A virtual private network (VPN) is basically one of the most popular methods in order to access files and resources (for example apps, intranet websites, and printers). Through using an encrypted connection from a remote location and through the internet. In this article, we are going to talk about How to set Windows 10 VPN Server – Tutorial. Let’s begin!
Most of the companies use VPN in order to extend their private network to allow employees to access resources via a public network. Just as if they were directly connected to the company’s network.
Windows 10 like all other versions of the operating system has a feature called “Incoming Connection”. That enables you to set up a VPN server in order to connect remotely to your home network to access your computer’s files and peripherals, and also even other computers in the network as well.
So, in this guide, you guys will learn how you can set up a VPN server on your Windows 10 computer without even the need for extra software on the Home as well as Pro version of the operating system.
Contents
Find your IP address information
Before going into the instructions, the first thing that you need to know is the public IP address that has assigned to you via your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You will need this information in order to contact your VPN server remotely actually.
In order, to find out if your current public IP address, open your web browser, and using any search engine, you need to do a search for “What’s my IP”. And your information should be listed in the first result actually.
If you guys are setting up the Incoming Connection in your home computer, then you probably have a dynamic public IP address. That can change at any time as well. If this is the case, then you will need to configure DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) in your router to prevent having to configure the VPN setup. Each and every time your public IP address changes.
Let’s see the instructions that will help you set up DDNS on your router. You can also visit your router’s manufacturer website for more assistance in order to configure DDNS.
Limitations
However, this is a really interesting feature, setting up a VPN server this way may not be the ideal choice for you. It does have some of the limitations as well:
- You will need the ability in order to forward ports from your router.
- You have to expose Windows and also a port for the PPTP VPN server directly to the Internet. That is not ideal from a security standpoint. You should use a strong password and then consider using a port that is not the default port actually.
- This is not as easy to set up and use as software such as LogMeIn Hamachi and TeamViewer. Most of the people will probably be better off with a more complete software package like all those offers.
How can you set up port forwarding on the router
In order to be able to connect via a public network, for example, the internet, to your home VPN server. Then you will need to forward port 1723 (Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)) in order to allow VPN connections.
Let’s see the instructions that will help you set up port forwarding on your router. You can also visit your router’s manufacturer website for more assistance in order to configure Port Forwarding.
How can you set up a VPN server on Windows 10
When you have set up DDNS to use a domain name rather than a complicated IP address, and you forwarded port 1723, now you are ready in order to set up a VPN server on your device.
In order to create a VPN server on Windows 10, you need to use these steps:
- First, open Control Panel.
- Then tap on the Network and Sharing Center.
- Using the left pane, you need to tap on the Change adapter settings link.
- On “Network Connections,” you guys need to open the File menu tapping the Alt key and choose the New Incoming Connection option.
- You need to check the users that you want to have VPN access to your computer and then tap on the Next button.
Just like that, you can also click the Add someone button to create a new VPN user:
- You have to check the Through the Internet option.
- Press the Next button.
- In the networking software page, choose the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option.
- Then tap on the Properties button.
- Now you need to check the Allow callers to access my local area network option.
- Under “IP address assignment,” tap on Specify IP addresses, and specify the number of clients allowed to access via a VPN connection. (You will do this through specifying an IP address range, and it’s also recommended that you use a high-order range of IP addresses to help prevent conflicts in the network with the IPs distributed by your router.)
- Tap on the OK button.
- At last, tap on the Allow access button.
When you complete these simple steps, then the VPN server will be created. However, it won’t work unless you configure the firewall to allow connections.
How can you allow VPN connections via firewall
When you are configuring the Incoming Connection feature on Windows 10 should automatically open the necessary Windows Firewall ports. You want to make sure the firewall is properly configured or not.
In order to allow VPN connections through the firewall on Windows 10, you need to use these simple steps:
- First, open Start on Windows 10.
- Then search for Allow an app through Windows Firewall, and then tap on the top result to open the experience.
- Tap on the Change settings button.
- Scroll down and also make sure Routing and Remote Access is allowed on Private and Public.
- Tap on the OK button.
After you complete these simple steps, then the Windows 10 VPN server should be able to receive connections remotely from other computers as well.
How can you set up a VPN connection on Windows 10
When you finish setting up the VPN server on Windows 10, then you will need to configure the devices that will be accessing your local network remotely actually. You can also set up any device, that includes your desktop, laptop, tablet, and also even phone (such as, Android and iPhone). Let’s have a look at the instructions to set up a VPN connection on Windows 10.
After adding a VPN connection on your computer, you guys have to adjust all the settings with these simple steps:
- First, open Control Panel.
- Then click on Network & Internet.
- Tap on the Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on the Change adapter settings link from the left pane.
- Now right-click the VPN adapter and choose the Properties option.
- In the General tab, you need to make sure that you’re using the correct domain you created while configuring DDNS. Or at least you are using the correct public IP address as well.
- Tap on the Security tab.
- Under “Type of VPN,” you need to select the Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) option.
- Under “Data encryption,” choose the Maximum strength encryption (disconnect if server declines) option.
- Tap on the OK button.
- Then tap on the Networking tab.
Then
- Also, uncheck the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) option.
- Then check the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option.
- Choose the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option.
- Press the Properties button.
- Press the Advanced button.
- Then you need to clear the Use default gateway on the remote network option.
- Tap on the OK button.
- Then click the OK button again.
- Tap on the OK button once more.
- Now open Settings.
- Tap on Network & Internet.
- Press the VPN.
- Choose the VPN connection option and then tap on the Connect button.
However, there are many solutions to allow users to connect remotely to a private network via a VPN connection. You can set up your own server along with the tools built within Windows 10 without the need for extra software as well.
Conclusion
Alright, That was all Folks! I hope you guys like this article and also find it helpful to you. Give us your feedback on it. Also if you guys have further queries and issues related to this article. Then let us know in the comments section below. We will get back to you shortly.
Have a Great Day!
Also See: How To Allow Or Block Firewall Programs On Windows 10