OpenVPN is an excellent VPN solution for transmitting data securely over public network. Configuring an OpenVPN Server either on MikroTik RouterOS or Ubuntu Server, we can access local servers or devices from remote place using Windows 10/11, Android or MacOS. 

How to configure OpenVPN Server in Ubuntu Server was discussed in the previous article. In that article, I also discussed how to create a new OpenVPN client (for Windows OS) who will be able to connect the OpenVPN Server. So, in this article I am going to show how to install and configure OpenVPN client in Windows 10/11 and how to connect OpenVPN Server from this Windows Client PC.

Installing OpenVPN Client Software in Windows 10/11

OpenVPN Client Software for Windows 10/11 can be downloaded from OpenVPN’s download page. So, Go to OpenVPN’s Community Download Page and download the software that matches with your Operating System. For OpenVPN 2.5.7, the download option looks like the following image.

I will install OpenVPN client for Windows 10. So, I am downloading Windows 64-bit MSI installer.

After downloading installer package, install the software in your windows operating system. The software installation is as simple as installing other software in Windows Operating System.  

After OpenVPN client software installation, two OpenVPN network adapters will be installed like the following image. If these two adapters do not appear, OpenVPN client will not work.

After successful installation, you will find a OpenVPN GUI icon on your Desktop. Double click on it to run OpenVPN client. If OpenVPN GUI runs successfully, a small connection icon will be found in task bar or under hidden icons bar like the following image.

Click mouse right button on the OpenVPN GUI. First time it will ask to import the client config file that was generated while installing OpenVPN Server. If you yet don’t download the OpenVPN client config file from the Ubuntu Server where OpenVPN Server has been installed, download it and then import the config file.

As soon as the config file will be uploaded, it will ask to connect the client clicking the Connect option.  So, click the Connect option and if everything is OK, the OpenVPN connection will be established and the OpenVPN GUI icon will turn into green color.

You will also find the assigned IP address in your OpenVPN adapter if you keep mouse pointer on OpenVPN GUI or you can see IP information from Network and Sharing Center.

Note: If you try OpenVPN Server in your LAB or local environment, don’t forget to edit IP address in Client Config File because by default OpenVPN script will assigned public IP address. Otherwise, your test will be failure.

How to download and install OpenVPN client software in Windows 10/11 and how to configure OpenVPN client to connect OpenVPN Server have been discussed in this article. I hope you will now be able to install and configure OpenVPN client in Windows Operating System without any confusion. However, if you face any confusion, feel free to discuss in comment or contact me from Contact page. I will try my best to stay with you.

OpenVPN provides a secure and encrypted VPN tunnel across public network. Unlike PPTP and L2TP VPN Services which can be blocked, OpenVPN can highly be customized and even can be run over so popular TCP Port 443. So, OpenVPN cannot easily be blocked. OpenVPN uses SSL/TLS Certificates. So, OpenVPN Tunnel is a trusted tunnel to send and receive data across public network.

OpenVPN Server can easily install on Ubuntu Server. Installing OpenVPN Server on Ubuntu Server, we can connect Windows, Linux, MacOS or MikroTik RouterOS as OpenVPN client and can transmit data securely over public network.

The goal of this article is to configure OpenVPN Server over TCP or UDP port 443 and then connect Windows, Linux, RouterOS, MacOS and Android OpenVPN client for transmitting data securely over public network.

Installing OpenVPN Server on Ubuntu Server 20.04

OpenVPN Server installation and configuration on Ubuntu Server is not so difficult but we have to have UpToDate Ubuntu Server Installed. If you have Ubuntu Server installed before, issue the following command to update your Ubuntu Server.

$ sudo apt update

$ sudo apt upgrade

We also should have proper network configuration in Ubuntu Server. To access OpenVPN Server globally, we have to have Public IP address but for demo purpose I am using Private IP address. But it will not affect our configuration. Just replace your Public IP address with my Private IP address. There will be no issue logically.

To show configured IP address, issue the following command and remember or write-down the IP address.

