How to Download NordVPN on Windows – Quick and Simple

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Learning how to download and use NordVPN on Windows will secure your internet connection and maintain your privacy online.

NordVPN is a well-established VPN service with sturdy encryption and advanced features that guarantee security and anonymity on the web. It also lets you bypass geo-blocks to enjoy seamless access to global content.

Setting up NordVPN is a breeze, and in this guide, I’ll show you the exact steps to download and use it on Windows. I’ll also discuss some of its features and provide troubleshooting tips if it isn’t working on your PC.

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How to Download NordVPN on Windows – Quick Guide

  1. Subscribe to NordVPN and download the app for Windows.
  2. Launch the NordVPN setup file and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. Log into the NordVPN app with your username and password.
  4. Customize the settings by enabling features like the Kill Switch and Auto-connect.
  5. Connect to a server in a country of your choice and enjoy a secure internet connection with NordVPN.

Does NordVPN Work on Windows?

Yes, NordVPN works on Windows and is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and Windows 7 Service Pack 1. Downloading and installation take just a few minutes and a system restart.

Moreover, the app’s interface is simple and beginner-friendly. A single click secures your connection, and there’s a map of all available locations, a list of countries, and a separate tab for obfuscated and double VPN servers.

You may encounter some issues during setup, like Error 1001 or NordVPN crashing. However, you can troubleshoot these by temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall during installation and updating your Windows drivers and software.

Why Should You Use an App like NordVPN on Windows?

Having one of the best VPNs for Windows is vital for comprehensive internet security and privacy, and I rate NordVPN as the best VPN on the market based on my experience of testing security products. Here are some key benefits:

  • Robust Digital Security – A VPN secures your Windows computer’s internet connection by transmitting your traffic through an encrypted tunneling protocol. Cybercriminals can’t intercept the data in this tunnel, so it protects your sensitive info like passwords, banking details, and browsing activities. Notably, this additional security layer helps you rest easy when using public Wi-Fi networks at hotels or airports.
  • Maximum Privacy and Anonymity – VPNs ensure your online activities can’t be monitored by your internet service provider (ISP), government, hackers, or third-party advertisers. You’ll enjoy full anonymity while browsing the internet, and there’ll be no way for anyone to dox you because the VPN masks your original IP address.
  • Avoid Targeted ISP Throttling – ISPs are known to throttle data during bandwidth-intensive activities like torrenting, streaming, and gaming. Since a VPN hides what you do online, it prevents ISPs from targeting your internet speed.
  • Access Global Media Content – A VPN helps you bypass geo-blocks across the globe by changing your virtual location and making it seem like you’re browsing from a different country. This unrestricted access lets you seamlessly enjoy content and services unavailable in your region.

How to Download and Install NordVPN for Windows

  1. Go to the NordVPN Website

    Go to NordVPN’s website and pick a subscription. Next, go to the Windows download page and click Download App.

    <strong>Go to the NordVPN Website</strong>
  2. Launch the Setup File

    Open the setup file (NordVPNSetup.exe) and follow the steps to complete the installation.

    <strong>Launch the Setup File</strong>
  3. Restart Your Computer

    After the installation is complete, you’ll receive a prompt to restart your PC. Select Yes, restart the computer now, and click Finish.

    <strong>Restart Your Computer</strong>
  4. Open NordVPN

    You can now launch the app from your desktop, Start menu, or app list. NordVPN is now set up on your Windows computer.

    <strong>Open NordVPN</strong>

How to Use NordVPN on Windows

Now that you have NordVPN up and running, let me show you how to configure and use it:

  1. Launch NordVPN and Log In

    Open the NordVPN app and click Log in. It’ll launch your browser and let you enter your email ID or sign in with Google or Apple.

    <strong>Launch NordVPN and Log In</strong>
  2. Customize Basic Settings

    Upon app launch, you’ll have to customize your Auto-connect settings and enable/disable the Internet Kill Switch and Threat Protection Pro. Once done, click Next.

    <strong>Customize Basic Settings</strong>
  3. Connect to a Server

    If you enabled Auto-connect in the previous step, you’ll already be connected to a server when you land on the dashboard. If not, click Quick Connect or a country under it to instantly establish a VPN connection. To switch to a different location, scroll through the Countries list towards the bottom left and click the server you want. Alternatively, you can type and search for a country in the Search connections bar.

