Since Windows is the operating system used by most computers and other Internet equipment, it is not hard to find a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that is compatible with this OS. However, Windows has several different operating systems that are still being used by machines, such as XP, Vista and the newer Windows 7. Not all VPN services can connect to this OS because not all of the VPN providers are as up-to-date as Windows 7. Many of the best providers have already considered the ever-changing operating systems and maintain their software in order to compensate for those changes.
When looking for a VPN that will connect to Windows 7, you have to look for more than just the ability to connect to this operating system. By searching each VPN’s features, you can easily find one that fits your requirements.
What a Windows 7 VPN Can Do
A VPN for Windows 7 can increase your Internet security by using protocols to protect your privacy. It does this by encrypting the line through those protocols. Security protocols tunnel through your regular ISP and then blocks infiltrating software from penetrating that tunnel. The amount of protection you receive from a VPN is determined by the type of protocol you choose to use with Windows 7.
You can also increase the bandwidth you receive because this tunnel is a different line than the one you customarily use with your ISP. Your ISP provides limited bandwidth, while some VPN services provide much more or different sizes of bandwidth. The bigger the bandwidth, the faster your Internet connection. Downloading movies, videos or webpages is much quicker through the top VPN services.
While these are only a few of the features a Windows 7 VPN can provide you, they are some of the most important.
Connect to Windows 7 VPN Providers
Connecting Windows 7 to a VPN service, first requires you to setup a VPN account. You need this because of the information the VPN service will provide to make the connection complete. After you make the connection, then you can go online through the VPN through your Network Connections, Sharing Center or WiFi icon.
However, you will first need to follow these setup steps.
- Select Start
- Select Control Panel
- See Network Status
- Select Connect to Network Link
- See the new dialog box listing new Network connections
- Locate VPN service
- Select your VPN service by name
- Select Connect
- Type in Security Key
- Select OK
- Select Connect
Most of the better VPN providers are listed on Windows 7, but if you have to make a connection to an unlisted VPN service, then follow the additional instructions found in Windows 7.
Our experts and IT specialists have done a lot of work discovering the best Windows 7 VPN providers. They looked at, used and ranked each VPN on their quality and number of servers, IP addresses and countries available through their service. After conducting this research, these professionals ranked them on their connection quality and cost. Here are the five best VPN services for Windows 7.
| Rank | Provider | Starting Price | Visit Provider |
 |
ExpressVPN | $6.67/month | Visit Provider |
| 2 | Hidemyass | $6.55/month | Visit Provider |
| 3 | IPVanish | $10.00/month | Visit Provider |
| 4 | StrongVPN | $21/ 3 months | Visit Provider |
| 5 | VyprVPN | $14.95/month | Visit Provider |