A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a VPN server, which helps reduce exposure on public Wi‑Fi and makes it harder for third parties to profile you by IP address.​

A VPN is not an antivirus and does not automatically stop malware, phishing, or account takeovers unless the provider also includes dedicated protections (and even then, it’s not a full replacement for endpoint security).​

Top-5 VPN for Windows (2026 picks)

NordVPN (feature-rich Windows app)

NordVPN is commonly recommended for Windows because its app bundles many extras (split tunneling, monitoring-style features, and malware-infected download protection depending on plan).​

NordVPN also publicly states it underwent a fifth independent “no-logs” assurance engagement by Deloitte, covering its infrastructure and configurations (including obfuscated and P2P servers) during a defined assessment period.​

Surfshark (best for many devices + everyday use)

Surfshark is frequently positioned as a strong Windows option for streaming-style access and for users who want unlimited simultaneous connections.​

Surfshark publishes that Deloitte verified aspects of its no-logs policy and supporting systems/controls, which is useful when evaluating privacy claims beyond marketing.​

Proton VPN (privacy-focused + audited no-logs)

Proton VPN emphasizes transparency, including open-source apps and recurring third-party audits, and states it passed a fourth consecutive annual audit of its no-logs infrastructure, with reports made available publicly.

It also describes a real-world legal test where it could not provide logs because they “did not exist,” and notes Swiss jurisdiction and the importance of verifying server-side logging risk.

Mullvad (minimal personal data footprint)

Mullvad is well known for “numbered accounts,” where an account can be created without personal information (including no email), which reduces the personal data you must hand over to start using the VPN.

This model is useful for users who prioritize anonymity at signup, but you still must follow safe account practices because anyone who obtains the account number may be able to use the service.​

ExpressVPN (audit-forward + beginner-friendly)

ExpressVPN highlights independent audits tied to its TrustedServer approach and states KPMG provided “reasonable assurance” that its systems prevent the collection of activity and connection logs as assessed at a point in time.

This makes it a common choice for users who want a polished Windows experience and value ongoing third-party verification of privacy claims.

VPN	Best for (Windows)	No-logs / audits (evidence)	Kill switch	Split tunneling (Windows)	MultiHop / Double VPN	Signup privacy	Notes / limitations
NordVPN	“All-in-one” features (Windows security extras + convenience). ​	NordVPN states its no-logs policy was verified for the fifth time via an independent Deloitte assurance assessment. ​	Supported in the Windows app. ​	Supported (exclude apps from the VPN). ​	Noted as a common feature category for top VPNs; specific “Double VPN” positioning varies by plan/region. ​	Standard account model (email/payment typically required). ​	Feature-rich apps can increase complexity; review settings like Threat Protection and exclusions carefully. ​
Surfshark	Streaming-style access + value and “many devices”.	Surfshark publishes a Deloitte verification of its no-logs policy. ​	Kill switch supported (including stricter modes depending on app). ​	Supported via “Bypasser” split tunneling. ​	MultiHop supported (called MultiHop). ​	Standard account model (email/payment typically required). ​	More settings = more chances to misconfigure; test leaks after enabling Bypasser/kill switch modes. ​
Proton VPN	Privacy-first positioning + transparency. ​	Proton VPN describes annual third-party “no-logs” audits and publishes reports. ​	Typically included in modern VPN clients; confirm enabled on Windows. ​	Varies by client/version; verify in the Windows app before relying on it. ​	Offered on higher tiers (Secure Core is Proton’s multi-hop-style approach). ​	Standard account model; focuses on privacy governance and transparency. ​	Strong for users who care about documented privacy practices and published audit reports. ​
Mullvad	Minimal personal data footprint (“VPN purist”). ​	Mullvad publishes a no-logging policy page describing what it does/doesn’t log. ​	Always-on kill switch in the Mullvad app (can’t be turned off). ​	Not the primary focus; check current Windows client for per-app routing needs. ​	Multihop with WireGuard (entry/exit) supported in-app settings.	Numbered account system; designed to avoid needing email at signup. ​	Great for minimizing account identity data, but you must protect the account number like a credential. ​
ExpressVPN	Polished Windows UX + mainstream reliability. ​	ExpressVPN states KPMG provided reasonable assurance for its no-logs policy audit (3rd no-logs audit referenced in coverage).	“Network Lock” kill switch available. ​	Supported on Windows (per-app split tunneling). ​	Not positioned as “MultiHop-first”; focus is more on simplicity + leak protection. ​	Standard account model (email/payment typically required). ​	Split tunneling settings can affect DNS/leak behavior; keep leak protection enabled and re-test after updates.

How to set up a VPN on Windows (10/11)

• Install only from the official provider website or the Microsoft Store listing when available, because third-party installers can be tampered with.​
• After install, enable the kill switch, DNS leak protection, and (if offered) auto-connect on untrusted Wi‑Fi.​
• Choose a nearby server for speed, and only use MultiHop/Double VPN when extra privacy matters more than latency.​

Rules of use (practical “do / don’t”)

Do use a VPN on public Wi‑Fi (cafes, hotels) and when you want to reduce basic network-level tracking.​

Don’t treat a VPN as a guarantee of anonymity: websites can still identify you via accounts, cookies, browser fingerprinting, and device identifiers.​

Do keep your OS updated and use strong, unique passwords (ideally via a password manager), because VPN encryption does not fix weak authentication.​

Don’t use “free unlimited” VPNs casually without reading policies; if a provider monetizes via ads/data or weak security, privacy can worsen (Proton notes that a VPN can technically log everything unless designed not to).

Technical limitations (what VPNs can’t do)

• Speed impact is normal: encryption + routing adds overhead, and MultiHop/Double VPN typically increases latency further.​
• Streaming and websites may block VPN IP ranges; many VPNs play “cat and mouse” and reliability can change week to week.​
• Older Windows versions may require outdated VPN clients or manual setup, which can reduce security and supportability (and increases risk if the OS no longer gets security updates).​

Legal and policy limitations (what you must consider)

Laws and enforcement vary by country, so “is a VPN legal?” depends on jurisdiction and usage; also, service terms (streaming, platforms) can restrict location spoofing even if it’s not a criminal issue.​

“No-logs” is best treated as a verifiable claim: look for independent assurance/audits and read what was actually assessed and when (point-in-time vs ongoing testing).

Even with no-logs claims, providers may still have limited operational data (billing records, email if used, payment processor traces), so the signup model matters for your personal risk profile.​

User data safety (what to check and what to do)

• Prefer providers with published third-party audits of no-logs or infrastructure, because VPNs are technically capable of logging everything you do unless engineered not to.​
• Reduce personal data exposure at signup where needed (e.g., Mullvad’s numbered accounts with no email) and avoid linking the VPN account to your main identity if anonymity is a goal.
• Prevent leaks: keep kill switch on, avoid disabling IPv6 protections if your provider doesn’t handle it well, and periodically run leak tests (DNS/WebRTC) after Windows updates or VPN app updates.