OpenVPN GUI fields, then click “OK.”
- Wait for the OpenVPN GUI icon app to turn green in your systems tray which means it’s successfully connected.
- Enjoy your NordVPN manual connection.
How to Setup NordVPN Connection Sharing on Windows 11?
You can share a VPN connection from your Windows PC to devices like your smart TVs and gaming consoles that can’t download a VPN app. Hence, you’ll get the VPN’s robust unblocking, DDoS protection, and privacy on these devices.
Here’s how to do this:
- Get an active NordVPN subscription.
- Install the Windows 11 NordVPN desktop app onto your PC.
- Adapt the video guide below to setup your Windows 11 PC to share a NordVPN connection.
- Connect to a NordVPN server.
- Connect your smart TV, game console, IoT devices, or other units to the created hotspot.
- Enjoy NordVPN’s content-unblocking services, get reliable online privacy, and keep your data encrypted across all connected units.
How to TroubleShoot NordVPN Windows 11 Issues?
Some common challenges NordVPN Windows 11 users face include delayed startup, slow server connections, and high CPU usage by NordVPN.
Here’s how to address them:
- Minimize Background Apps: Running a lot of applications simultaneously may slow NordVPN. So, close unnecessary background apps to free up system resources and improve performance.
- Switch Servers: If you’re experiencing sluggish connections or delays, connect to a different NordVPN server. Sometimes, server congestion can affect speed and connectivity.
- Protocol Adjustment: Changing your protocol to OpenVPN (UDP) might resolve connectivity issues, especially on NordLynx. Experimenting with different protocols to find which works best could also potentially provide a smoother connection.
- Manage Threat Protection: High CPU usage sometimes stems from aggressive NordVPN Threat Protection settings. Consider disabling Threat Protection or opting for Threat Protection Lite to reduce CPU strain.
- Reinstall the NordVPN app: This is best if other methods don’t work, you’re facing connection issues with the NordVPN app, or a system configuration mismatch happens.
- Speak with customer support: If all else fails, NordVPN has a 24/7 live chat customer support platform to help resolve your issues.
FAQs
Is NordVPN Safe for Windows 11?
NordVPN is entirely safe for Windows 11 and compatible with the OS.
The VPN also works seamlessly with the Windows 11 OS, offering unique features like Threat Protection and multiple protocols that integrate seamlessly.
Get NordVPN for Windows 11
NordVPN helps you unblock geo-restricted Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and other content on your Windows 11 PC, thanks to its 5,800+ servers. You can also use the VPN for safe and secure torrenting or to keep malicious gamers at bay when playing P2P titles.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab this versatile Windows 11 VPN via these fantastic discounts to save on your preferred plans.
