OpenVPN Connect 3.9.0 for Windows

OpenVPN Connect 3.9.0 is the official client from OpenVPN for connecting a Windows computer to a VPN server. It runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11, with versions for macOS and Linux, and you can download OpenVPN Connect for free from the official OpenVPN client page.

What does OpenVPN Connect do?

OpenVPN Connect is a client, not a VPN service. It creates an encrypted connection between your computer and a server that someone else runs: your company's network, your university, your home router or a commercial VPN provider that supports the OpenVPN protocol. Once connected, your traffic travels through that server, so you can reach internal resources as if you were in the office, or protect your connection on public Wi-Fi. What you can do through the tunnel depends entirely on the server and the profile you were given. This is why the app itself looks simple: most of the configuration lives in the profile file supplied by your administrator or provider, and the client's job is to use it reliably.

How do I connect?

1. Download the Windows installer from openvpn.net/client.
2. Install it and allow the network adapter Windows asks about.
3. Import the profile file you received from your administrator or VPN provider, or enter the server address they gave you.
4. Enter your credentials and connect.
5. Check that the resources you need are reachable, then disconnect when finished if you do not need the tunnel all the time.

Where do I get a profile?

From whoever runs the server. Companies usually provide a profile through an internal portal, and VPN providers offer OpenVPN profiles in their account area. Never use profiles shared publicly by strangers: the server operator can see and manipulate your traffic.

What changed in this version?

The version listed here is 3.9.0. OpenVPN publishes details for each release in the OpenVPN Connect release notes.

Key facts

How do I keep it secure?

• Protect profile files and passwords like keys to your network.
• Keep the client updated; VPN software is a frequent target for attackers.
• Use multi-factor authentication if your organisation offers it.
• Download the client only from openvpn.net.

What if it will not connect?

Check your internet connection first, then the date and time on the PC, since certificates depend on them. Make sure no other VPN client is active, and ask your administrator whether the profile has expired.

What are the pros and cons?

• Pro: official client for OpenVPN servers.
• Pro: works with many providers and company networks.
• Pro: free.
• Con: needs a profile from a server operator.
• Con: not a VPN service on its own.

What are the alternatives?

Our listings include OpenVPN GUI, another OpenVPN client for Windows, and Proton VPN, Mullvad VPN and Windscribe VPN, VPN services with their own apps.