Official OpenVPN Connect client program for your Windows PC

OpenVPN Connect

OpenVPN Connect

  -  98.2 MB  -  Open Source
  • Latest Version

    OpenVPN Connect 3.6.0 (64-bit) LATEST

  • Review by

    Michael Reynolds

  • Operating System

    Windows 7 64 / Windows 8 64 / Windows 10 64 / Windows 11

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    OpenVPN Inc. / External Link

  • Filename

    openvpn-connect-3.6.0.4074_signed.msi

OpenVPN Connect is the official VPN client developed by OpenVPN Inc. It allows users to securely connect to VPN servers using the OpenVPN protocol, ensuring privacy, security, and anonymity while browsing the internet.

OpenVPN Connect for Windows is widely used for personal privacy protection, remote access to business networks, and bypassing geo-restrictions.

Unlike other VPN applications that come pre-configured with VPN servers, this program is a client application that requires users to configure their own VPN server or connect to an existing one.

Main Features

Secure Encryption – Uses AES-256-bit encryption to protect data from cyber threats.

Cross-Platform Compatibility – Available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Support for OpenVPN Protocol – Connects seamlessly to any OpenVPN-based VPN service.

Custom VPN Configurations – Users can upload .ovpn configuration files for personalized setups.

Automatic Reconnect – Ensures a stable and persistent VPN connection.

Split Tunneling – Allows selective routing of traffic through the VPN.

IPv6 and DNS Leak Protection – Prevents data leaks outside the VPN tunnel.

Proxy Support – Enables connections through HTTP and SOCKS proxies.

Two-Factor Authentication – Enhances security by requiring additional authentication.

VPN Kill Switch (on certain platforms) – Automatically disconnects the internet when the VPN connection drops.

User Interface

The OpenVPN Connect UI is minimalistic yet functional. It features:

A clean dashboard displaying connection status and server details.

An easy-to-use import tool for adding VPN profiles via files, URLs, or QR codes.

A simple toggle button to connect or disconnect the VPN.

Advanced settings for customizing encryption, authentication, and networking preferences.

Installation and Setup
  • Download the app installer from the official OpenVPN website.
  • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Once installed, launch this tool.
  • Import a VPN profile by selecting an .ovpn file or entering server details manually.
  • Connect to the VPN using provided credentials.
Setup Requirements

A valid OpenVPN server address (provided by a VPN provider or self-hosted).

An .ovpn configuration file or manual server details.

A username and password if authentication is required.

How to Use

Import a VPN Profile – Upload an .ovpn file from your VPN provider.

Enter Credentials – If required, input your username and password.

Customize Settings – Configure DNS, proxy, and encryption settings.

Connect to VPN – Click the connect button to establish a secure connection.

Monitor Connection – Check the status on the dashboard to ensure a stable connection.

FAQ

How do I get an .ovpn file for OpenVPN Connect?
You can obtain an .ovpn file from your VPN provider or generate one from your own OpenVPN server.

Does OpenVPN Connect for PC support multiple profiles?
Yes, you can import and manage multiple VPN profiles within the app.

Can I use OpenVPN Connect with free VPN servers?
Yes, but free VPN servers may be slow and less secure. It is recommended to use a trusted provider.

Why is my OpenVPN connection dropping frequently?
Possible reasons include network instability, server overload, or incorrect VPN configuration. Ensure your settings are correct and try reconnecting.

Is OpenVPN Connect safe to use on public Wi-Fi?
Yes, this tool encrypts your traffic, making it safer to use on public Wi-Fi networks.

Alternatives

WireGuard – A modern VPN protocol with faster performance and easier configuration.

NordVPN – A commercial VPN provider with an intuitive interface and strong security features.

ProtonVPN – A privacy-focused VPN with OpenVPN support and a free plan.

SoftEther VPN – A multi-protocol VPN software offering better speed and flexibility.

NordLayer - Business VPN with cloud security features.

Cloudflare WARP - Fast, privacy-focused VPN service.

Pricing

Set up their own OpenVPN server (self-hosted for free).

Subscribe to a commercial VPN provider that supports OpenVPN (pricing varies by provider).

Use OpenVPN’s official hosted service, OpenVPN Cloud, which offers business-tier VPN solutions with pricing based on usage.

System Requirements

OS: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (32-bit & 64-bit)

PROS

✔️ Free and open-source protocol support
✔️ Strong security with AES-256 encryption
✔️ Works with multiple VPN providers
✔️ Supports multiple platforms
✔️ Customizable configurations

CONS

❌ Requires technical knowledge to set up
❌ No built-in VPN servers (requires external provider)
❌ Occasional connection stability issues
❌ Limited features compared to paid VPN apps

Conclusion

OpenVPN Connect is an excellent VPN client for users who prioritize security, customization, and flexibility. It is especially suitable for advanced users who have their own OpenVPN server or prefer using a third-party OpenVPN-compatible service.

However, it may not be the best choice for beginners looking for a plug-and-play VPN solution. If you're comfortable setting up your VPN or need enterprise-level security, this software is a powerful and reliable option.

