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What is a VPN? Why Do I Need one for my Windows 10 Device?

Windows 10 is one of the most popular operating systems used worldwide. As a Windows user, you have the advantage of picking a wide range of software that collaboratively enhances the performance of your device. The popularity and convenience of Windows are also accompanied by several security threats, especially when you are on the Internet. Setting up a VPN client can protect your Windows device against such online vulnerabilities.

What Does a VPN Do?

A free public Wi-Fi hotspot can be a sweet spot for many internet dwellers, but you have no idea that these ‘Free’ Wi-Fi hotspots are going to cost you more than money. You are also not safe even on a so-called ‘secure’ private Wi-Fi connection. Many unpleasant external parties like your internet provider, advertisers, and even hackers can snip off your digital privacy and anonymity by tracking your browsing activities and taking control of your data.

As an ardent Internet user, you can enjoy absolute digital freedom by installing a VPN client on your device. A VPN or a Virtual Private protects your sensitive data while browsing the Internet. It also shields your identity by masking your real IP address. More than protecting your online identity, a VPN connection offers you the benefit of bypassing internet censorship. It means that you will become a privileged internet champion to access any website beyond geographic borders. It also allows you to share files securely from a remote network.

In gist, a VPN does the following:

  • Protect your device from harmful public Wi-fi hotspots
  • Access your business network safely while traveling
  • Hide Your browsing activity from local network and ISP
  • Watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and other popular streaming channels beyond geographic barriers.
  • Play games without any blackouts or censorship.
  • Stay anonymous while surfing the internet.
  • Download files with Torrents.
If you are looking to protect your Windows devices against online threats, here is the list of top free VPN providers that would get things done.

1. Windscribe VPN

Windscribe VPN offers you a generous 10GB data per month for free. With a single user subscription, it offers you multiple connections. This VPN provider does more than securing your online privacy. It comes with an exclusive feature called R.O.B.E.R.T that blocks malicious ads and malware. It also features secure firewall protection. Other than Windows, Winscribe is compatible with major devices and browsers including, Android, macOS, Linux, Firefox, Chrome, and Opera.

Highlights:

  • High-standard encryption – AES 256-bit and 4096-bit RSA keys.
  • 480+ servers in over 50 countries.
  • Provides static IPs.
  • Free from data logging.
  • Comes with an automatic kill switch.
  • DNS/IPv6 leak protection.
  • WebRTC leak protection.
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2. TunnelBear VPN

TunnelBear is a reliable VPN that can protect your Windows 10 devices from the intrusive third parties. Though it offers you only 500 MB of free data each month, you get access to its complete list of VPN servers. This provider primarily focuses on protecting your data online and keeping your privacy intact. It has its affiliation with the leading antivirus brand McAfee, and it is also the only VPN group to perform an independent security audit each year. You can also protect your macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices using TunnelBear. Unfortunately, this VPN provider is not up to the mark when it comes to bypassing internet censorship.

Highlights:

  • The server network covers 22 countries.
  • Allows split tunneling.
  • Compatible with TOR.
  • Allows 5 simultaneous connections.
  • Has an automatic Wi-Fi protection option.
  • The GhostBear feature hides your VPN connection.
  • The Chrome extension comes with an ad blocker.
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3. Proton VPN

Proton VPN comes with an unlimited free plan with access to servers in the USA, Netherlands, and Japan. To unlock the entire server list, you need to subscribe to its basic service plan. All Proton VPN servers are first party owned, signifying that there is zero possibility of data compromise. When it comes to compatibility, Proton VPN does a great job. Apart from your Windows devices, you can use the client to protect your Android phones, smart TVs, and routers.

Highlights:

  • AES-256 and RSA 2048 encryption standards.
  • Versatile tunneling protocols.
  • 628+ servers in over 40 countries.
  • Offers specialized Tor over and
  • Double VPN servers.
  • Reliable no-log policy.
  • Allows split tunneling.
  • Features an automatic kill switch.
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4. Hotspot Shield VPN

Hotspot Shield VPN is free with a 500 MB of data cap. With its unique Catapult Hydra VPN protocol, this VPN provider guarantees to optimize your speeds when connected to a geographically remote server. As a free Hotspot Shield user, you can connect to a single Windows device. If you wish to extend your connections, you need to check their subscription models. This VPN provider also complements other cross platforms like macOS, Android, and iOS.

Highlights:

  • 3000+ servers in over 70 countries.
  • Strong encryption protocols.
  • Blocks ads and malware.
  • Protects from DNS leaks.
  • Easy-to-use client.
  • Torrent-friendly VPN.
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5. ZenMate VPN

You can access ZenMate’s limited version for free. As a free user, ZenMate restricts its speed, number of connections, and server locations. But it doesn’t compromise on protecting your data. ZenMate establishes online anonymity be shielding your real IP address. It also virtually relocates you to a different region through its VPN servers located in more than 30 countries. ZenMate has excellent cross-platform compatibility, as it supports iOS, macOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, other than the Windows OS.

Highlights:

  • 300+ servers in over 30 countries.
  • Comes with a kill switch
  • Allows torrenting.
  • Strict no-log policy
  • Reliable tunneling protocols.
  • Private DNS servers offering DN leak protection.
  • Allows 5 simultaneous connections.
  • Decent speeds.
  • Clean user-interface.
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Final Thoughts

The Internet is getting notorious each day, trying to break into our privacy and corrupting our devices. These free VPNs for Windows 10 can offer robust data security while browsing the Internet, thus allowing us to experience absolute online freedom. Make a note of the fact that these free versions come with limited features required for your basic security needs. You can unlock and explore some advanced features of these VPNs only if you choose to opt for their paid versions.