Beginner
How to install on Windows on Surfshark
Quick Answer
Installing Surfshark on Windows is straightforward - download the official app from Surfshark's website, run the installer, and log in with your credentials. The entire process takes just a few minutes and provides automatic connection management.
Prerequisites
- Active Surfshark subscription
- Windows 10 or 11 operating system
- Administrator privileges on your computer
- Stable internet connection
1
Download Surfshark Windows App
Visit surfshark.com and log into your account. Navigate to the Downloads section or click Get Apps. Select Windows and click Download for Windows to get the
SurfsharkSetup.exe file.Tip
Always download from the official Surfshark website to ensure you get the latest secure version.
2
Run the Installer
Locate the downloaded
SurfsharkSetup.exe file in your Downloads folder. Right-click the file and select Run as administrator. If prompted by Windows Defender or antivirus, click Allow or Yes to proceed.Tip
Running as administrator ensures proper installation of VPN drivers and system components.
3
Complete Installation Process
The installer will launch automatically. Click Install when prompted. Wait for the installation to complete - this typically takes 1-2 minutes. The app will automatically launch once installation finishes.
4
Sign In to Your Account
When Surfshark opens, click Log In. Enter your Surfshark email address and password in the respective fields. Click Log In to authenticate your account and access the VPN features.
Tip
If you forgot your password, click 'Forgot Password?' to reset it via email.
5
Configure Initial Settings
After logging in, Surfshark may prompt you to enable Auto-connect and Kill Switch. Click Enable for both features for optimal security. You can modify these settings later in Settings > General.
Tip
Enable Kill Switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
6
Connect to a VPN Server
Click Quick-connect to automatically connect to the fastest available server, or click All locations to choose a specific country. Select your desired server location and click Connect. The app will show Connected status when successful.
Tip
Use Quick-connect for general browsing or choose specific locations for geo-restricted content.
7
Verify Connection Status
Once connected, the Surfshark interface will display a green Connected status with your current server location. Visit
whatismyipaddress.com in your browser to verify your IP address has changed to the VPN server's location.Tip
The system tray icon will also show your connection status - green means connected, gray means disconnected.
Troubleshooting
Installation fails with 'Access Denied' error
Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator. Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation, then re-enable it afterward.
App won't connect to any servers
Check your internet connection first. Go to Settings > Connection and try changing the protocol to OpenVPN UDP or IKEv2. Restart the application if issues persist.
Slow internet speeds after connecting
Try connecting to a server closer to your physical location. In Settings > Connection, change protocol to WireGuard for better performance. Disable unnecessary features like MultiHop.
Cannot access certain websites while connected
Enable NoBorders feature in Settings > Advanced. Try switching to different server locations. For streaming services, use servers specifically optimized for that platform.
Ready to get started with Surfshark?
Put this tutorial into practice. Visit Surfshark and follow the steps above.
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