How to set up the OpenVPN Connect app on Windows

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to connect to Surfshark on Windows using the OpenVPN Connect app. This method is useful for restrictive network environments or if your Windows version doesn’t support the Surfshark app.

To get started, you’ll need a Windows device, administrator access and an active Surfshark subscription.

Get your credentials

NOTE: These are different from the email and password you use to log into your account dashboard or the app.

1. Log in to your account on Surfshark website.
   
   NOTE: If you have any trouble accessing the page, you can also use this link or this link.
2. Click on VPN and select Manual Setup:
   
   
    
3. Click Desktop or mobile:
   
   
    
4. Click OpenVPN to generate your credentials:
   
   
    

5. Once there, you can copy the username and the password by clicking the icon. You will need to paste these credentials later in the guide.
   
   For now, keep this browser tab open, as we will return to it shortly.
    

   

    

Download configuration files

NOTE: For the following steps, we recommend opening a new tab in your browser.

1. Log in to your account on Surfshark website.
   
   NOTE: If you have any trouble accessing the page, you can also use this link or this link.
2. Click on VPN and select Manual Setup:
   
   
    
3. Click Desktop or mobile:
   
   
    
4. Click OpenVPN:
   
   
    
5. Click Locations:
   
   
    
6. From the location list, find the server you wish to connect to and click the Download button beside it:
   
   
    
7. Choose which file to download: UDP or TCP. Learn more about protocols and their differences:
   
   

Download and install the OpenVPN Connect app

1. Download OpenVPN Connect using one of the links below:
   
   Windows 32-bit 
   Windows 64-bit 
    
2. Locate the installation file in your device’s Downloads folder and double‑click it to begin the installation:
   
   
    
3. Click Next to start the installation process:
   
   
    
4. Review and accept the Wnd-User License Agreement, then click Next to continue:
   
   
    
5. Click Install:
   
   NOTE: When prompted to allow permissions to manage network and VPN settings, click Yes:
   
   

Connect to the VPN

1. Once the installation is complete, open the OpenVPN Connect app.
2. Click Upload File:
   
   
    
3. Locate the VPN configuration file you downloaded earlier, select it, and click Open:
   
   
    
4. Click Import:
   
    
    
5. Click Connect:
   
   
    
6. When prompted, paste the Username and Password you obtained in the Get your credentials section of this article, then click Enter:
   
   
    
7. If this is your first time connecting, you will see a prompt indicating that a certificate is missing. Click Add Certificate:
   
   
    
8. Turn the Require External Certificate toggle off:
   
   
    
9. Then enter the Username and Password from the Get your credentials section again:
   
   
    
10. Click Save Changes to establish the connection:
    
    
     
11. The connection is successful when the status indicator turns green and displays Securely Connected:
    
    

Disconnect from the VPN

To disconnect from the VPN, click Disconnect in the OpenVPN Connect app:

View and manage VPN profiles

In the OpenVPN Connect app, you can view all VPN profiles you’ve imported and add new ones if needed. 

To view your profiles or add a new one:

1. Open the OpenVPN Connect app.
2. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top‑left corner:
   
   
   
    
3. Select My Profiles:
   
   
    
4. Here, you will see a list of all configured profiles. From this screen, you can view existing profiles or add a new VPN profile:
   
   

Ensure the connection is successful

We always recommend checking if Surfshark VPN is working after setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performing Surfshark IP leak test and a DNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.