ProtonVPN
Version 5.1.5 · Proton AG · Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit) · ranked #207 in the library
An encrypted tunnel client with a wide server network, a kill switch that actually holds when the connection drops, and split tunnelling so only the applications you choose go through it.
Read the installation section below before you start. The order of the steps matters on this release.
About this release
Overview
ProtonVPN is a client for routing your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server elsewhere. The practical uses are ordinary: keeping traffic private on a network you do not control, reaching a service that is unavailable from where you are, and stopping a network operator from seeing which sites you visit. The client handles protocol selection, server choice and reconnection, and the interface is a map and a list rather than a configuration file.
The kill switch is the feature worth checking on any client of this type, and this one blocks traffic at the adapter level rather than politely asking applications to stop. If the tunnel drops, nothing leaves the machine until it is back, including the traffic from applications that were already mid-transfer. A permanent mode extends that to boot, so the machine has no unprotected path at all until the client connects.
Around that sit the features that make it usable day to day. Split tunnelling lets you route only chosen applications through the tunnel and leave the rest on the direct connection, which matters when a local device or a work resource is unreachable through a remote exit. Multi-hop routes traffic through two servers for cases where the exit point should not know the entry point. Protocol selection covers the modern fast option and the older widely compatible one, with an automatic mode that finds whichever gets through a restrictive network.
What it does
Feature breakdown
Adapter level kill switch
Traffic is blocked at the network adapter if the tunnel drops, including transfers already in progress. A permanent mode keeps the block active from boot until the client connects.
Split tunnelling
Route only selected applications or destinations through the tunnel and leave everything else on the direct connection, by application or by address range.
Multi-hop routing
Chain the connection through two servers so the exit point does not see the entry point, at the cost of some throughput.
Protocol selection
The modern high throughput protocol, the older widely compatible one, and an automatic mode that finds whichever gets through a restrictive network.
Wide server network
Servers across a large number of countries with load and latency shown per server, plus specialised entries for high throughput and for restrictive networks.
Profiles and auto connect
Saved profiles combining country, server type and protocol, with automatic connection on launch, on boot or when joining an untrusted network.
Changed in this build
Version 5.1.5
- Connection times reduced through faster server selection on the automatic option.
- Split tunnelling rewritten to apply reliably to applications launched after the tunnel is up.
- Kill switch behaviour improved during network adapter changes such as moving between wireless networks.
- Server list updated with additional countries and clearer load reporting.
- Reduced idle resource use by the background service.
Installation
Follow these in order
- Extract the archive to any folder.
- Pause real time protection while the network adapter components install.
- Run setup as administrator and allow the virtual adapter installation when prompted.
- Restart if the installer asks, the adapter needs it on some systems.
- Open the client, enable the kill switch in settings before your first connection.
- Connect, confirm your visible address has changed, then restore protection.
Release notes
From whoever packed it
- Enable the kill switch before you rely on the tunnel. It is off by default on a fresh install.
- Split tunnelling and multi-hop cannot be used at the same time. Choose whichever the situation needs.
- If a local printer or network drive stops working while connected, add it to the split tunnelling exclusion list.
System requirements
Minimum and recommended
| Operating system | Windows 10 version 21H2 or newer, or Windows 11, 64-bit |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz dual core or faster |
| Memory | 2 GB minimum, 4 GB recommended |
| Network | Any working connection, the client handles routing and adapter configuration itself |
| Storage | 500 MB of free space for installation |
Questions about this release
Answered before you ask
- Does it slow the connection?
- Some, unavoidably. The modern protocol on a nearby server keeps most of your throughput. Multi-hop costs considerably more.
- Will it work on a restrictive network?
- Use the automatic protocol option and the specialised server entries. Between them they get through most filtering.
- Does anything run at startup?
- The background service does, because the permanent kill switch depends on it. Both can be disabled in settings.
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