Below, you might also find detailed steps for different installation methods, from basic to advanced configurations.
After paying for your subscription,youll receive a confirmation email from PIA containing your username and password.
Store this data securely, as youll need them to sign on.
3. load the Software
Locate the downloaded file(usually in yourDownloadsfolder) named something like pia-installer.exe.
4. sign on to Your Account
initiate the app and log inusing your PIA username and password.
You canuse a password manager to secure your credentials, so you dont lose access to your account.
To ensure the VPN is working, verify that the displayed IP address matches the VPNs server location.
Manual setup takes a bit longerbut offers more control over your connection.
Gather your PIA VPN detailsLog in to your PIA account on its website and locate theManual Setupsection.
Youll need the server address, username, and password to configure the VPN connection.
Open VPN controls in Windows.
Configure the VPN.In theAdd a VPN connectionwindow, start by selectingWindows (built-in)as the VPN provider.
Next, give your connection a name (e.g., “PIA VPN”).
Connect to the VPN.After saving the VPN connection, go back toSettings > connection & Internet > VPN.
choose the VPN you just created, clickConnect, and slide in your PIA username and password when prompted.
Once connected, youll see a status that shows you’re securely browsing with PIAs VPN.
Then selectNetwork & Internet settingsfrom the menu that appears.
Change adapter options.In theNetwork & Internetsettings window, scroll down and click onChange adapter options.
Find the PIA TAP adapter.It will usually be named something likeTAP-Windows AdapterorPIA TAP Adapter.
This is the virtual adapter that connects your VPN to your data pipe.
Set the TAP adapter priority.
This forces Windows to prioritize the PIA TAP adapter, so it stays connected without interference from other adapters.
The native WireGuard app provides a way to use PIAs servers on these devices via manually configured profiles.
Also,the native WireGuard app is simpler and less resource-intensivethan the PIA app.
First, enable theRemote Accessrole through Server Manager.
You might also need to configure Windows Firewall to allow VPN traffic on both public and private networks.
Additionally, its automatic update feature keeps security protocols current without manual intervention.
The Windows app includes DNS leak protection and a kill switchthat worked flawlessly in our tests.
Even when I forcibly disconnected from the VPN, my real IP address remained hidden.
I configured it to automatically connect when starting my PC.
The installation wizard also detects and removes conflicting data pipe tweaks that could cause connection issues.
The only drawback is its premium price at$4.99/month.
you might also disable Cortana, OneDrive integration, and personalized ads.
Compared to PIA, CyberGhosts monthly plan is a bit more expensive with a shorter refund period.
However,longer subscriptions start at just$2.03/month, and come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
We evaluated how each VPN handled common installation issues like driver conflicts and antivirus interference.
The testing included multiple installations on clean systems and PCs with existing VPN configurations to assess compatibility.
Here are the most frequent problems and their solutions.
For persistent issues, I recommend contacting PIA’s support team.
FAQs on Installing PIA on Windows
Can I use PIA without installing software?
Still, installing the official software is recommended for better security and easier configuration.
Does PIA work on Windows phones?
Can I install PIA on Windows 7?
Does Private Internet Access have a free trial?
Once your account is set up, the 7-day free trial will start automatically.
If youveset up PIA by downloading the app from its official website, you wont get a free trial.
However, PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which functions as a risk-free way to test the service.
To summarize, these are the best PIA alternatives for Windows…
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
Visit ExpressVPN
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