Hotspot Shield VPN
Version 12.15.1 · Pango GmbH · Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / 11 · ranked #112 in the library
A tunnelling client with its own transport protocol built for throughput rather than compatibility, routing traffic through servers in a long list of locations with a kill switch and split tunnelling on the desktop build.
Read the installation section below before you start. The order of the steps matters on this release.
About this release
Overview
A virtual private network client does two things: it encrypts what leaves the machine, and it makes the traffic appear to originate somewhere else. This one is built around a custom transport protocol rather than the standard ones, tuned for throughput on long distance connections, which is the reason it tends to hold a higher speed than a generic configuration over the same distance.
The desktop client is where the controls that matter live. The kill switch blocks all traffic if the tunnel drops rather than quietly letting the connection fall back to the open network, which is the single most important setting in the whole application. Split tunnelling lets nominated applications bypass the tunnel entirely, so a video call or a local network share keeps working at full speed while everything else routes through. Automatic connection on an untrusted network handles the case people forget about.
Server selection covers a broad list of locations with a load indicator per server, plus a fastest server option that measures rather than guesses. The premium tier removes the daily data cap and the single location restriction of the free build, allows several devices on one licence, and unlocks the servers optimised for high throughput. Everything is configured from one panel with no account requirement in this build.
What it does
Feature breakdown
Custom transport protocol
A proprietary tunnelling protocol tuned for throughput over long distances, which generally holds a higher rate than a generic configuration on the same route.
Kill switch
Block all network traffic the instant the tunnel drops, rather than silently falling back to the unprotected connection.
Split tunnelling
Nominate applications or destinations to bypass the tunnel, keeping local shares and latency sensitive traffic off the encrypted path.
Wide server list with load indicators
A long list of locations showing current load per server, plus a fastest server option that measures rather than assumes.
Automatic connection rules
Connect automatically when joining an unrecognised network, and stay disconnected on networks you have marked as trusted.
Multiple simultaneous connections
One licence covering several devices at once with no daily data ceiling in this build.
Changed in this build
Version 12.15.1
- Transport protocol updated for better throughput on high latency routes.
- Kill switch rewritten to engage faster on an abrupt adapter loss.
- Split tunnelling now accepts destination rules as well as application rules.
- Server list refreshed with additional locations and better load reporting.
- Reduced memory use of the background service when idle.
Installation
Follow these in order
- Remove any previous version and its network adapter from device manager first.
- Extract the archive.
- Disable real time protection while the licence component runs.
- Run the installer as administrator and allow the virtual adapter to be installed.
- Apply the included licence step before launching the client.
- Reboot, open the client, confirm the premium tier, then turn on the kill switch.
Release notes
From whoever packed it
- Turn the kill switch on before you rely on the tunnel for anything. It is off by default.
- Block the automatic update. An update replaces the licensed component.
- If a game or a call performs badly, add it to split tunnelling rather than disconnecting entirely.
System requirements
Minimum and recommended
| Operating system | Windows 7 service pack 1 through Windows 11, 32-bit or 64-bit |
|---|---|
| Processor | Any modern x86 or x64 processor |
| Memory | 1 GB minimum, 2 GB recommended |
| Graphics | No specific requirement |
| Storage | 300 MB for the application |
Questions about this release
Answered before you ask
- Is there a data cap?
- No, the premium tier in this build removes the daily limit the free version imposes.
- Does the kill switch work on sleep and resume?
- Yes, the tunnel is re-established before traffic is allowed out again.
- Can I choose the protocol?
- The custom transport is the default. Standard protocol options are available in the connection settings.
Download
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