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How to Use ProtonVPN

Because of its focus on security and its comparatively more complex, ProtonVPN differs from many other VPN services. 

While Microsoft has attempted to strike a balance between usability and complexity, there are times when things can become too complicated for the average Windows user. 

You can read our full ProtonVPN review to get the lowdown on all the various features it has to offer. This guide will walk you through setting up ProtonVPN from scratch. 

The objective is to help people new to using VPN services start using the service in the shortest time possible. 

First, however, you will still need to be familiar with purchasing software online…so without further ado, let's begin!

Step no. 1:

Before downloading and using ProtonVPN, you must first choose a subscription and pay for it. You have four subscription options to choose from. While the freebie subscription is attractive, it provides no value and is not worth your time. 

If you only need basic protection, the aptly named 'Basic' plan is a better choice. Those who want to use torrent sites while maintaining security should opt for the 'Plus' or 'Visionary' packages. I'd go with 'Visionary,' 20% less expensive per month. 

Next, you select a plan by clicking the button below the package you want, which will take you to a signup page below the package page. 

This may be confusing because the page does not refresh when you click the package button, so you'll have to scroll down to see it. 

Next, simply enter your username, password, name, and credit card or Paypal information into the form. After completing all of this, you should receive an email confirming your purchase. A download link for the software will also be included in that email.

ProtonVPN pricing

Step no. 2:

The software can be downloaded using the download link that was included in your confirmation email. Simply click the link to be directed to the download page. After clicking "download," wait a few seconds to save the file to a directory on your hard drive. You can now install the software after it has been downloaded.

Step no. 3:

Installing ProtonVPN is straightforward; simply double-click the software package you downloaded to begin the installation process. The Setup Wizard will guide you through the steps and create a desktop shortcut once they are completed.

You can now click on the shortcut if the app does not open automatically after installation. It's time to start using the software once it's booted up and ready to go, as we'll see below.

Step no. 4:

Step no. 4: Connecting to a VPN

When the software first starts up, it will display "Disconnected" in red above and "You Are Not Protected!" to the left, with your current IP displayed below. This means your connection isn't secure yet because you haven't connected to a VPN server yet. 

Users can connect to a VPN server in two ways with ProtonVPN. One way is to create a profile. If you go to the "Profiles" tab (right next to the countries on the left), you'll see two options: "Fastest" and "Random," as well as an option to create your custom profile.

Fastest: This profile connects you to the fastest available server at the time. So, if you only want to access a few restricted websites from your home country, this is the quickest method.

Random: This profile option will randomly connect you to any server. It could be any country or, for that matter, any IP address. Another way to secure your internet connection is to connect directly to a server of your choice. If you go to the 'Countries' tab, you'll see a list of all the countries where ProtonVPN has servers. 

By selecting a country name, such as 'Australia,' you will be presented with a list of all Australian servers. Additionally, it will display a small pie chart of the server's load. You'll want to go with the one that has the least amount of weight. 

Once you've found one, simply click 'connect,' and the connection will be established in about 5 seconds. The software will show that your connection is secure, so you'll know.

Protonvpn Interface

3 Enhanced Security Features of ProtonVPN

You're probably up and running now, able to access everything from Netflix to Facebook and Twitter without fear of being hacked or spied on. However, ProtonVPN's "Secure Core" technology allows you to take your security to the next level. 

Simply click on the slider directly above the "Countries" tab to turn it on once you've connected to a server. 

ProtonVPN offers a couple of other security features you may want to play around with if you click on the menu above and then go to settings. Here is a rundown of what they have to offer:

  1. VPN Kill Switch: If you enable this feature, all internet connections will be blocked if the VPN is temporarily disconnected. It's an intriguing feature because hiccups in your internet connection can lead to data leaks, which this feature prevents.
  2. DNS Leak Protection: This feature is on by default. It helps to prevent leakage of information to third parties like ISPs.
  3. Auto-Connect: When this feature is turned on, it will automatically connect to the internet as soon as you boot ProtonVPN; it connects to a server with all the settings you first chose as part of the profile.
Protonvpn features

Note: Some features can be turned on to help protect your privacy. On the other hand, Secure Core can significantly slow down your internet connection. So, if you're trying to access a few social networks or watch YouTube videos, you might not want to have all of these features turned on.

Questions about ProtonVPN

Is ProtonVPN trustworthy?

ProtonVPN is one of the newer VPNs on the market, but it has already established itself as a trustworthy and reliable provider. Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN is subject to some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. The company behind ProtonVPN is also responsible for ProtonMail, one of the most popular secure email services. Both ProtonMail and ProtonVPN are committed to protecting online privacy and security. ProtonVPN encrypts your traffic with AES-256 encryption and routes it through secure servers in different countries, protecting your data from snooping eyes, whether government agencies or malicious actors.

What are the main features of ProtonVPN?

ProtonVPN offers many features that make it a great VPN choice, whether you're looking for security, privacy, or both. Some of the main features of ProtonVPN include AES-256 encryption, secure servers in different countries, a no-logs policy, and compatibility with multiple devices and platforms. This VPN is also one of a few that offers a free plan; though it's relatively limited, it's worth considering if you're on a budget. Also, if you upgrade to a paid plan, you'll get access to even more features, like streaming servers and torrenting support.

Is ProtonVPN really free?

Yes, ProtonVPN is one of the only free VPNs that does not have data limits, bandwidth limits, or speed limits. However, a limited number of servers are available on the free plan. With that said, the free plan is still an excellent option for those who want to try out ProtonVPN or need a VPN for light usage. Plus, there is the added bonus of knowing that your data is secure with ProtonVPN's strict no-logs policy. If you need more features or want to use ProtonVPN on more devices, you can always upgrade to one of their paid plans.

Takeaways

You can rely on ProtonVPN to keep your data and identity safe while browsing the internet. ProtonVPN is a reliable and secure virtual private network (VPN) service that you can use to protect your data and identity while browsing the internet. 

The combination of its powerful features and enviable reputation makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to add an additional layer of security to their web browsing experience. 

ProtonVPN is an excellent value-for-money virtual private network service that is well worth considering if you are looking for a dependable virtual private network service. 

While there are some less expensive options available, ProtonVPN provides excellent value for money and is well worth considering.

By: Michael Miller
Michael is the CEO of VPN Online, one of the fastest-growing media companies in the cyber-security space. VPN Online was started in 2019 after Michael consulted with many Fortune 500 companies and saw the lack of understanding about cybersecurity many of their employees had.