Although Windows 8 and 8.1 have native support for VPN connections, you can do more with a third-party VPN for Windows 8 and 8.1.
It’s significantly easier to connect your laptop to VPN, switch to different servers, and configure settings for increased security and privacy.
VPN apps set the industry standard for safe Internet navigation, and numerous users turn to them for help, regardless of platform and device. Even Vista users have VPNs for Windows Vista.
If you’re looking for the best VPN for Windows 8 and 8.1, we’re here to stir you in the right direction. Check out our picks below to decide which is the right fit.
How do I set up a free VPN on Windows 8 and 8.1?
In order to have a VPN connection on your Windows 8 or 8.1 device, you can perform it either from your desktop or from the Start screen.
Hence, this is the procedure to set up your VPN from the desktop on Windows 8 or 8.1:
- In the Taskbar, right-click on the Network icon.
- Click on the Open Network and Sharing Center.
- In this menu, go to Change your networking settings and click to Set up a new connection or network.
- Click to Choose a connection option, go to Connect to a workplace, and press Next.
- Now click on the Use my Internet connection (VPN).
- On the Type the Internet address to connect you need to type the IP addresses of the VPN server you need to connect to.
- Click on Create to establish the VPN connection in the Network sidebar.
What’s the best VPN for Windows 8 and 8.1?
ExpressVPN – Best server connectivity
ExpressVPN is a popular solution for many users who need online security. This software supports a great variety of operating systems, including Windows 8.
This can be a greater alternative to other VPN services due to its powerful connectivity and safety. With 160 server locations in 94 countries, you can navigate smoothly without having to worry about any packet loss.
More so, the software’s easy-to-use interface is ideal for multiple devices such as laptops, Amazon tablets, or Smart TVs.
Plus, is a tailor-made option to run on Windows 8 if you need a plain yet comprehensive VPN provider.
What else you need to know:
- Automatic protocol
- 3000 servers in 94 countries
- Proven no logs activity
Even if there isn’t a trial period for ExpressVPN, you can get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN
Still searching for your Windows 8 VPN software? You will get the most reliable results with ExpressVPN.
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Private Internet Access – Highest speed server network
Created by Kape Technologies, Private Internet Access is a premium VPN for Windows 8 that secures your browsing sessions.
It’s so serious about anonymity that it lets you pay for it without revealing your true identity.
Using Private Internet Access, you can hide your IP address from your ISP and unprotected Wi-Fi networks, bypass Internet filters to access censored pages, and unblock streaming services like Netflix.
The Windows 8.1 VPN app supports P2P for anonymous torrent downloads and uploads. Plus, it allows 10 simultaneous connections.
Private Internet Access has by far the largest server network on this list, which makes it very reliable if you want high speed and access to various different server locations around the world.
It’s a good VPN to bypass geo-blocks on platforms like Netflix UK and it can also help reduce ping and fix latency issues in online games.
What else you need to know:
- OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, P2TP, SOCKS5 proxy
- More than 35,000 servers across 45 countries
- No traffic or request logs
Private Internet Access doesn’t have a free trial but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access
Protect your privacy, remove ISP racking and get past Internet restrictions on your Windows 8 PC!
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NordVPN – Exhaustive server coverage
NordVPN needs no introduction. Made by Tefincom & Co., it has an excellent reputation, making it one of the most popular VPN apps. The premium VPN has a highly intuitive interface and works with Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.
NordVPN is an avid supporter of Internet freedom and absolute privacy. It features quick, P2P, Double VPN, and obfuscated servers, and it integrates with the Tor anonymous network (Onion Over VPN).
Moreover, the Windows 8.1 VPN app has a special feature called CyberSec, which blocks malware and ads. You can also set up a dedicated IP address and use a kill switch in case of unexpected VPN connection drops. It allows 6 simultaneous connections.
What else you need to know:
- OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPse, AES-256-GCM, SHA2-384, Perfect Forward Secrecy
- More than 5,800 servers in 59 countries
- No logging policy
NordVPN doesn’t have a free trial but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN
NordVPN secures your sessions, stops malware, and restores your Internet freedom, even on Windows 8.
Check price Visit website
Surfshark – Most convenient price and quality VPN
Surfshark is another premium VPN for Windows 8 users. It’s made by Surfshark LTD, a US-based VPN provider with an impressive fanbase, thanks to its easy interface, large network, and affordable plans.
It’s also one of the best VPN apps for Windows 10, in case you want to update your operating system.
With the help of Surfshark, you can secure your Internet connection and unblock censored content. It shields you from hackers and identity theft while blocking ISP tracking and phishing attempts.
You can also bypass country-based price discrimination to get better deals with this Windows 8.1 VPN.
Surfshark supports PSP transfers on all servers, over 15 Netflix libraries, an ad blocker, kill switch, whitelisting, multi-hop connections, and private DNS for each server.
It permits unlimited simultaneous connections.
What else you need to know:
- OpenVPN, IKEv2, AES-256-GCM
- Over 1,700 servers in more than 63 countries
- Strict no-logs policy
Surfshark doesn’t have a free trial but comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark
Surfshark blocks ISP tracking stops hackers and gives access to exclusive Netflix content.
