Why Windows 11 has specific VPN requirements
Windows 11 ships with a built-in VPN client that supports IKEv2, L2TP, PPTP, and SSTP. It works for basic corporate access but it has a known DNS leak problem: Windows can send DNS queries outside the VPN tunnel even when the VPN is connected. This affects the built-in client and some third-party apps that do not implement a system-level kill switch correctly. A dedicated VPN app with proper Windows 11 support solves this by routing all traffic, including DNS, through the encrypted tunnel.
Windows 11 also introduced IPv6 by default on most network adapters. If a VPN only protects IPv4 traffic, your real IPv6 address leaks to every site you visit. The VPNs listed here all include IPv6 leak protection or disable IPv6 on the adapter while connected.
Built-in Windows VPN vs a dedicated app
The Windows 11 VPN client under Settings > Network & Internet > VPN lets you add a VPN connection manually. It works, but it lacks auto-connect on startup, has no kill switch, does not block DNS leaks by default, and requires you to enter server details manually. Every VPN provider sells dedicated apps specifically because the built-in client is not sufficient for privacy protection. Use the built-in client only if your employer requires it for a specific corporate gateway.
NordVPN: best overall for Windows 11
NordVPN's Windows 11 app is polished and consistently well-maintained. The kill switch operates at the system level, cutting all internet traffic if the VPN drops, not just traffic from the app. Split tunneling lets you route specific applications or websites outside the VPN while keeping everything else protected. NordVPN scores well in independent speed tests and the Meshnet feature lets you connect your Windows machine to other devices on a private network without exposing them to the internet. The Windows tray icon gives quick access to server switching and connection status. Price: from around 3.50 EUR per month on a two-year plan.
ExpressVPN: Lightway protocol for Windows speed
ExpressVPN's Windows client uses the Lightway protocol by default, a proprietary protocol that connects faster than WireGuard in most cases and maintains stable connections when switching networks. The app is simpler than NordVPN's, which is a feature if you want a VPN that just works without configuration. The Network Lock kill switch prevents traffic leaks on connection drops. ExpressVPN is among the more expensive options at around 6 to 8 EUR per month, but the Windows experience is consistently smooth and the app receives frequent updates for new Windows 11 builds.
Surfshark: CleanWeb and Windows 11 native app
Surfshark's Windows app includes CleanWeb, an ad and malware blocker that operates at the DNS level. It blocks known tracking domains and malicious sites before the connection reaches your browser. On Windows 11, this works without any browser extension. Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning one subscription covers all your Windows devices, phones, and tablets. The Windows 11 app supports split tunneling, a kill switch, and the NoBorders mode for restricted networks. Price: from around 2.50 EUR per month on multi-year plans, making it the strongest value option here.
Private Internet Access: open-source Windows app with MACE blocker
PIA's Windows app is open-source and independently audited. The MACE feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level before traffic leaves your machine. PIA supports a wide range of VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and their custom GEN4 protocol. The Windows client gives detailed control over encryption settings, connection ports, and proxy options, which is useful if you need to bypass restrictive firewalls. PIA has the largest server network of any VPN here, with thousands of servers across dozens of countries. Price: from around 2 EUR per month on a three-year plan.
ProtonVPN: no-logs and Windows certificate transparency
ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland and operated by the same team behind ProtonMail. The Windows client is open-source and has been independently audited. ProtonVPN publishes transparency reports and participates in certificate transparency logging, meaning any attempts to intercept its connections would be detectable. Secure Core routes your traffic through privacy-friendly countries before exiting to the destination, adding an extra layer against targeted surveillance. The free tier is genuinely usable: no data cap, no speed throttling, one server location per region. The paid plan adds Secure Core, Stealth protocol, and higher speeds. Price for paid plans: around 4 to 10 EUR per month depending on tier.
DNS leaks on Windows 11: what to check
After connecting to any VPN on Windows 11, run a DNS leak test at dnsleaktest.com or ipleak.net. The results should show only the VPN's DNS servers, not your ISP's. If you see your ISP listed, the VPN is not routing DNS correctly. This is a known issue with some configurations on Windows 11, particularly when Smart Multi-Homed Name Resolution is enabled in Group Policy. All five VPNs listed here include in-app DNS leak protection that overrides Windows defaults. If you see a leak, check the app settings for a DNS leak prevention toggle and make sure it is enabled.
IPv6 leak protection on Windows 11
Windows 11 enables IPv6 on most adapters by default. If your VPN only tunnels IPv4, your real IPv6 address is visible to every site you visit while connected. To check: visit ipleak.net while connected to the VPN and look for IPv6 entries. If your real IPv6 appears, your VPN has an IPv6 leak. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, PIA, and ProtonVPN all handle IPv6 by either tunneling it through the VPN or disabling it on the adapter while connected.
Startup behavior and auto-connect
A VPN that does not start with Windows leaves a gap between boot and the moment you manually connect. All five apps listed here support auto-launch on Windows startup and auto-connect on launch. Set both options in the app settings after installation. PIA and ProtonVPN also support a kill-switch-before-VPN feature that blocks all traffic until the VPN connection is established, preventing any unprotected traffic at boot.
Which to choose on Windows 11
For most users: NordVPN or Surfshark. NordVPN if speed and features are the priority, Surfshark if you want value and CleanWeb. For privacy-first users: ProtonVPN, especially if open-source code and audit history matter. For power users who want detailed control: PIA. For simplicity: ExpressVPN.