Adding OpenVPN Application and Profile to Microsoft Windows

OpenVPN is a widely used open-source software application that allows you to create secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations. This guide will walk you through the process of adding the OpenVPN application and an OpenVPN profile to your Microsoft Windows Desktop for secure and private access to a network. This enables a secure and encrypted connection to your network or server.

Prerequisites:

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

1. An active OpenVPN server with a configuration file (profile).
2. An Android phone with internet access.

Steps to Add OpenVPN Application and Profile:

1. Download and Install OpenVPN:

•    Visit the official OpenVPN website (https://openvpn.net/community-downloads/) and download the OpenVPN installer for Windows.
•    Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

2. Download the OpenVPN Configuration Profile:

•    Obtain the OpenVPN configuration profile (.ovpn file) from your VPN provider. This file typically contains the necessary configuration settings for connecting to the VPN server.

3. Copy the Configuration Profile to the OpenVPN Config Folder:

•    Once you have the .ovpn configuration file, copy it to the OpenVPN config folder. By default, this folder is located at `C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config`.

4. Launch the OpenVPN Application:

•    After copying the configuration profile, launch the OpenVPN application. You can find it in the Start menu or by searching for "OpenVPN GUI".

5. Connect to the VPN Server:

•    In the system tray, right-click on the OpenVPN icon (usually a yellow padlock) to open the context menu.
•    From the context menu, select the configuration profile you copied earlier. It should appear in the list of available profiles.
•    Click on the profile name to initiate the connection to the VPN server. You may be prompted to enter your VPN credentials (username and password).

6. Verify Connection:

•    Once the connection is established, the OpenVPN icon in the system tray should turn green, indicating a successful connection.
•    You can also verify your new IP address and connection status by visiting a website like https://wingutechnology.com/support/whats-my-ipaddress/.

7. Disconnect from the VPN Server:

•    To disconnect from the VPN server, right-click on the OpenVPN icon in the system tray and select "Disconnect".

That's it! You have successfully added the OpenVPN application and profile to your Microsoft Windows desktop. You can now securely browse the internet and access resources through the VPN connection. Remember to disconnect from the VPN when you no longer need it to conserve bandwidth and ensure optimal network performance.