How to Set up a Vpn Between Two Computers

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a connection you can set up between 2 computers that establishes a secure path between a computer with public Internet access and a computer that is connected to a private network; such as the network at your place of business. To set up a VPN, you will need to gather specific criteria for each computer; such as each computer's Internet Protocol (IP) address or domain name, a username and password, and any other applicable authentication settings. You will then enter this information into the VPN configuration settings menu of your computer. This guide provides you with instructions for setting up a VPN in Windows 7 computers and Macintosh (Mac) computers with Operating System (OS) X 10.6.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Windows 7

PDF download Download Article
  1. This computer will be the computer with public Internet access; not the computer functioning as the server.
    • Click on the "Start" button, or Windows logo, from your Windows 7 desktop.
    • Type "VPN" into the search box located at the bottom of the floating menu that appears on your screen.
    • Select "Set up a virtual private network (VPN) connection" after it appears in the search results, which by default should be located within the Control Panel. This will launch the VPN wizard.
    • Enter the domain name or IP address of the computer or server you want to connect to within the field for "Internet address." If you do not have this information, consult with the Information Technology (IT) administrator (admin) who manages the network.
    • Enter the username and password that allows you to access the network, then click the "Connect" button.
    Advertisement
    • Click directly on the Windows logo located on the bottom-right of the VPN window, then click on "Connect" below the section entitled "VPN Connection." You will now be required to finish setting up VPN on the other computer.
  4. The computer with the incoming connection will be the other computer functioning as the server.
    • Click on the "Start" menu of the second computer, then type "Network and Sharing" into the search bar.
    • Select "Network and Sharing Center" from the options provided, then click on "Change adapter settings" to manage your connections.
    • Click on "File" from within the new menu that appears (hit ALT+F if no "File" menu is visible), then select "New Incoming Connection." A wizard will then appear on your screen that will ask you to choose the users that you want to give VPN access to.
    • Choose the users, or name of the computer on which you established the outgoing VPN settings, then click on the "Next" button.
    • Select the option that indicates you want all users connecting to this network through the Internet, then click again on "Next."
    • Indicate the type of IP you want to use for this connection. In most cases, the option commonly chosen by users is "TCP/IPv4."
    • Click on the "Allow Access" button. The outgoing computer will now be able to access the private network through VPN.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Mac OS X 10.6

PDF download Download Article
  1. You will need these settings to set up a VPN connection on the computer with public Internet access; including the IP address or domain name of the VPN server and the username and password for accessing the network.
    • Click directly on your Apple menu, point to "System Preferences," then select the option for "Network."
    • Click on the "Add" button that resembles a plus symbol at the bottom of the Network menu, then choose "VPN" from the list of options provided.
    • Select the type of IP, or connection, you want used for the VPN, then enter a name for the VPN connection.
    • Type in the IP address and account name for the server you are connecting to, then click on "Authentication Settings."
    • Enter the username and password provided to you by your IT admin, then click "OK."
    • Click on the "Connect" button at the bottom of the VPN connection window. You will then be able to access the private network you are connected to through VPN.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I set up a VPN between a Windows 10 and my Mac?
    Zachwax
    Community Answer
    You should be able to, as long as you are not running a (very) old Macintosh system.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Bypass a Firewall or Internet Filter
      Using a VPN for Beginners: FAQ & Instructions
      How to
      Set up a Private Network
      Everything You Need to Know About Connecting to a VPN
      5 Easy Ways to Configure a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
      How to
      Choose the Best VPN
      How to
      Change Your VPN Location on Any Device
      How to
      Set Up Vuze with VPN and Socks Proxy Properly
      How to
      Change Your VPN on PC or Mac
      How to
      Connect to an OpenVPN Server on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 322,797 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement