Skip to main content

Connect to WireGuard VPN on Windows

Complete guide to setting up WireGuard VPN client on Windows 10/11

Windows Native

Official WireGuard app for Windows

Desktop Ready

Full-featured Windows client

High Performance

Optimized for Windows

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • Windows 10 (version 1809 or later) or Windows 11
  • Administrator access to install software
  • WireGuard VPN server already configured (see our server setup guide)
  • Server configuration file or connection details

1. Download and Install WireGuard

Download the official WireGuard client for Windows:

  1. Visit WireGuard download page
  2. Click "Download Windows Installer"
  3. Run the downloaded installer (wireguard-installer.exe)
  4. Follow the installation wizard
  5. Restart your computer if prompted

Direct Download: WireGuard Windows Installer

2. Open WireGuard Application

After installation:

  1. Open WireGuard from the Start menu
  2. You'll see the main WireGuard interface
  3. The app will be minimized to the system tray when closed

3. Add VPN Configuration

You have two options to add your VPN configuration:

Option A: Import Configuration File (Recommended)

  1. Click "Add Tunnel" button in WireGuard
  2. Select "Import tunnel(s) from file"
  3. Navigate to and select your configuration file (.conf)
  4. The configuration will be imported automatically

Option B: Create from Scratch

  1. Click "Add Tunnel" → "Add empty tunnel"
  2. Enter a name for your VPN connection
  3. Paste your configuration into the editor
  4. Click "Save"

4. Configure Connection Settings

Edit your configuration to ensure it's correct:

  • Name: Give your VPN a friendly name
  • Private Key: Your client private key (auto-generated)
  • Public Key: Share this with your server admin
  • Address: Your VPN IP address (e.g., 10.8.0.2/24)
  • DNS Servers: DNS to use when connected (e.g., 8.8.8.8, 1.1.1.1)

5. Configure Server Peer

In the [Peer] section, ensure you have:

  • PublicKey: Your server's public key
  • Endpoint: Server IP or domain with port (e.g., vpn.example.com:51820)
  • AllowedIPs:
    • 0.0.0.0/0 - Route all traffic through VPN
    • 10.8.0.0/24 - Only route VPN network traffic
    • 0.0.0.0/0, ::/0 - Route both IPv4 and IPv6
  • PersistentKeepalive: Set to 25 (important for NAT traversal)

6. Connect to VPN

To connect to your VPN:

  1. Select your VPN configuration in WireGuard
  2. Click the "Activate" button
  3. You may be prompted by Windows to allow the VPN connection - click "Allow"
  4. The status will change to "Active" when connected
  5. You'll see data transfer statistics (sent/received bytes)

7. Verify Connection

Verify your VPN is working correctly:

  1. Check WireGuard shows "Active" status
  2. Visit whatismyipaddress.com - should show your server's IP
  3. Check the transfer statistics in WireGuard
  4. Test accessing websites and services
  5. Run a speed test to check performance

8. Windows-Specific Features

  • Auto-Start: WireGuard can start with Windows
  • Kill Switch: Automatically blocks internet if VPN disconnects
  • System Tray: Quick access from system tray icon
  • Multiple Tunnels: Manage multiple VPN configurations
  • Logging: View connection logs for troubleshooting
  • Firewall Integration: Works seamlessly with Windows Firewall

9. Troubleshooting Windows Issues

Common issues and solutions:

  • Can't connect: Check Windows Firewall allows WireGuard, verify server is running
  • Connection timeout: Verify server IP/port and firewall rules
  • Slow speeds: Check server location and network quality
  • App won't start: Run as Administrator, check Windows version compatibility
  • DNS not working: Verify DNS servers in configuration
  • Interface errors: Restart WireGuard service or reboot Windows

For more help, see our troubleshooting guide.

Related Guides