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How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

We take you through, step-by-step, the process of installing the popular ExpressVPN service on your Windows machine.
By David Gewirtz, Senior Contributing Editor
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1 of 16 Photo by Christian Englmeier on Unsplash

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

In this example, we're looking at installing ExpressVPN on a Windows machine. A similar process follows for Mac, iOS, and Android.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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2 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

Once you've created an account and logged in, choose Windows since this install is for a Windows machine.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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3 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

Go ahead and hit the Download button.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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4 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

You'll have the opportunity to run your download immediately, or save the install file and then run it. I like keeping the installer, so I always choose Save instead of Run.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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5 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

Now, it's time to run the downloaded installer.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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6 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

Windows helpfully makes sure you really want to install your new software. Go ahead and click Yes.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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7 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

Now it's time to sign in.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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8 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

Once again, you'll need to confirm that you do, indeed, want your system to be modified.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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9 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

If you purchased ExpressVPN, the initial download page (and usually an email) will contain an activation code. Paste it there.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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10 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

Now, decide if you want the VPN to be enabled as soon as you start Windows. If you're working from home, you might want to say "No Thanks," but if you're traveling, you might want to choose "OK." Also, if you're very concerned about your personal security, you might want to say "OK."

Get ExpressVPN here.

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11 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

This is up to you. It's not a big performance hit, but if you don't like sharing data and use a VPN because of it, you might not like sharing data with ExpressVPN.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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12 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

And there you go. If you didn't set up auto-connect, hit the big Connect button to enable the VPN. It's that easy.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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13 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

One of the great mysteries of the modern world is why, while I was sitting in my office, ExpressVPN says: "Your car is online."

Get ExpressVPN here.

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14 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

And here you go. All data from now on is encrypted through the VPN. I'm connecting to Seattle because it's close, but you could connect through other countries as well.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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15 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

There's a large selection of connection choices. Pick what best meets your needs.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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16 of 16 ExpressVPN

How to install ExpressVPN on Windows

And, finally, ExpressVPN has a deep library of settings. Once you're confident with the basic connection, dig through the many options available.

Get ExpressVPN here.

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