Does Windows 11 Have a Built-in VPN? Everything You Need to Know

Does Windows 11 have a built-in VPN Have you ever thought about whether Windows 11 has a VPN built in to keep your internet privacy safe? As worries about hacking and data privacy grow, more and more people find it necessary to use a VPN.

What’s This About?

There is a VPN feature built into Windows 11, but it is not a separate VPN service. Instead, it gives you the settings you need to join to a VPN service from a different company. If you know how it works, you can choose whether to use it or go with a specialized VPN service.

What Will You Learn?

In this guide, you will learn how the Windows 11 built-in VPN works, how to set it up, its limitations, and whether a third-party VPN is a better option for enhanced security and performance.

Does Windows 11 have a built-in VPN

How Does the Built-in VPN in Windows 11 Work?

Windows 11 comes with a VPN client that lets users set up a VPN link by hand. It doesn’t have its own servers like third-party VPNs do, so you need a VPN service to use it. Protocols like PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, and IKEv2 can be used with the built-in VPN.

Key Features of Windows 11’s Built-in VPN

• Manual VPN Configuration – Requires a VPN provider’s details for setup.
• Multiple VPN Protocols – Supports various protocols but lacks modern options like WireGuard.
• System-Wide VPN Settings – Works for all applications and network connections on your PC.
• No Extra Security Features – Lacks built-in kill switch, split tunneling, or ad-blocking features.

How to Set Up the Built-in VPN on Windows 11

You can configure the Windows 11 built-in VPN by following these steps:

1. Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”
2. Go to Network & Internet: Navigate to the “Network & Internet” section.
3. Select VPN: Click on “VPN” to access the built-in VPN settings.
4. Add a VPN Connection: Click on “Add a VPN connection.”
5. Enter VPN Details:
   • Choose “Windows (built-in)” as the VPN provider.
   • Enter the connection name (e.g., My VPN).
   • Provide the server address from your VPN provider.
   • Choose the VPN type (e.g., PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP, or IKEv2).
   • Enter your username and password if required.
6. Save and Connect: Click “Save” and then select your VPN from the list to connect.

Is Windows 11’s VPN Secure Enough?

Windows 11’s built-in VPN is not a true VPN service—it’s just a client that connects to an existing VPN server. While it supports protocols like PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2, it lacks essential security features found in premium VPNs, such as:

❌ No built-in servers – You must manually configure a third-party VPN.
❌ No encryption – Security depends on the VPN server you connect to.
❌ No kill switch – Your data may be exposed if the connection drops.
❌ No advanced features – No split tunneling, malware protection, or obfuscation.

Verdict: Not Secure Enough for Full Privacy

If you need strong security, encryption, and privacy protection, using a trusted third-party VPN (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark) is a better choice. 🚀

Limitations of Windows 11’s Built-in VPN

While the built-in VPN feature is useful, it has several drawbacks:

Feature	Limitation
No Built-in VPN Servers	Requires an external VPN provider
Limited Protocols	Does not support modern options like WireGuard
No Advanced Security Features	Lacks kill switch, split tunneling, or DNS leak protection
Manual Connection	Does not auto-connect on startup

Best VPNs for Windows 11

VPN Provider	Speed & Performance	Security Features	Pricing	Best For

ExpressVPN

Fast & reliable

AES-256 encryption, no logs

From $6.67/month

Streaming & security

NordVPN

High-speed servers

Double VPN, threat protection

From $3.99/month

Extra security & privacy

Surfshark

Unlimited devices

Kill switch, ad blocker

From $2.49/month

Budget-friendly option

CyberGhost

Optimized for streaming

NoSpy servers, strong encryption

From $2.03/month

Streaming & beginners

ProtonVPN

Good free plan

Secure Core, no logs policy

Free & paid plans

Free VPN with strong security

Should You Use a Third-Party VPN Instead?

A third-party VPN is a better option if you need advanced security, a global server network, and additional privacy features. Here’s why:

Benefits of Third-Party VPNs

• Stronger Encryption – Protects your data with AES-256 encryption.
• No-Logs Policy – Ensures your browsing activity is not stored.
• More VPN Servers – Access thousands of servers worldwide.
• Streaming & Torrenting Support – Bypasses geo-restrictions for Netflix, Hulu, and more.
• User-Friendly Apps – Easy-to-use software with one-click connections.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Windows 11 VPN

Using a VPN on Windows 11 can sometimes lead to connection problems. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:

1. VPN Not Connecting

🔹 Fix: Restart your PC and VPN app, switch servers, or try a different VPN protocol.

2. Slow Internet Speeds

🔹 Fix: Connect to a nearby server, disable background apps, or use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.

3. VPN Disconnects Frequently

🔹 Fix: Turn off metered connection, enable kill switch, or check for network congestion.

4. Websites Block VPN Access

🔹 Fix: Use obfuscated servers, switch VPN providers, or try a different protocol like WireGuard or OpenVPN.

5. DNS or IP Leaks

🔹 Fix: Enable DNS leak protection, switch to a trusted VPN provider, and use private DNS settings.

If problems persist, consider reinstalling the VPN or switching to a more reliable service like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark. 🚀

Alternatives to Using Windows 11’s Built-in VPN

Windows 11’s built-in VPN only acts as a client and lacks key features like servers, strong encryption, and extra security tools. Here are some better alternatives:

✅ Third-Party VPN Services – Best for security and ease of use (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark).
✅ Free VPNs – Limited but useful for light browsing (ProtonVPN, Windscribe, TunnelBear).
✅ Self-Hosted VPN – Advanced users can set up their own VPN for complete privacy (OpenVPN, WireGuard).
✅ Browser VPN Extensions – Quick access for unblocking content (Opera VPN, Windscribe Extension).

For better protection and performance, a premium third-party VPN is the best choice. 🚀

Conclusion

There is a VPN built into Windows 11, but you have to use a different VPN service and it doesn’t have any advanced security features. Most VPN users can get by with this, but a third-party VPN offers more servers, better security, and more privacy options. If you care about your privacy and safety online, you might want to use a reliable third-party VPN. Have you tried the VPN that comes with Windows 11? Tell us about your experience in the box below!

FAQs