Check price Visit website
CyberGhost VPN – Most suited to bypass geo-blocking
Also made by Kape Technologies, CyberGhost VPN has been around for a long time. Actually, it was among the first to offer easy-to-access servers for Netflix and torrenting.
With the help of CyberGhost VPN, you can access geo-restricted content and beat online censorship, as well as watch sports streaming services or Netflix shows which are otherwise unavailable to your region.
Furthermore, the Windows 8 VPN service can get you better online deals that are tailor-made for specific countries.
It allows up to 7 simultaneous connections, includes a kill switch, and performs DNS and IP leak tests.
What else you need to know:
- OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, P2TP
- More than 6,400 servers in over 90 countries
- Strict no-logs policy
CyberGhost VPN offers a 1-day free trial and a 45-day money-back guarantee for its premium service. That makes it the best free VPN for Windows 8 and 8.1. Find out more in our CyberGhost VPN review.
Cyberghost
CyberGhost VPN bypasses Internet filters, unblocks streaming services, and keeps you safe.
Free trial Visit website
VyprVPN – proven zero logs policy
Another VPN client that offers dedicated support for Windows 8 is VyprVPN. It’s a pretty lightweight app that includes advanced privacy features.
Like any VPN worth mentioning, Vypr doesn’t log any user data. This means that along with protecting your info with encryption, the VPN client itself won’t be able to know what you do online.
On top of that, VyprVPN offers DNS leak protection in order to secure your data on all fronts. You can also rest assured that you won’t be tracked down even when using Public Wi-Fi.
Other key features of VyprVPN include:
- Split tunneling
- No-log VPN
- 10 simultaneous collection
- 96 worldwide server locations
- 24/7 customer support
VyprVPN
Route your traffic via a secure VyprVPN tunnel!
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IPVanish – worldwide servers
For those of you that want an intuitive VPN app that includes all the standard features, IPVanish is a great choice.
It offers dedicated apps for a wide range of operating systems, including Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.
IpVanish offers end-to-end AES-256 bit encryption on all its servers. It has worldwide coverage with 2,000+ servers in over 75 countries.
With IPVanish your identity will stay protected. The VPN client offers its users over 40 000 virtual IP addresses so you don’t have to worry about being tracked.
Other key features of IPVanish include:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Zero logs policy
- Protection against DDoS attacks
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Fast VPN connections with WireGuard protocol
IPVanish
Install IPVanish to your Windows 8 PC for complete online privacy.
Check price Visit website
🛡️Does Windows 8 have built-in VPN?
You can indeed set up a VPN connection on Windows 8.1 device without problems and completely free.
As mentioned above, it’s possible to connect the VPN from the Settings screen in the Start window. Then, you need to select the Network option and then look for Add a VPN connection option.
Windows 8 VPN apps aren’t just a commodity for streaming and torrenting but are also required for secure browsing. You can freely navigate the web, access censored websites, and reclaim your Internet freedom.
Even XP users turn to VPN for Windows XP, although the OS no longer receives security patches. By getting equipped with the best VPN for Windows 8, you don’t have to worry about exposing your true identity online.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Based on the information provided in the article, it discusses the use of third-party VPNs for Windows 8 and 8.1. It mentions that while these operating systems have native support for VPN connections, using a third-party VPN can offer additional benefits such as easier connection to VPN servers, the ability to switch between servers, and increased security and privacy settings.
The article also provides a list of recommended VPNs for Windows 8 and 8.1, along with their key features and benefits. The recommended VPNs include:
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ExpressVPN: This VPN is known for its server connectivity and supports a variety of operating systems, including Windows 8. It offers a large number of server locations and has an easy-to-use interface. ExpressVPN does not offer a free trial but provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Private Internet Access: This VPN focuses on high-speed server networks and offers features such as hiding your IP address, bypassing internet filters, and unblocking streaming services. It has a large server network and allows 10 simultaneous connections. Private Internet Access also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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NordVPN: NordVPN is a popular VPN app that supports Windows 8 and 8.1. It offers features such as server coverage, including specialized servers for different purposes, and integration with the Tor network. NordVPN has a large number of servers and supports 6 simultaneous connections. It also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Surfshark: Surfshark is a VPN provider known for its convenient price and quality. It offers features such as secure internet connections, unblocking censored content, and bypassing country-based price discrimination. Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections and provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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CyberGhost VPN: CyberGhost VPN is another VPN provider that offers features such as bypassing geo-blocking, accessing streaming services, and ensuring online safety. It has a large server network and offers a 1-day free trial and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
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VyprVPN: VyprVPN is a lightweight VPN app that offers advanced privacy features and a proven zero logs policy. It includes features such as split tunneling and DNS leak protection. VyprVPN supports 10 simultaneous connections and provides 24/7 customer support.
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IPVanish: IPVanish is a VPN app that offers worldwide server coverage and features such as end-to-end encryption and protection against DDoS attacks. It has a large number of servers and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The article also mentions that Windows 8 and 8.1 have built-in support for VPN connections. Users can set up a VPN connection on their Windows 8 or 8.1 device by accessing the Settings screen in the Start window and selecting the Network option. From there, they can add a VPN connection.
Please note that the information provided above is based on the content of this article.