VPN is a popular security technology. However, most users believe that if they have nothing to hide, there is no need to use a VPN. This is not the case. Today, we will explain how a free VPN for Windows works and how to get the most out of it.
How free VPN for Windows works
A free VPN for Windows is worth downloading, even for its basic security functionality. It reroutes your traffic through its own remote servers instead of going directly through the servers of your Internet Service Provider (ISP). So, it works by encrypting all of your data and transferring it via a secure ‘tunnel’ to its recipient. As a result, you can guarantee that all of your data is confidential and secure.
Furthermore, you can control how other people perceive your location since, when you connect to a distant VPN server, your IP address is hidden from other people. All they can see is the remote server’s IP address, which will be used to pinpoint your location. This is where most of the advantages and non-standard ways of using a VPN come from. You can virtually move yourself anywhere in the world where your VPN provider has a server to access more content or save money.
The difference between premium and free VPNs is usually in the number of servers available and the extra features, such as ads and malware blocking. Additional features that are not available in a free VPN can be covered by installing other software and extensions. And although the network of available servers is indeed smaller than in premium versions, it will be quite enough for an average user. Therefore, a free VPN will be useful for many people who want to have access to a free and secure Internet without spending extra money.
How to get the most out of a free VPN
Initially, the VPN was designed to securely transfer data by encrypting it and to protect the user’s online identity by hiding the IP address. Today, these basic functions of a VPN force many users to install a VPN for Windows for work, study, and fun. However, you can do much more with a VPN than just securely send documents to your colleagues. VPNs can also be used to:
1. Bypass Internet censorship and blocking.
Free VPN for Windows allows you to bypass geographic restrictions and Internet censorship by providing access to blocked sites and services. A VPN is an important tool for those who find themselves in a country with a low Internet freedom index, where certain online actions can have serious consequences.
To use a free VPN to access more content and bypass geo-blocking, you need to choose a service that offers several servers located in different countries. For example, if you come to China and want to browse familiar websites and social networks, you need to connect to a VPN server located in your home country. This way, you will be able to view the usual content and use Internet services as if you were at home. To avoid malfunctions, disable the geolocation function on your device and clear the cache and cookies. This way you will avoid sending controversial signals to the network and will be able to view the necessary content using the VPN.
Popular streaming platforms such as Netflix and Spotify have different content libraries for users from different countries, as well as different prices. Some streaming services, such as BBC iPlayer, are only available in certain countries. However, you can unlock the content you want from any location using a free VPN compatible with the chosen streaming platform. To watch BBC iPlayer content, select a VPN that supports this streaming service and connect to the remote server located in the VPN. You can also watch your favorite Netflix series while traveling, even if the content is blocked in your country of temporary stay. To do this, connect to the VPN server located in the country where you subscribed to Netflix.
2. Watch sports events online.
In certain nations, some sporting events are broadcast for free, whereas in others, there is a fee. By connecting to different remote VPN servers, you can watch more sporting events for less.
3. Avoid bandwidth throttling.
Free VPNs are often blamed for slowing down Internet speeds. However, if you choose a VPN that does not impose restrictions on free users, you may find that your ISP can actually reduce your speed much more than a VPN. In such cases, the VPN is used to increase the speed.
Some Internet service providers limit their customers’ bandwidth when they visit certain websites or use services that use a lot of traffic. This practice is called bandwidth throttling. By encrypting your traffic, you hide your actions from your ISP, and they can no longer limit your internet speed.
4. Save money.
Some online stores show different prices to customers from different countries. With a VPN, you can find the best deals around the world, no matter where you’re shopping from. With a free Windows VPN, you can save money on online shopping and planning your next vacation.
Controversial pricing techniques close to price discrimination are most often used by websites selling airline tickets, car rentals, and digital products. They track how often you monitor the prices of a particular product, the device you use to search, and your location. Based on this, the algorithm makes assumptions about your wealth and the level of interest in purchasing and adjusts the price. To get the best deal, you need to
- use an anonymous browser window;
- clear temporary files on your PC;
- connect to a VPN server located in a country with a lower level of income;
- purchase as usual.
This works great for buying airline tickets and booking a car while traveling. However, if you buy a digital product, remember that you may get limited functionality. For example, users often want to pay for a Netflix subscription at the price of Pakistan, not the US. However, remember that in this case, you will have access to a library of content for Pakistan, and you may find that some of the movies you want are not available.
5. Get a better online gaming experience on your PC.
Using a VPN significantly improves the gaming experience. A free VPN protects your gaming network from DDoS attacks and helps you avoid unfair IP blocking.
So, by installing a free VPN for Windows, you can ensure your online privacy, change IP addresses, prevent bandwidth limitations, play online games safely, bypass IP bans, and save money on online shopping and travel.