BestFreeVPN
Updated June 2026 · Tested on Windows 11

The best free VPNs for Windows

Desktop is where free VPN apps get their full feature set: proper kill switches, protocol options, and the bandwidth to actually use them. We tested each pick on Windows 11 (they run on Windows 10 too) and ranked them for PC.

Windows 10 & 11 Kill switch noted P2P support flagged
ⓘ Some links below are affiliate links. If you upgrade to a paid plan we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It doesn't affect our ranking. Full disclosure.
Quick answer

Best free VPN for Windows: Proton VPN

Proton VPN is our top Windows pick because the desktop app pairs unlimited data with a real kill switch and open-source code. But if you want the most features for free, or you download a lot, the next two picks may suit your PC better.

1
Best overall for Windows

Proton VPN Free

★★★★★ 9.4 / 10
9.4
Our score
DataUnlimited
Kill switchYes
SpeedFast
Servers5 countries
No-logsAudited

On Windows, Proton VPN's desktop app is the most complete free package. Unlimited data means you can keep it running during long work sessions, the kill switch blocks traffic if the connection ever drops, and you can set it to launch and connect at Windows startup. The app is open source and the no-logs policy is independently audited, a level of transparency the other free apps don't fully match.

Best for: Everyday Windows privacy with a kill switch and no data ceiling.
Download Proton VPN for Windows → Free · no card required

Read our full Proton VPN review →

2
Most features for free on PC

Windscribe Free

★★★★½ 8.8 / 10
8.8
Our score
Data10 GB / mo
FirewallBuilt-in
Ad blockerBuilt-in
Servers10+ countries
No-logsStated

Windscribe's Windows app is the most feature-packed free desktop client we tested. It includes a built-in firewall that acts as a strict kill switch, the R.O.B.E.R.T. ad and tracker blocker, and a configurable system-tray app that power users will appreciate. The trade-off is the 10 GB monthly cap, which is comfortable for browsing and work but limits heavy downloading or streaming on your PC.

Best for: Windows users who want the most control and built-in privacy tools at no cost.
Visit Windscribe → Free · email sign-up

Read our full Windscribe review →

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3
Fastest & best for downloads

Hotspot Shield Basic

★★★★ 7.6 / 10
7.6
Our score
Data~500 MB/day
SpeedVery fast
P2PYes
Servers4 locations
No-logsLimited

Hotspot Shield's Windows app posts the fastest speeds of any free VPN we measured, thanks to its Hydra protocol, and it supports P2P traffic where most free plans block it. Instead of a monthly limit you get roughly 500 MB per day. The downsides on desktop: the free app shows ads, you're limited to four locations, and its privacy reputation trails Proton and Windscribe, so it's a speed-and-downloads pick rather than a privacy-first one.

Best for: Fast downloads and P2P on a PC, if you can tolerate ads.
Download Hotspot Shield for Windows → Free · no card required

Read our full Hotspot Shield review →

Good to know on Windows

Setting up a free VPN on a Windows PC

Should I use the desktop app or a browser extension?

Use the full desktop app. A browser extension only protects traffic inside that one browser, while the Windows app encrypts your whole connection: every browser, app and background service. Extensions are handy as a quick toggle, but they're not a substitute for the app.

What does the kill switch do, and should I turn it on?

A kill switch blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, so your real IP and data don't leak during the gap. Yes, turn it on; it's the single most useful safety setting on desktop. Proton VPN has one built in; Windscribe's firewall does the same job.

Can I make the VPN connect automatically at startup?

Most Windows apps have a "launch on startup" and "auto-connect" option in settings. Enable both and the VPN connects the moment you log in to Windows. With an unlimited plan like Proton VPN you can enable it once and never think about it again.

Is a free VPN enough for torrenting on Windows?

Only some free plans allow P2P, and on the others it's blocked. Hotspot Shield supports it on the free tier. That said, free data caps and slower free servers make heavy torrenting frustrating. If that's a priority, a low-cost paid plan is a better fit.

Looking for another platform? See our picks for iPhone, Android, or the full free VPN ranking.

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