How to set up WireGuard® manual connection
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  5. How to set up WireGuard® manual connection

How to set up a manual WireGuard® connection on Windows

Updated:

In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up a manual WireGuard® connection on your Windows device.

For any manual WireGuard® connection, you first need an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans on Surfshark’s pricing page.

 

We will cover the following steps:

  1. Get your key pair
  2. I have a key pair
  3. I don't have a key pair
  4. Choose a Surfshark server
  5. Download WireGuard® and connect to the VPN
  6. Ensure the connection is successful

 
Get your key pair


There are two ways we can go from here. You might have generated a key pair, and you'll be able to use it. Or, we will have to generate one.

If you have a key pair already, continue the tutorial as usual. If you do not, you should move on to the I don’t have a key pair section.

I have a key pair

  1. Go to Surfshark's login page and log in. Then, visit VPN > Manual setup. Choose the Desktop or mobile option and click on WireGuard.


  2. In the next window, click on I have a key pair.


  3. Name your key pair and click Next.


  4. Enter your public key and hit Save.


I don't have a key pair

  1. Go to Surfshark's login page and log in. Then, visit VPN > Manual setup. Choose the Desktop or mobile option and click on WireGuard.


  2. In the next window, click on I don't have a key pair.


  3. Name your new key pair.


  4. Click on Generate a new key pair.

    NOTE: Copy and store the generated key pairs on your device. You will not be able to check them here again.
     

Choose a Surfshark server

Once you have your key pair, you should see a Choose a location button. Click on it. Here, you'll find the list of available locations to connect to. Select one and hit the download button.



 

 

Download WireGuard® and connect to the VPN

 

  1. Open this page, and download the WireGuard application. Once you click this link, the download will begin immediately. If you cannot download from the link above, download it from here.
  2. Once the download is complete, launch the WireGuard installation file. Once launched, you will receive a pop-up. Click Yes.
    mceclip0.png
  3. Once the installation is complete, the app will open automatically. 

 

 

Connect to the VPN

 

  1. In the WireGuard application, click on Import tunnel(s) from file.
    WinWG11.png
  2. Now select the Surfshark configuration file you downloaded earlier, and hit Open.
    WinWG21.png
  3. You can rename this uploaded connection to your liking. To do so, simply click Edit. I'll name it Surfshark WireGuard.
    WinWG31.png
    WinWG41.png
  4. Lastly, to connect to the VPN, click Activate, and to disconnect from the VPN, click Deactivate.
    WinWG51.png

 

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.

Keep all devices safe

Stay connected to Surfshark at all times thanks to unlimited simultaneous connections





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