How to Download Surfshark VPN on Windows 10?
Last updated
Last updated
In today’s digital world, online privacy and security have become more critical than ever. With rising concerns over data breaches, government surveillance, and geo-restrictions on content, using a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential. Surfshark VPN is a popular choice due to its robust security features, ease of use, and affordability. If you are a Windows 10 user looking to download and install Surfshark VPN on your device, this comprehensive guide will take you step-by-step through the entire process.
Before diving into the download process, it’s important to understand what makes Surfshark VPN stand out among other VPN services, especially for Windows 10 users:
Strong Security and Privacy: Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered military-grade and virtually unbreakable. It also maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning your browsing data isn’t stored or monitored.
User-Friendly Interface: Surfshark’s Windows app is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy even for beginners to connect and manage VPN settings.
Unlimited Devices: One Surfshark subscription allows you to use the VPN on unlimited devices, perfect if you want to protect your laptop, phone, and other gadgets simultaneously.
Fast Speeds: Using modern VPN protocols such as WireGuard, Surfshark provides fast and reliable connections, essential for streaming, gaming, and downloading on Windows 10.
Access Geo-Restricted Content: Easily unblock streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more by connecting to servers in different countries.
Additional Features: Includes a Kill Switch to protect your IP if the VPN connection drops, MultiHop for double VPN encryption, CleanWeb for blocking ads and malware, and Whitelister for split tunneling.
Before starting the download and installation process, ensure you have the following:
A Windows 10 PC or laptop connected to the internet.
A Surfshark account. If you haven’t created one yet, you’ll need to sign up for Surfshark through their official website.
Stable internet connection for downloading the installation files.
Administrative privileges on your Windows 10 device to install software.
Open your preferred web browser on your Windows 10 device—this can be Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser you prefer. Type “Surfshark VPN” into the search bar or navigate directly to the Surfshark website by typing the URL.
Once on the Surfshark homepage, look for the Apps or Downloads section. This is usually accessible from the top menu. Click on it, and you will see a list of supported devices and platforms.
Locate the Windows icon or the option labeled “Windows” and click the download button. This will download an executable file (.exe
), typically named something like SurfsharkInstaller.exe
.
After the download completes, open your Downloads folder or the location where the file was saved. Double-click the Surfshark installer file to begin the installation process.
Windows 10 may prompt you with a User Account Control (UAC) window asking if you want to allow the installer to make changes to your device. Click Yes to continue.
The Surfshark installation wizard will guide you through the process:
Welcome Screen: Click Next or Install to proceed.
Installation Progress: Wait while the program installs. This usually takes just a few minutes.
Completion: Once installation is complete, click Finish. The Surfshark app will either launch automatically or be ready to open from your desktop or Start menu.
Open the Surfshark app by double-clicking the desktop icon or searching for it via the Start menu.
You will be prompted to enter your email address and password associated with your Surfshark account.
Enter your credentials carefully and click Login.
If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to sign up on the Surfshark website first before logging in here.
Once logged in, you will see the Surfshark dashboard with several options:
Quick Connect: Click this to automatically connect to the fastest server based on your location.
Select Location: Choose a specific country or city from the server list if you want to access geo-specific content.
Click Connect to initiate the VPN connection.
Surfshark allows you to tweak several features to enhance your experience on Windows 10:
Kill Switch: Enable this feature to automatically block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing data leaks.
CleanWeb: Activate this to block ads, trackers, and malware while browsing.
Whitelister: Use split tunneling to allow certain apps or websites to bypass the VPN.
Auto Connect: Set the VPN to connect automatically when your device starts or connects to certain networks.
MultiHop: Connect through two VPN servers for an extra layer of security.
You can find these options under the Settings or Preferences tab in the app.
Surfshark VPN encrypts all data transmitted to and from your Windows 10 device. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and vulnerable to hackers.
If you want to watch a streaming service or access websites that are restricted in your country, simply connect to a VPN server in a location where the content is available. Surfshark has a wide global server network to choose from.
ISPs sometimes slow down your internet speed if they detect heavy data use. VPNs hide your traffic, reducing the chance of throttling and ensuring smoother browsing and streaming.
If the installer fails, restart your Windows 10 device and try again.
Disable any antivirus or firewall temporarily, as they might block the installation.
Make sure you have enough disk space and administrative rights.
Try switching to a different VPN server.
Restart the Surfshark app or your device.
Check your internet connection.
Change VPN protocols in the app settings (switch between WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2).
Double-check your username and password.
Reset your password via Surfshark’s website if you forgot it.
Make sure your subscription is active.
If you want to uninstall Surfshark from your Windows 10 device:
Click the Start button and open Settings.
Go to Apps.
Scroll to find Surfshark VPN in the app list.
Click it and select Uninstall.
Follow the prompts to complete removal.
Downloading and installing Surfshark VPN on Windows 10 is a simple and straightforward process. With a few clicks, you can secure your online presence, access geo-restricted content, and enjoy faster and safer internet browsing. Surfshark’s intuitive app interface, combined with powerful features like Kill Switch, CleanWeb, and MultiHop, makes it an excellent choice for both VPN beginners and experienced users on Windows 10.