What is PPTP VPN and How to Set It Up in Windows 10/11
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Key notes
- PPTP is the oldest protocol created by Microsoft. Although it's now considered obsolete, it's still being used for remote VPN connections.
- You can also set up a VPN connection over PPTP to control a PC through the Internet using Remote Desktop.
- It's also possible to turn your home PC into a VPN server to accept incoming remote connections over VPN.
- Check out a complete step-by-step guide that shows how to create and connect to PPTP VPN on Windows 10.
PPTP is the oldest protocol implemented by Microsoft (in 1995). And most platforms have native support for PPTP, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
As such, you might be interested in setting up a VPN connection over PPTP on Windows 10 or other operating systems.
What is PPTP VPN?
PPTP VPN is a virtual private network client that uses the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol to connect to the VPN server.
It uses port 1723 over TCP and GRE (IP protocol 47). That means you have to open firewall ports to allow PPTP traffic from and to your PC.
- Pros
- Most devices have native support for PPTP, including routers
- Speedy and stable connections, ideal for streaming
- A perfect fit for older computers with weak hardware
- Cons
- An obsolete VPN protocol due to low security
- Can be easily blocked by firewalls
- Not suitable for business use
Why use PPTP VPN?
A company’s network administrator could set up a VPN server over PPTP to allow employees to remotely connect to the office and use the intranet resources, including files and printers.
It’s also possible to set up a VPN with Remote Desktop to remotely access a personal computer that’s in another network.
Or, you can simply connect to a VPN on your laptop through PPTP to enhance your online privacy and security.
Whatever your reasons are, you need to set up a VPN at home through the PPTP protocol.
The best part about it is that you don’t have to install any software since you can configure the Windows 10 VPN settings.
How do I use PPTP VPN on Windows 10?
1. Create a PPTP VPN connection
- Right-click the Start button and go to Network Connections.
- Select VPN.
- Click Add a VPN connection.
- Set VPN provider to Windows (built-in).
- At Connection name, type a display name.
- Set Server name or address, write the VPN server.
- At VPN type, select Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).
- Set Type of sign-in info to User name and password*.
- Write your VPN credentials at User name (optional) and Password (optional).
- Check Remember my sign-in info.
- Click Save.
*You can also set up a PPTP VPN connection on Windows 10 using a smart card, one-time password, or certificate authentication. However, the username-and-password combination is more common.
If you wish to use the VPN as soon as your PC gets online at startup, you can make Windows 10 auto-connect to VPN.
But if you want to be thorough about it and make sure your IP address doesn’t get leaked in the time it takes you to input your PIN or login credentials, you can make Windows 10 connect to VPN before logon.
2. Connect to the PPTP VPN
- Click the network icon in the systray.
- Select your PPTP VPN connection.
- Click Connect.
- Ask Google what’s your IP address to see if it changed.
As you can see, connecting to the PPTP VPN is as easy as joining a Wi-Fi network. However, if the PPTP VPN is not connecting on Windows 10, make sure to fix this problem.
For example, if your VPN connection gets blocked by Windows Firewall, you need to configure advanced firewall settings and enable a rule for PPTP.
To remotely access a PC on another network through the Internet by setting up a PPTP VPN with Remote Desktop, you need a router that supports PPTP connections.
But if you want to protect your online privacy and security, we suggest using a more secure VPN protocol like OpenVPN or WireGuard. These protocols are supported by Private Internet Access.
Why use a third-party VPN?
Private Internet Access is a VPN service that delivers premium security features for your entire household. It supports not only PPTP but also modern protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
Additionally, the VPN service supports exclusive DNS servers, 10 simultaneous connections, port forwarding, a kill switch, and split-tunneling mode.
You can also install it at the router level to share your VPN connection with all nearby devices.
What else you should know about PIA:
- +3,300 VPN servers in 48 countries
- Optimized for streaming and torrenting
- No logs
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-days money-back guarantee (no free trial)
Private Internet Access
Enjoy secure browsing, anonymous torrenting, lag-free gaming, and unlimited streaming by using PIA.Does Windows 11 support VPN?
Just like Windows 10, Windows 11 has a pre-installed VPN feature. You can easily activate it from the Settings panel, with just a few clicks.
How do I set up a VPN in Windows 11?
To connect to a VPN in Windows 11, you must first create a VPN profile:
- Type settings in the taskbar and open the Settings Panel.
- Select Network & Internet, and then VPN>Add VPN.
- Choose Windows (built-in) and enter a connection name of your choice.
- Choose the type of protocol (in this case, PPTP). Add a username and a password (optional) and hit Save.
How do I enable PPTP VPN on Windows 11?
Now, to connect to your VPN:
- Open the Settings panel again and select Network and Internet.
- Head to VPN and select Connect.
- Enter your credentials.
We must also mention that most reputable VPN services already released dedicated apps that are compatible with Windows 11.
Windows 11 does also support a proxy server. It’s just as easy to set up, but a VPN may be better when it comes to privacy. A proxy only masks your IP and browsing data for one app and lacks encryption.
Conclusion
To summarize, you can effortlessly set up a PPTP VPN connection using the Windows 10 built-in VPN provider, without having to install any additional software.
It’s a great way to remotely connect to the workplace, gain access to your company’s internal resources, and access files through the VPN.
However, if you want to get a VPN to increase your privacy on the Internet, we strongly discourage using the PPTP protocol because it’s terrible at security and can be easily hacked.
Instead, use a modern VPN protocol like OpenVPN or WireGuard. They are supported by Private Internet Access.
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