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What is PPTP VPN and How to Set It Up in Windows 10/11

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

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.

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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 toopen firewall portsto allow PPTP traffic from and to your PC.

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 toset up a VPN with Remote Desktopto 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 toset up a VPN at homethrough 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

*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 canmake 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 canmake Windows 10 connect to VPN before logon.

2. Connect to the PPTP VPN

As you can see, connecting to the PPTP VPN is as easy as joining a Wi-Fi network. However, if thePPTP VPN is not connecting on Windows 10, make sure to fix this problem.

For example, if yourVPN 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 bysetting 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 Accessis 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 toshare your VPN connectionwith all nearby devices.

What else you should know about PIA:

Private Internet Access

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:

How do I enable PPTP VPN on Windows 11?

Now, to connect to your VPN:

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 theWindows 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 byPrivate Internet Access.

What is PPTP VPN and How to Set It Up in Windows 10/11#

What is PPTP VPN?#

Why use PPTP VPN?#

How do I use PPTP VPN on Windows 10?#

1. Create a PPTP VPN connection#

2. Connect to the PPTP VPN#

Why use a third-party VPN?#

Private Internet Access#

Does Windows 11 support VPN?#

How do I set up a VPN in Windows 11?#

How do I enable PPTP VPN on Windows 11?#

Conclusion#