$ ifconfig

ens160: flags=4163<UP,BROADCAST,RUNNING,MULTICAST>  mtu 1500

        inet 172.22.2.100  netmask 255.255.255.0  broadcast 172.22.2.255

        inet6 fe80::250:56ff:fe9d:d9fe  prefixlen 64  scopeid 0x20<link>

        ether 00:50:56:9d:d9:fe  txqueuelen 1000  (Ethernet)

        RX packets 13748273  bytes 2464567366 (2.4 GB)

        RX errors 0  dropped 20681  overruns 0  frame 0

        TX packets 58393  bytes 4758690 (4.7 MB)

        TX errors 0  dropped 0 overruns 0  carrier 0  collisions 0

The above command is showing that my IP address is 172.22.2.100. So, you find out your IP address and write-down it for upcoming configuration. 

For OpenVPN configuration we will use a GitHub script which will help to install and configure OpenVPN Server within five minutes. So, issue the following command to download GitHub script in your Server Machine.

$ wget https://git.io/vpn -O openvpn-install.sh

Note: if find that wget utility is not installed in your system, install it first and then run the above command.

The script file is now in your working directory but before run the script we need to provide execute permission. So, issue the following command to provide execute permission.

$ sudo chmod +x openvpn-install.sh

The script is now executable and ready to run. So, issue the following command to run the script.

$ sudo bash openvpn-install.sh

The above command will ask the following configuration information. Put that information according to your need.

• Protocol: Protocol that will be used by OpenVPN Server. It will be either UDP or TCP. Default and recommended is UDP but we will use TCP because we will configure OpenVPN over TCP/443.
• Port: OpenVPN listening port. Default is 1194 but we will use 443.
• DNS Servers: DNS Servers for the clients. Default is current system resolvers but I am using Google’s DNS Server which is safe.
• First Client: First client name. A client configuration file for this client will be generated. We will download that generated file and upload for client configuration. As our first client will be a Windows machine, I am naming it as windows but you can name it whatever you like.

OpenVPN script is now ready to install and ask to press any key to continue. So, press any key to continue OpenVPN Server installation on Ubuntu Server.

Within minute the OpenVPN Server will be installed and a client configuration file for the given name will be generated in /root/ directory.

OpenVPN Server Administration

The default OpenVPN Server instance is Server and its configuration file is /etc/openvpn/server/server.conf . There is no need to change the default configuration but if require we can change the configuration from this file.

If you change configuration file or need to restart the OpenVPN Server, issue the following command.

$ sudo systemctl restart openvpn-server@server.service

If you need to stop the OpenVPN Server, issue the following stop command.

$ sudo systemctl stop openvpn-server@server.service

And to start the OpenVPN Server, issue the start command.

$ sudo systemctl start openvpn-server@server.service

Similarly we can show the OpenVPN Server status with the status command.

$ sudo systemctl status openvpn-server@server.service

Firewall Configuration for OpenVPN Server

If you use host base firewall like Firewalld or UFW in your Ubuntu Server, you have to open TCP port 443 because we have configured OpenVPN Server on TCP/443 port. Otherwise, OpenVPN client cannot communicate with OpenVPN Server.

Downloading OpenVPN Client Configuration File from Ubuntu Server

OpenVPN configuration script generates first client configuration file while installing OpenVPN Server in /root directory. So, we have to download this file from this location before configuring OpenVPN client because this file has to be uploaded in OpenVPN client software.

As /root directory cannot be accessed without super user, first switch to super user and copy file to current user’s desktop and then download the client configuration file with FTP or WinSCP or OpenSSH client software.  

Adding New OpenVPN Client

If we need to create more clients, we can do it just running the script again like the following command.

$ sudo bash openvpn-install.sh

The above command will now open the following menu item.

All the options are self-explanatory. So, to add a new client, select the first option. It will now ask to provide the client name.

Provide a name for the client:

Name: android

Provide the client name that you wish and the script will generate another client file in /root directory. Similarly we can create as many clients as we required.

OpenVPN Server on Ubuntu Server is now ready and we can connect Windows, Linux, MacOS, RouterOS and Android client and can communicate securely across public network.

In the next tutorial, we will configure OpenVPN client in the following Operating System.

• OpenVPN Client Configuration on Windows 10/11
• OpenVPN Client Configuration on Linux
• OpenVPN Client Configuration on Android
• OpenVPN Client Configuration on MacOS
• OpenVPN Client Configuration on RouterOS.

How to install and configure OpenVPN Server on Ubuntu Server has been discussed in this article. I hope you will now be able to install and configure OpenVPN Server in Ubuntu Server without any difficulty. However, if you face any confusion, feel free to discuss in comment or contact me from Contact page. I will try my best to stay with you.

