Best VPNs for Windows 10
Secure Legacy Systems. Maximise Performance.
The definitive choice for Windows 10 in 2026. Low resource usage keeps older PCs running fast, while Threat Protection blocks malware.
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System Alert: Windows 10 is widely considered the reliable workhorse of operating systems, but as it ages into the ESU (Extended Security Updates) phase, vulnerability management is critical. Unpatched exploits in older builds (like 21H2 or 22H2) are prime targets for cyberattacks. You need a VPN that acts as a shield, protecting your network stack where the OS might no longer be able to. Here is my tactical debrief for Windows 10.
BEST VPNS for WINDOWS 10
NordVPN: Best for Legacy Security
NordVPN is essential for maintaining the security integrity of Windows 10. Its standout feature, Threat Protection Pro, operates independently of the VPN connection, scanning files and websites for malware—a crucial second line of defence for an aging OS that may not receive frequent security patches.
Why it works now:
- Lightweight Client: Optimised to run efficiently on older hardware (Intel 8th Gen/Ryzen 2000 era) without causing system lag.
- NordLynx: Delivers high speeds even on older network cards, ensuring you get the most out of your connection.
- Auto-Connect: Essential for safety; ensures your machine is encrypted the moment it boots up.
Surfshark: Best for Budget PCs
If you are keeping older Windows 10 machines running to save money, Surfshark is the logical pairing. It offers unlimited device connections, allowing you to secure every computer in your house for less than the price of a cup of coffee. It is incredibly resource-efficient, making it ideal for laptops with limited RAM.
Why it works now:
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level, which speeds up browsing on older browsers like Edge Legacy or Chrome.
- NoBorders Mode: Automatically detects network restrictions, perfect for bypassing firewalls in restrictive environments.
- Whitelister: Allows banking apps to bypass the VPN tunnel, ensuring seamless access to financial services.
ExpressVPN: Best Compatibility
ExpressVPN is famous for its "it just works" philosophy. For Windows 10, this is vital as driver conflicts can occur on older builds. ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is built from the ground up to be lean, avoiding the bloat of older protocols like OpenVPN, ensuring rock-solid stability.
Why it works now:
- MediaStreamer: Easily set up DNS spoofing on older smart devices that connect to your Windows 10 hotspot.
- Network Lock: The most reliable kill switch in the industry, preventing any data leaks if your Wi-Fi flickers.
- Shortcuts: Customisable links in the VPN dashboard let you launch apps quickly after connecting.
CyberGhost: Best for Media Centres
Many users repurpose older Windows 10 PCs as dedicated media servers or home theatre PCs (HTPCs). CyberGhost is perfect for this, with dedicated streaming servers optimised for Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, ensuring buffer-free 4K streaming even on older CPUs.
Why it works now:
- Automation: Set the VPN to automatically launch and connect to a streaming server when you open your browser.
- One-Click Connect: Simple UI is great for HTPC setups controlled by a wireless mouse or remote.
- Privacy Guard: Disable intrusive Windows 10 telemetry tracking with a single click within the app.
PrivadoVPN: Best Free Tier
If you are extending the life of a secondary Windows 10 laptop, you might not want a monthly subscription. PrivadoVPN offers a secure, free 10GB monthly plan. It uses the same high-grade encryption as the paid version, keeping your data safe on public hotspots.
Why it works now:
- Zero-Logs: Swiss-based privacy ensures no records of your browsing history are kept.
- Full Speed: Unlike other free VPNs, Privado does not artificially throttle your connection speed.
- SOCKS5 Proxy: Includes a proxy for faster torrenting speeds if you are downloading large files.
Performance Comparison
| VPN Service | Key Feature | Best For | Verdict | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Threat Protection | Legacy Security | #1 Overall | |
| Surfshark | Unlimited Devices | Cost Saving | Best Value | |
| ExpressVPN | Lightway Protocol | Stability | Reliable | |
| CyberGhost | Streaming Servers | HTPC Use | User Friendly | |
| PrivadoVPN | Free 10GB Data | Free Users | Best Free | |
| PureVPN | Quantum Security | Privacy | Decent | |
| IPVanish | Scramble Mode | Tweaking | Fast | |
| Hide.me | Stealth Guard | Technical | Secure | |
| ZoogVPN | Free Plan | Budget | Cheap | |
| iTop VPN | Dedicated IP | Gaming | Good UI |
Current Landscape: Windows 10 in 2026
The Situation: With mainstream support for Windows 10 having ended, millions of users are now relying on the final version (22H2). While stable, these legacy systems stop receiving regular feature updates and eventually security patches unless enrolled in Extended Security Updates (ESU). This makes the OS more vulnerable to zero-day exploits than newer platforms.
The Solution: A VPN is no longer just for privacy; it is a critical layer of your defence strategy. By encrypting your traffic and filtering malicious domains before they reach your browser, a VPN like NordVPN mitigates the risks associated with running an older operating system.
Why You Need a VPN on Legacy PCs
Securing an aging computer requires proactive measures:
- Patch Security Gaps: As OS updates become less frequent, a VPN with built-in threat protection helps shield your system from web-based attacks.
- Prevent Bandwidth Throttling: ISPs continue to throttle high-bandwidth activities. Encrypting your traffic prevents them from seeing if you are streaming 4K video or downloading large files.
- Access Geo-Blocked Content: Keep your media centre relevant by unlocking global libraries from Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
- Secure SMB Ports: Older Windows versions often have vulnerabilities in file-sharing protocols. A VPN secures your connection on public Wi-Fi, preventing lateral movement by attackers.
Installation Guide: Maximising Efficiency
To ensure your VPN doesn't slow down your Windows 10 machine, follow these steps:
- Disable Delivery Optimization: Windows 10 includes a feature that shares updates with other PCs on the internet, eating bandwidth. Turn this off in Update Settings > Delivery Optimization.
- Choose WireGuard Protocol: In your VPN app settings, select WireGuard (or NordLynx/Lightway). This protocol is significantly lighter on the CPU than OpenVPN, crucial for older processors.
- Use Split Tunneling: If you game on this PC, route the game executable outside the VPN tunnel to reduce latency, while keeping your browser and background apps secure.
- Update Network Drivers: Ensure your Wi-Fi or Ethernet drivers are up to date to prevent conflicts with the VPN's TAP/TUN adapters.
Safety Warning: Risks & Scams
Be vigilant against specific threats targeting Windows 10 users:
- Fake Security Updates: Scammers often disguise malware as "critical security patches" for older Windows versions. Only download updates via Windows Update, never from third-party sites.
- Risky Free VPNs: Avoid "Free VPN" apps on the Microsoft Store that promise unlimited data. They often harvest user data to sell to advertisers, compromising the privacy you are trying to protect.
- DNS Leaks: Ensure your VPN app has "DNS Leak Protection" enabled. Windows 10 can sometimes default to ISP DNS servers if the VPN tunnel is not configured correctly.
FAQs for Windows 10 Users
Does a VPN work on Windows 10 22H2?
Yes, all major VPN providers fully support Windows 10 version 22H2. The apps are designed to be backward compatible and often run smoother on Windows 10 than on 11 due to lower system overhead.
Will a VPN protect me after Windows 10 support ends?
A VPN cannot patch OS vulnerabilities (like a flaw in the Windows kernel), but it protects your network traffic and can block access to malicious sites that try to exploit those vulnerabilities. It is a vital layer of defence for unsupported software.
Which VPN protocol is best for older PCs?
WireGuard is the best choice for older hardware. It has a much smaller codebase than older protocols, meaning it requires less CPU power to encrypt and decrypt data, resulting in faster speeds and less system lag.
