How Do I Setup a Free VPN Windows 7 in 2024?

A VPN is an easy way to stop ISP throttling, access streaming services on vacation, or protect your privacy online. However, some VPNs have data caps or are expensive.

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CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy and robust security features, including AES 256-bit encryption and GhostBear (an obfuscation feature). It also has a small server network and supports 1 device connection at a time.

1. ExpressVPN

If you want a Windows 7 VPN that is both user-friendly and feature-packed, ExpressVPN is an excellent option. It’s extremely easy to install (even if you don’t have a Windows 7 system) and offers support for up to eight simultaneous connections across multiple devices. Plus, it features robust privacy policies and ad blocking on desktops. You can even block access to explicit content with a click of a button in the desktop app.

The Windows client does a great job of keeping things simple, with a single large connect button and a smart location setting that defaults to the closest server available. You can change this at any time, and there are also options to save favorite servers and a dropdown list that displays your three most recent locations for quick access.

It’s easy to change the protocol and port that the connection uses, too, which can be helpful if you want to avoid particular ports used by popular services such as Spotify and Netflix. The service has more than 3,000 servers in 160 locations and supports a variety of protocols, including a fast Lightway protocol that was developed in-house. It also has a kill switch, strong Wi-Fi 6 protection with Cure53 auditing and a password manager called Keys.

You can also get a free router with your plan, so you can use ExpressVPN on any internet-enabled device in your home, without needing to install the app or worry about device connection limits. And if you run into any problems, the website has an encyclopaedic raft of articles and setup guides to help you resolve them.

On top of all that, it’s lightweight and uses very little CPU or RAM compared to many other VPNs. That makes it a good choice for older systems or for people who are worried about using up too much of their data allowance. And it’s available on both desktop and mobile, so you can use the same VPN across all your devices. You can even set up the Windows client to automatically start whenever you connect to your wireless network at home or work.

2. TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a simple VPN service that offers a user-friendly app, tons of servers, and great security features. This is one of the few free VPN services that have a kill switch, which shuts off your internet connection if the VPN disconnects. This is a great feature that could save you if you are doing something illegal like downloading a torrent of copyrighted content. TunnelBear also uses its own DNS so that any DNS queries you make are sent down the tunnel and not out onto the internet. The TunnelBear app also includes a network lock feature, called VigilantBear, that blocks any traffic from the device from going onto the internet without an active VPN connection.

You can set up TunnelBear on Windows, macOS, and Android devices. It has a very basic interface that is easy to navigate and only takes about 5 minutes to install. Once installed, you can click the bear in the bottom right corner of the screen to connect to a server. When you click the bear, it digs a tunnel to the honeypot (server location) that you selected. You can then connect and disconnect with the slider in the top of the screen. TunnelBear has over 5,000 servers in 47 countries, which is pretty good for a free VPN.

Unlike some free VPN services, TunnelBear does not log your web browsing activity or the websites you visit. However, it does log a few operational events, such as when you create an account or make a payment.

The tunneling protocol used by TunnelBear is PPTP, which means you’ll need to forward port 1723 in your home router for this to work. It’s worth noting that TunnelBear does offer a dedicated IKEv2 service for Windows users, so if you plan on using that option you should be able to connect to the VPN with a single click in the settings menu.

TunnelBear does have a few limitations, including the fact that it only supports one simultaneous connection. It’s also not available for Linux, and it doesn’t include a refund policy in case you aren’t satisfied with the service.

3. HideMyAss

The free version of HideMyAss is one of the most popular VPNs on the market, but it’s not without its drawbacks. For starters, it uses a single connection, limits your bandwidth to 500 MB per month, and doesn’t include many features you’ll find in its paid competitors. However, it is a great choice for those who want a fast and user-friendly VPN that won’t break the bank.

Once you’ve registered with a free account, installing the VPN is quick and easy. You’ll need to specify a few basic settings, including the VPN provider, the server name or address, and your username and password. You’ll also need to select a virtual location, which can help you avoid servers that are prone to censorship. You can also change your default gateway to a non-routable IP address.

Like most VPNs, HideMyAss supports both PPTP and SSL/TLS connections. PPTP is an older protocol that’s been around for a long time, but it doesn’t have the same level of encryption as SSL/TLS. The latter is a more recent protocol that’s developed and maintained by Microsoft, which means it’s not as well-reviewed as the other options.

HMA’s main selling point is its large network of servers in dozens of locations across the globe. It also boasts a number of useful security features, including an ad/tracker/malware blocker, split tunneling, and an auto-reconnect feature. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited and verified by Deloitte, and its headquarters are located in Romania, which reduces the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks.

Another standout feature is HMA’s IP Shuffle, which allows you to switch your virtual location with a single button press. It can be a great way to reduce the likelihood that others will track your activity, or it can even help you get into a site that was blocked while using the first IP address assigned by HMA.

On the downside, HMA’s customer support is notoriously lacking. Its forums are plagued by spam, and its support articles don’t always provide the answers you need. It’s also difficult to contact its support team, and even when you do manage to reach someone, the responses are often vague and cryptic.

4. Hotspot Shield

While there are certainly better options out there, Hotspot Shield is an easy-to-use and reliable option that provides a great deal of security for free. While it does have a few limitations, it’s still a solid choice for those who are looking for an efficient and straightforward VPN solution for Windows 7.

The desktop app opens with a dark panel that displays your default location and a large On/Off button; from there, it only takes a few taps to get started. It’s not as intuitive as some competitors, but the layout is easy to navigate even for total VPN newbies.

Once you’re connected, the client shows your current status in an easy-to-read screen that includes details such as load and ping times. It would be nice to see a system that allows you to group locations together into Favourites, but overall the client is a well-designed and feature-rich offering.

Mobile apps typically lag behind their desktop counterparts in terms of features, but Hotspot Shield bucks this trend with robust Android and iOS offerings that offer a wide variety of features. Its Android app in particular is especially impressive, with a sleek interface and a fast connect time that makes it easy to maintain high connection speeds.

For those who don’t want to deal with the app’s interface, a web browser-based version of the software is available. This browser-based client offers a more limited selection of features, but it’s still an effective way to use the service on your computer.

The Mac app is also available, but it’s a stripped-back version that lacks many of the features found in the Windows and Android apps. For instance, the Mac client only supports Hydra and WireGuard protocols, and it doesn’t have a kill switch or configurable IP leak protection. It’s also missing a few key usability features, including the ability to connect on launch or when you connect to insecure Wi-Fi.

It’s worth noting that Hotspot Shield’s no-log policy is a bit vague. While it doesn’t collect browsing history, it does record information such as your location and IP address. This may be acceptable for some, but it’s an important distinction to keep in mind.