There are many VPN providers on the market. It can be difficult to know which one is best for you, but luckily we have compiled a list of six of the best! Get ready for our top picks.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or virtual private network, hides and encodes your internet traffic so that you can surf the web more securely. By doing so, it protects your data from hackers and prying eyes. Think of a VPN as a tunnel between you and the outside world — where anyone watching from the other side sees only jumbled letters instead of sensitive information like passwords and banking data.

Is VPN Good or Bad?

VPNs are incredibly useful. They provide security and privacy by encrypting all the data that leaves your computer or mobile device. In fact, that’s why you’re here — you’ve heard about the dangers of public WiFi and want to check if a VPN can help protect you from hackers and snoopers at coffee shops, airports, hotels, and all those other places you connect to the web while on the go.

What makes a good VPN?

If you’re looking for a great VPN service, fast speeds and ease of use are key — here’s what we look for in a top-notch VPN:

Good speed test results: A good VPN will be fast enough that it doesn’t affect your browsing experience. All of our contenders have passed the tests, so pick a winner!

Strong privacy policy: A strong no-logging policy is essential for protecting your privacy on the web. You’ll want to know that you’re off the radar when it comes to hackers and advertisers. Good security features

We recommend Express VPN as it has high speeds and easy-to-use software that will let you stay connected to your favorite sites all over the world. NordVPN also offers an excellent service with 24/7 customer support that will help if any problems arise. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect provider for your needs!

Best VPN Providers to Consider in 2022

The best 6 providers which will make your browsing faster keeping your privacy are listed below:

• HideMyAss
• ExpressVPN
• NordVPN
• CyberGhost
• IPVanish
• VyprVPN

HideMyAss

HideMyAss is one of the largest VPN providers with over 800 servers in 190 different countries. They offer advanced encryption and protocol options with an extremely fast connection speed allowing you to browse the internet securely, privately and anonymously.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has over 1500 servers spread across 94 countries with support for Smart DNS, allowing them to unblock even the most difficult websites. Their custom software is easy to install and use, so you can be sure that you will never have connection issues.

NordVPN

NordVPN has over 3600 servers spread across 60 countries including many locations in Canada, which means you will always find a reliable VPN server close to home. They offer a high number of encryption options and a zero-log policy.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a Romanian provider with over 1700 servers in over 60 countries, including many locations in Canada, allowing you to connect from almost anywhere. This VPN service offers high speeds with the option to go ‘no logs’, and has some additional features like a sever access remover and a VPN-for-WiFi feature. IPVanish

IPVanish

IPVanish has over 500 servers, spread across 60 countries with 10 in Canada, allowing you to switch between them as often as possible. They allow P2P traffic on many of their servers and offer an SSTP service, which is the most reliable way to connect to Canada.

VyprVPN

Vyprvpn has over 700 servers, spread across 70 countries with 10 in Canada allowing you to switch between them as often as possible. They offer a premium service that allows you to have many different IP addresses, which is useful if there are certain websites that you need to access

What is the Fastest VPN in 2021?

HideMyAss has high speeds while connecting to the service, and they offer an ‘internet kill switch’, which is excellent in case your VPN connection suddenly drops. ExpressVPN also offers high speeds while supporting servers all over the globe, allowing you to unblock just about anything!

The Fastest VPN 2022?

IPVanish connects quickly with extremely high speeds, and Nord VPN also offers high-quality servers located all over the world. Vyprvpn has a large number of servers and allows you to connect with an SSTP connection, which is the most secure and reliable way to access Canadian websites.

VPN in Digital Marketing

Your marketing is invaded by hackers, identity thieves and third parties. This can be bad for business- sometimes very quickly! However there are ways to protect yourself from these outside forces which could make all of the difference in your success or failure. One option that many small businesses don’t consider because it’s too involved with setting up something like PPTP (point-to point tunneling protocol) but doesn’t provide enough privacy protection would be IPsec VPNs – they’re complicated at first glance however when you break down what each acronym stands for their simplicity becomes apparent: Internet Protocol Security/IP(internet protocol) Security. A VPN digital marketing company can help you get a VPN marketing account for your business, and streamline the process of a VPN network for marketing resources.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a wide variety of VPN providers in the world and finding the best one for your needs will depend on where you live and what websites need to be unblocked. We hope that our guide has helped highlight some of the best options available today — we wish you luck with your future endeavors!