How do I set up a VPN between two computers?

• Creating a VPN (virtual private network) between two access points is crucial to keeping activities private. Especially if the devices you want to connect are not physically close to each other.
• You can establish a connection between a remote employee and the company network by creating a VPN connection without using third-party tools.
• If you’re looking for a privacy boost, make sure you don’t miss out on our best VPN software for Windows 10 PCs.
• If you think your business could use a boost in privacy and protection, feel free to take a look at our special Corporate VPN Center and bookmark it for later reference.

Creating a VPN (virtual private network) between two access points is crucial to keeping activities private. If your job involves handling confidential information within your network, it would be wise to consider using a VPN.

This solution can also make it easier for remote workers to access your local network. After connecting to the VPN, it will appear as they are physically available on the LAN. Thus, they can access and share resources and devices on their network seamlessly.

Using any standard VPN service provider in this situation is not a viable solution. The VPN software routes all your traffic through a private server, but cannot see or interact with users who are connected to the same network.

However, creating your own network can circumvent this restriction. This is what you will need:

1. At least two PCs (a host and the clients)
2. An internet connection to establish the network (on all PCs)
3. The IP address and credentials of each PC for the network

If you have everything on the checklist, we will show you how to create the VPN.

Contents index

• How do I set up a VPN between two computers?
  • Step 1: access the connection setup wizard on the client PC
  • Step 2: configure the new VPN connection you are creating (outbound)
  • Step 3: establish the outgoing VPN connection
  • Step 4 – Finalizing the configuration on the server PC (incoming)
  • FAQ: Learn more about setting up VPN between two access points

How do I set up a VPN between two computers?

Step 1: access the connection setup wizard on the client PC

1. Hit the Win (⊞) key on your keyboard
2. Type Ethernet and select Ethernet Settings from the search results.
3. Click the Network and Sharing Center hyperlink
4. Select the option Set up a new connection or network from the menu

Step 2: configure the new VPN connection you are creating (outbound)

1. In the Internet address field , type the IP address or domain name of the PC you want to connect to
2. Choose a name for the new connection
3. Click the Create button

Step 3: establish the outgoing VPN connection

1. Locate the VPN connection by clicking the network icon in the system tray
2. Select it and click the Connect button
3. You will be asked to log in
4. Use the credentials of the PC you are trying to connect to

Step 4 – Finalizing the configuration on the server PC (incoming)

1. Access to the Center Network and Sharing as in solution 1
2. Click the Change adapter settings hyperlink
3. In the Network Connections window , press the ALT key on your keyboard
4. From the File menu , select New Incoming Connection
5. Select the users you want to allow to connect to your PC through the VPN
6. Click the Next button
7. Check the box Via Internet and press Next
8. Leave everything as is (see screenshot to see how it should look)
9. Click Allow access

That’s it. You learned how to establish a VPN connection between two computers and to create a list of users who can access your network. If everything is done correctly, you should be able to connect to the network without any problem.

FAQ: Learn more about setting up VPN between two access points

• How to set up a network between two computers?

You can use a router or switch to bring two computers to the same network. If both PCs have Wi-Fi adapters, you can use one to create a virtual access point and the other to connect to it.

• Can I combine Internet connections?

Yes, there are a few ways to do it. You can combine two separate connections. An alternative would be to join them. You can find more information about combining internet connections in our amazing article.

• Can I configure file sharing between two computers in Windows 10?

Yes, Windows 10 allows you to enable file sharing between two or more computers. However, you need to make sure that your firewall doesn’t block it beforehand.