    <strong>Connect to a Server</strong>
  4. Specialty Servers

    To use connections like double VPN, obfuscated servers, Onion over VPN, or P2P, click Specialty Servers at the bottom left (beside Countries) and select one of these options. You now know everything you need to make the most of your NordVPN subscription.

    <strong>Specialty Servers</strong>

What Features Does NordVPN Have on Windows?

NordVPN offers plenty of advanced security and privacy features for Windows users. It supports 10 simultaneous connections, and its intuitive interface and speedy protocols promise a smooth and safe online experience.

Here are some of NordVPN’s Windows functionalities:

  • Security: Based in privacy-friendly Panama, NordVPN has sound security measures, starting with military-grade AES-256 encryption, secure NordLynx and OpenVPN protocols, and an internet kill switch. Additional features include Threat Protection Pro, which blocks malicious sites, ads, and trackers.
  • Privacy: NordVPN’s dependable no-logs policy has been verified by reputable third-party organizations, promising that none of your activity data is logged or stored by the company. For maximum privacy, there are features like obfuscated servers to mask VPN usage in restrictive regions and double VPN to route your data through two separate servers.
  • Geo-unblocking: NordVPN has 7,100+ ultra-fast servers in 118 countries across all major global regions. As one of the best VPNs out there, it reliably unblocks the international content libraries of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Paramount+, and Hulu in most countries.
  • Higher-tier features: Opting for NordVPN’s higher-tier plans gives you even more comprehensive digital security. You get a password manager, malware scanner, dark web/data breach scanner, ad/tracker blocker, and 1TB encrypted cloud storage.

For more in-depth coverage, check out our NordVPN review.

How to Fix NordVPN if It’s Not Working on Windows

Although rare, NordVPN may sometimes fail to work on your PC. Here are some possible causes and solutions to get NordVPN up and running for you:

  • You get an Error 1001 during installation – To troubleshoot, use the Windows update tool and update your OS to the most recent version. If that doesn’t work, download the latest .NET Framework. As a last resort, temporarily disable the computer’s firewall and antivirus and reinstall NordVPN.
  • The NordVPN app keeps freezing or crashing – Try uninstalling and reinstalling the latest version of the app and updating Windows. If the issue persists, follow these steps: Hit Windows + R > Type services.msc and press Enter > Scroll down and right-click Task Scheduler > Click Start.
  • Your internet keeps getting disconnected when connecting to the VPN – For a quick fix, try using a different VPN server. If that doesn’t work, switch your VPN protocol. You can also try adding exceptions for NordVPN to your device’s firewall and antivirus. Lastly, perform a network flush: Launch NordVPN > Settings > General > Run Diagnostics > Network Flush > Restart your computer.
  • You get disconnected when you close the VPN – In this instance, NordVPN’s kill switch may be disconnecting you, preventing unsecured internet access. To check this, go to Settings, then Kill Switch. If the option “Disable internet access when you disconnect from VPN manually or the connection drops unexpectedly” is enabled, then NordVPN will block your internet access. You can turn off this option here or turn off the kill switch entirely, if you prefer.

If you need help setting up a VPN on a different platform, check out this guide on how to set up and use a VPN.

    Conclusion – Download NordVPN on Windows

    Learning how to download NordVPN on Windows is quite simple, as the installation and setup only take a few minutes. The intuitive Windows app runs smoothly, and if you encounter issues during installation, updating your OS or adjusting your antivirus/firewall settings resolves most problems.

    Once you have NordVPN working, you’ll have greater security, privacy, and anonymity online, along with effective geo-unblocking to enjoy global content. Moreover, its advanced features, including AES-256 encryption, web protection, and Specialty servers, will enhance your overall browsing and online safety.

    FAQs

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    Nikshep Myle
    Technology Journalist
    Nikshep Myle
    Technology Journalist

    Nikshep is a technology writer at Techopedia, with a specialty in cybersecurity subjects such as VPNs, antivirus, and password managers. He has also written for various popular tech blogs, including TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Gadget Review, SlashGear, Creative Bloq, and IT Pro and has 450+ articles to his name. Along with writing and editing, he has experience managing writers and conducting SEO research. When he’s not covering tech, he loves researching and experimenting to find new ways to optimize health and well-being. He also enjoys gaming and meditation – which are akin to personal hygiene for him.