Also Available: Download OpenVPN Connect for Mac

What's new in this version:

OpenVPN Connect 3.6.0 (64-bit)
- Added support of "Global Config" feature that allows configuring the app settings, importing profiles, and creating proxies by applying the single file. Refer to Global Config.
- Fixed an issue when software update notifications for OpenVPN Connect aren't shown to the user
- Fixed an issue when username, passwords, and certs, aren't correctly saved if they're saved on the Imported Profile screen
- Small fixes and improvements


OpenVPN Connect 3.5.1 (64-bit)
- Updated information exchange for CloudConnexa users
- Introduced a new dialog for profiles with ‘auth-nocache’ and ‘auth-user-pass’ directives
- Minor fixes and improvements


OpenVPN Connect 3.5.0 (64-bit)
- Application can't be installed on Windows 7 or 8
- Implemented Device Posture Checks feature
- Added Forced Re-authentication support
- Enhanced DNS stability and productivity (support for new DNS option)
- Connection through proxy with basic auth is now only allowed with "insecure" security level
- Updated TAP and DCO network drivers
- Added support for profiles with EC (elliptic curves signature algorithms) certificates
- Certificate validation added on Import and Connection (not allowed to import or connect with expired certificates)
- Renamed the Allow IPv6 setting to Block IPv6 to more clearly reflect its behavior
- External certificates are non-exportable
- Updated the Import Profiles screen
- Introduced UV_UUID reporting in service mode
- Application Installer now blocks the process on unsupported OS versions
- Other minor fixes and improvements


OpenVPN Connect 3.4.4 (64-bit)
- Improved web authentication dialog

Fixed:
- Fixed ELECTRON_RUN_AS_NODE vulnerability
- Fixed issue with environment variable in GUI
- Fixed issue with empty Device ID reported to VPN server
- Fixed issue when a system browser doesn't open during authentication with AS SAML on clean installed Windows 11
- Fixed UI issues in High Contrast mode


OpenVPN Connect 3.4.3 (64-bit)
- Dropped official support for Windows 8 (may still work but no support is provided for it anymore)
- Promoted DCO feature to stable (no longer in beta)
- Fixed security issue CVE-2023-4863 by updating relevant libraries
- Fixed regression where DNS zones were not applied correctly
- Improved handling of unwanted 0.0.0.0/0 route added by Windows operating system
- Updated handling of browser-based authentication - embedded browser and OPEN_URL no longer supported


OpenVPN Connect 3.4.2 (64-bit)
- Fixed issue where some antivirus solutions could trigger a false positive report


OpenVPN Connect 3.4.1 (64-bit)
- Added support for "all" OS type (Windows and macOS) of environment variables for Access Server

Fixed:
- Fixed connectivity issue using Dual-Stack IPv6/IPv4
- Fixed issue where "pull" directive was incorrectly marked as incompatible option
- Fixed issue where password input could lose focus
- Various bug fixes and user experience improvements


OpenVPN Connect 3.4.0 (64-bit)
Added:
- OpenVPN Data Channel Offload (DCO) support
- support for environment variables for Access Server
- ARM platform support via compatibility mode
- "Security Level" setting

Updated:
- Updated OpenVPN 3 library to version 3.8.0
- Updated OpenSSL library to version 3.0.8
- Removed onboarding screens

Fixed:
- security issue CVE-2022-3761 with checking web certificates during import process. Thanks to Mr. Ka Lok Wu of the Chinese University of Hong Kong for reporting this.
- a bug when importing profile from a server with Let’s Encrypt certificate
- the issue with numeric pad enter button not working
- the issue with the installation process related to a lockfile present in TEMP folder
- Various bug fixes and user experience improvements


OpenVPN Connect 3.3.7 (64-bit)
- Updated information exchange for OpenVPN Cloud users


OpenVPN Connect 3.3.6 (64-bit)
- OpenSSL updated to 1.1.1n (to address CVE-2022-0778)
- Minor change for Web Authentication in a system browser


OpenVPN Connect 3.3.5 (64-bit)
- Added import using Web Authentication in system browser
- Added reporting of UUID device identifier as UV_UUID parameter


OpenVPN Connect 3.3.4 (64-bit)
- Resolved a bug when importing OpenVPN Cloud profiles


OpenVPN Connect 3.3.3 (64-bit)
- Changed Web Auth flow to use external browser for authentication


OpenVPN Connect 3.3.2 (64-bit)
- Updated OpenSSL library to 1.1.1l version
- Added support of local DNS resolvers
- Added Device ID on Settings page
- Added Confirmation Dialogs setting
- Fixed UI issues on Windows 11
- Various bug fixes and improvements


OpenVPN Connect 3.3.1 (64-bit)
- Resolved a security issue related to OpenSSL configuration


OpenVPN Connect 3.3.0 (64-bit)
- Added command line interface. Refer to Command Line functionality for OpenVPN Connect
- Added support for PKCS11 hardware tokens. Refer to Support of #PKCS11 physical tokens for OpenVPN Connect
- Updated OpenVPN 3 library to 3.6.2 version
- Added captive portal detection
- Added network loss detection
- Added new functionality for software updates
- Replaced reconnect on reboot setting with launch option
- Added external certificates on Windows 7
- Added an Advanced Settings section
- Added colorful tray icons to show connection status
- Removed the "force AES-CBC cipher" legacy compatibility option
- Various bug fixes and UX improvements


OpenVPN Connect 3.2.3 (64-bit)
- Added support for deep linking and web authentication using system web browser