In command prompt as administrator, go to cd “C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\bin” # openvpn -genkey -secret ta.keyĬopy the file to the C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config directory and to your config directory on your local machine. Generate Diffie Hellman parameters (This is necessary to set up the encryption) build-dh Repeat this step for each client computer that will connect to the VPN. When prompted, enter the “Common Name” as the name you have chosen (e.g. When prompted to sign the certificate, enter “y”įor each client, choose a name to identify that computer, such as “mike-laptop” in this example.
When prompted, enter the “Common Name” as “server” The server certificate and key: build-key-server server Organizational Unit Name (eg, section) :Ĭommon Name (eg, your name or your server's hostname) :OpenVPN-CAĮmail Address This builds the ca key in C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\easy-rsa\keys For example, “OpenVPN-CA”: Country Name (2 letter code) : For your “Common Name,” a good choice is to pick a name to identify your company’s Certificate Authority. These will have default values, which appear in brackets. The certificate authority (CA) certificate and key: build-ca with your company’s information: set KEY_COUNTRY=US Open the vars.bat file in a text editor: notepad vars.batĮdit the following lines in vars.bat, replacing “US”, “CA,” etc.
NOTE: Only run init-config once, during installation. Initialize the OpenVPN configuration: init-config Navigate to the correct folder: cd "C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\easy-rsa" Navigate to the C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\easy-rsa folder in the command prompt: (This step can be skipped for now and done at any convenient time) Assign a static IP to the new created TAP interface (like 10.8.0.1).Remember to adjust the Windows firewall (open the 1194 UDP port).Open the installer file and start the installation. SERVER SETUPĭownload the installer from and run it on the server computer.
#Windows openvpn clients how to
You can deselect other options such as “OpenVPN Service” and “EasyRSA 2 Certificate Management Scripts”, which are unnecessary.Need to setup a VPN? Here’s how to download and install OpenVPN. When asked to choose the components and features of OpenVPN to install, make sure that TAP Virtual Eth Adapter and OpenVPN GUI are selected.
#Windows openvpn clients license
#Windows openvpn clients software
OpenVPN is a popular open-source VPN (Virtual Private Network) software application to create secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities.