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
- I have a key pair
- I don't have a key pair
- Download and install WireGuard
- Connect to the VPN
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.
- Go to this page, choose the Desktop or mobile option and click on WireGuard.
- In the next window, click on I have a key pair.
- Enter your public key and hit Save.
- Now, click on Choose a location, and download your preferred location.
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
- Go to this page, choose the Desktop or mobile option and click on WireGuard.
- In the next window, click on I don't have a key pair.
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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.
- Now, click on Choose a location, and download your preferred location.
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
- Open this page, and download the WireGuard application.
- Once the download is complete launch the WireGuard installation file. Once launched, you will receive a pop-up, click Yes.
- Once the installation is complete, the app will open automatically.
Connect to the VPN
- In the WireGuard application, click on Import tunnel(s) from file.
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Now select the Surfshark configuration file you've downloaded earlier, and hit Open.
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You can rename this uploaded connection to your liking. To do so, simply click Edit. I'll name it Surfshark WireGuard.
- Lastly to connect to the VPN, click Activate, and to disconnect from the VPN, click Deactivate.
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.
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