ExpressVPN
Version 14.2.0.13656 · ExpressVPN · Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit) · ranked #244 in the library
An encrypted tunnel with servers in a long list of countries, a kill switch that actually cuts traffic when the tunnel drops, and split tunnelling so only the applications you choose take the long route.
Read the installation section below before you start. The order of the steps matters on this release.
About this release
Overview
This is a conventional tunnelling client. Traffic from the machine is encrypted and routed through a server you choose, so the local network and the provider see an encrypted stream to one address rather than a list of destinations, and the sites you reach see the server's address rather than yours. Server locations span a long list of countries with several cities in the larger ones.
The protocol choice matters and it is exposed here. A modern lightweight protocol gives the best throughput and the fastest reconnection, the older established protocols are available for compatibility with restrictive networks, and there is an automatic mode that picks based on what the current network allows. On a connection where the obvious protocols are blocked, the fallback options are what makes the difference between working and not.
The safety features are the parts worth checking on any client of this type and they are present. The kill switch blocks all traffic if the tunnel drops rather than silently failing back to the direct route, which is the failure mode that catches people out. Leak protection covers DNS and address leakage at the adapter level. Split tunnelling picks which applications use the tunnel and which do not, so a work application or a printer keeps the direct path while a browser goes through.
What it does
Feature breakdown
Large server network
Servers across a long list of countries with multiple cities in the larger ones, selectable by list, by search or by a recommended option based on latency.
Multiple protocols with automatic selection
A modern lightweight protocol for throughput plus the established alternatives for restrictive networks, chosen automatically or pinned manually.
Kill switch
All traffic blocked if the tunnel drops, rather than quietly reverting to the direct connection, which is the whole point of having one.
Leak protection
DNS and address leak prevention applied at the network adapter level so requests cannot escape around the tunnel.
Split tunnelling
Choose per application whether it uses the tunnel, so local network devices, work applications and latency sensitive traffic keep the direct route.
Connection automation
Connect automatically on start-up, on joining an untrusted network, or on any network that is not a named trusted one.
Changed in this build
Version 14.2.0.13656
- Protocol implementation updated with faster reconnection after a network change.
- Server list rebuilt with latency shown per location and a favourites section.
- Split tunnelling rules now survive an application update rather than needing to be re-added.
- Reduced processor use during sustained high throughput transfers.
- Diagnostics panel added showing the negotiated protocol and connection path.
Installation
Follow these in order
- Extract the archive and pause real time protection.
- Run the installer as administrator, it installs a network adapter driver.
- Accept the driver prompt when it appears.
- Apply the included modification before the first launch.
- Open the client, confirm it does not ask for an activation code, and connect to a server.
- Enable the kill switch and set split tunnelling rules, then restore protection.
Release notes
From whoever packed it
- Turn the automatic updater off. An update replaces the modified client.
- Verify the kill switch actually works by disconnecting the adapter mid-transfer once. Assume nothing.
- A tunnel hides traffic from the local network and the provider. It is not anonymity and does not make you untraceable.
System requirements
Minimum and recommended
| Operating system | Windows 10 version 21H2 or Windows 11, 64-bit |
|---|---|
| Processor | Any dual core processor |
| Memory | 2 GB |
| Graphics | No requirement |
| Storage | 250 MB |
Questions about this release
Answered before you ask
- Does it slow the connection?
- Somewhat, and how much depends on distance to the server and protocol choice. A nearby server on the modern protocol costs very little.
- Can I pick a specific city?
- Yes, in countries where several locations exist.
- Does it cover the whole machine?
- Yes, unless split tunnelling is configured to exclude specific applications.
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