How to Download Surfshark VPN App on PC?
Last updated
Last updated
In today’s interconnected digital world, maintaining your privacy and security online is more critical than ever. Every time you connect to the internet, whether for browsing, banking, shopping, or streaming, you expose your data to potential threats. Cyberattacks, surveillance, data leaks, and geo-restrictions are some of the many risks internet users face daily. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) becomes essential, and Surfshark VPN has proven to be one of the most reliable choices available.
If you are looking to use Surfshark on your personal computer, this article will provide you with a complete and detailed guide on how to download and install the Surfshark VPN app on a PC running Windows. By the end of this guide, you’ll be fully equipped to protect your online activities with just a few clicks.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and also understand a few critical things about VPNs and Surfshark’s features along the way.
Before we begin with the download instructions, it’s worth understanding why Surfshark is a popular VPN choice for PC users.
Here are some compelling reasons:
Online Privacy: Surfshark hides your IP address, making it difficult for websites, advertisers, or governments to track your online activity.
Security on Public Wi-Fi: Public networks are often unsafe. Surfshark encrypts your internet traffic to keep your data secure even on open Wi-Fi.
Access Blocked Content: Whether it’s streaming services, websites, or apps that are geo-blocked, Surfshark allows you to bypass these restrictions.
No Device Limits: A single Surfshark subscription allows unlimited simultaneous connections. You can use it on your PC and any other devices you own.
Now, let’s move forward with the actual download and installation steps.
Before downloading the application, ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements. Fortunately, Surfshark is designed to run on most modern Windows systems.
Minimum Requirements:
Operating System: Windows 10 or later (Windows 11 is fully supported)
RAM: At least 2 GB
Disk Space: Around 50 MB for installation
Internet Connection: Required to download and use the VPN
Now, let’s walk through the process of downloading and installing Surfshark VPN on a Windows PC.
Step 1: Prepare Your PC
Make sure your PC is connected to the internet. It's advisable to use a secure and stable network during the download and installation process.
Step 2: Access the Official Surfshark Website
To ensure you get the official and updated version of Surfshark, go to the Surfshark website using your preferred internet browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox).
Avoid downloading software from third-party websites as they might host outdated or unsafe versions.
Step 3: Navigate to the Windows Download Page
Once you’re on the Surfshark homepage, navigate to the section that lists the available downloads for different operating systems. Choose the one designed for Windows. The site may automatically detect your OS and present the correct version.
Click the “Download for Windows” button. The Surfshark installer file, typically named something like “SurfsharkSetup.exe,” will begin downloading.
Step 4: Locate the Downloaded File
After the download is complete, open your Downloads folder. You should see the “.exe” file that you just downloaded. Double-click the file to start the installation.
Step 5: Install the Application
A User Account Control window may pop up, asking for permission to make changes to your device. Click "Yes" to proceed.
You’ll then be guided through the installation steps:
Accept the License Agreement.
Choose the installation location (the default location is fine for most users).
Click "Install" to begin the process.
The installation process should only take a minute or two. Once it’s completed, click “Finish” to exit the installer.
Step 6: Launch the Surfshark App
After installation, the Surfshark app should launch automatically. If it doesn’t, you can find it in your Start menu or on your desktop.
Double-click the icon to open the app.
Step 7: Log In to Your Surfshark Account
Once the app opens, you'll be prompted to log in using your Surfshark account credentials (email and password). If you don’t have an account yet, you’ll need to register and choose a subscription plan.
Note: The app will not work without an active Surfshark subscription.
Step 8: Connect to a VPN Server
Once you’re logged in, you’ll see the main dashboard. It displays a “Connect” button and a list of server locations.
Click “Connect” to automatically connect to the best server based on your location. Alternatively, you can choose a specific country or city from the list to connect to a particular region.
Once the app is up and running, it’s worth exploring some features and settings to enhance your experience.
Enable Kill Switch
This feature ensures your internet traffic is blocked if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly. It protects your data from accidental exposure.
To enable it:
Go to “Settings”
Find “Kill Switch” and turn it on
Enable Auto-Connect
You can set Surfshark to automatically connect to a server whenever you start your PC or launch the app. This ensures continuous protection.
Switch Between Protocols
Surfshark offers several VPN protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. If you're facing speed issues or connectivity problems, you can manually switch protocols in the settings.
Use CleanWeb Feature
Surfshark includes a feature called CleanWeb that blocks ads, trackers, and malware. You can enable this from the settings menu to improve browsing performance and safety.
Sometimes, users may face minor hiccups during installation or use. Here are a few quick solutions:
App Not Installing: Make sure your Windows is up to date. Temporarily disable your antivirus software if it’s blocking the installer.
Unable to Connect: Try switching protocols or servers. Check your internet connection.
App Crashes: Reinstall the app. If the problem persists, check for system compatibility or conflicts with other VPN software.
If you ever want to remove Surfshark from your PC:
Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program
Find Surfshark, click on it, and select Uninstall
Follow the on-screen instructions
This will completely remove the app from your computer.
Installing Surfshark VPN on your PC is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can download, install, and configure Surfshark on your Windows computer with ease. Once set up, Surfshark will help protect your online activity, offer greater digital freedom, and ensure that your personal data remains private and secure.