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Windows 10/11 VPN using a different port: is it possible?
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Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
If you’re using Windows 10’s built-inVPN, you probably know that it involves certain limitations. While it is a great feature, Windows 10’sVPNfollows a set of predefined rules and allows little to no customization.
As opposed to a consumer-gradeVPNsuch asPrivate Internet Access, there’s also no advanced feature in sight. You can’t enable a kill switch, there’s no way to split traffic without getting your hands dirty. You know, the usual.
However, one of the most annoying limitations that Windows 10’sVPNentails is the inability to use a differentport. Although this might not sound like more than a nuisance, it can actually trigger some difficult situations.
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Can you use a different port in Windows 10 VPN?
Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try, there’s no way to switch Windows 10VPN‘sport. By default, thisVPNuses port 1723 for PPTP connections.
If you’re trying to connect to aserverthat runs on a differentport, you’re definitely going to have a hard time. You can check this out by trying to connect to aVPNserverusing Windows 10’s built-in feature.
How does Windows 10’s VPN work?
In theVPNconnection window, you’ll get the following fields:
As you can see, there’s little to no elbow room regarding customization possibilities. Ideally, it should be possible to append the port number to theserver‘s address by using a colon (:).
However, it appears that doing that has no effect whatsoever. If you try adding a port number to the address (so that it looks like this127.0.0.1:4000), Windows will try to resolve theport, thinking it’s a Domain Name.
If yourserverruns on anotherportand you only input theserver‘s address, Windows 10’sVPNwill attempt to use the default port (1723), which will lead to a failed connection.
How can I fix Windows 10 VPN’s default port issue?
1. Make the server run on the default port
Not ideal, but doing so could save you from a lot of headaches. Just make sure theVPNserveryou configure runs on the default 1723 port. That way, you won’t have to deal with compatibility issues between clients and theserverregarding the port number.
Note that doing so will most definitely affect yourVPN‘s ability to avoid firewall blocks. If you’re in an environment whereVPNsare not exactly tolerated, it will be tenfold easier for the network administrator to detect and blockVPNtraffic.
2. Use third-party software
This is a more acceptable solution since it doesn’t involve compromising yourVPNserverby making it use the default port number. Third-party software such as OpenVPN provides you with the same level of security and more flexibility.
On the downside, you’ll need to use OpenVPN for both theserverand the clients you wish to connect to saidserver. While Windows 10’sVPNdoes support severalVPNprotocols, OpenVPN is still not one of them.
Unfortunately, Windows 10’s VPN can’t use different ports
To wrap it up, if you’ve planned on using Windows 10’sVPNwith a differentportthan its default one, we have some bad news. Currently, there’s absolutely no way you can change the default port when creating aVPNconnection in Windows 10.
However, if you’re 100% determined to keep usingWindows 10 as your VPN provider, there are a few things you can do about it.
It’s not exactly great, but you can try using the default port on theVPNserver. If that doesn’t work for you, there’s also the possibility of using third-party software solutions such as OpenVPN.
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More about the topics:VPN,Windows 10 Guides
Vlad Constantinescu
Vlad might have a degree in Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management, but he’s currently rocking anything software related, ranging from testing programs to writing in-depth reviews about them.
He spent 3-4 years as a software editor at Softpedia and another year as a VPN specialist before he landed his current job as an author at Windows Report.
In his free time, Vlad enjoys playing guitar, doing jigsaw puzzles, researching cybersecurity, and even having a good read on rainy days.
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