Installing the OpenVPN Client on Windows

The OpenVPN project provides 64-bit and 32-bit installers for Windows 7 through Windows 11 on The OpenVPN Community Downloads Page. Alternately, use OpenVPN Client Export Package to create a self-executable client installer bundled with an appropriate configuration file.

The client installation is straightforward, the user can accept all the default values and actions.

Current stable versions of the OpenVPN client for Windows utilize a system service so the GUI can run without elevated privileges. Once installed, a user does not need administrative access to run the client.

While running, the OpenVPN client appears as an icon in the system tray. This icon can connect/disconnect VPNs or display additional information, such as connection logs.

The installation creates a new Local Area Connection adapter on the client system for OpenVPN. This interface indicates it is connected when the client has established a VPN connection and will otherwise show as disconnected. OpenVPN manages the configuration of this adapter and it does not require any manual adjustments.