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How to set up a manual WireGuard connection on Windows

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

 

Here are the steps we will go through:

 

Credentials and locations

 

For any manual WireGuard connection you will need to have a key pair and a location to which you would like to connect selected, below you will find information on how to get the key pair as well as the server configuration file.

 

I have a key pair

 

For any manual WireGuard connection you will need to have a key pair, below you will find information on how to get one.

 

  1. Go to this page, choose the Desktop or mobile option and click on WireGuard.

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

    wgro2.png

  3. Enter your public key and hit Save.

    wgro3.png

  4. Now, click on Choose a location, and download your preferred location.

    wgro4.png
    wgro5.png

 

Note: If you do not generate key pair before downloading the configuration file, the file will be missing your key pair. In such cases, you will need to generate a key separately and input it manually into missing fields.

 

 

I don't have a key pair

 

  1. Go to this page, choose the Desktop or mobile option and click on WireGuard.

    mceclip0.png

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

    wgro6.png
  3. Click on Generate a new key pair.

    Note: once the key pairs are generated, copy them and store them on your device, as you will not be able to check them again.

    wgro7.png
  4. Now, click on Choose a location, and download your preferred location.

    wgro8.png
    wgro5.png

 

Note: If you do not generate key pair before downloading the configuration file, the file will be missing your key pair. In such cases, you will need to generate a key separately and input it manually into missing fields.

 

 

Download and install WireGuard

 

  1. Open this page, and download the WireGuard application.

  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've 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

 

Congratulations! Now you know how to set up a manual connection on your Windows device using the WireGuard protocol.

You can also connect via the WireGuard hassle-free by using the Surfshark VPN for Windows.


You may also be interested in:

  1. How to make sure if my connection was successful?
  2. How to enable 2FA on your Surfshark account?
  3. How to set up a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot using Windows?
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