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Routers & Wi-Fi · Windows 10

Share the VPN on Windows 10 over Wi-Fi

Turn your PC into a virtual router: any device that joins its Wi-Fi hotspot will use the VPN's IP.

Why

Devices that can't run a VPN

Some smart TVs, game consoles, Apple TV, Chromecast and other devices can't connect to a VPN on their own. The preferred way to cover them is to set the VPN up on a router.

If you don't have a compatible router, Windows 10 can act as a virtual router. Heads-up: just turning on the hotspot without explicitly authorizing the VPN adapter means the connected device won't use the VPN's IP.

How it works

5 steps to share the VPN

  1. 1

    Turn the mobile hotspot on

    Open Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot and turn it on.

    Turn the mobile hotspot on in Windows settings
  2. 2

    Open adapter options

    Still in Settings > Network & Internet, click Change adapter options.

    Change adapter options in Windows
  3. 3

    Identify the hotspot adapter

    Note the name of the new adapter created by the hotspot — typically Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter. You'll need it in step 5.

    Windows network adapter list including the Wi-Fi Direct Virtual
  4. 4

    VPN adapter properties

    In the same window, right-click the TAP-Windows adapter (the VPN one) and pick Properties.

    Right-click Properties on the VPN's TAP-Windows adapter
  5. 5

    Allow sharing

    On the Sharing tab, tick "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection". From the dropdown, pick the hotspot adapter you noted in step 3. Click OK to confirm.

    Sharing tab in the VPN adapter properties

That's it. Any device joining your PC's Wi-Fi hotspot now goes through the VPN and uses its IP.