| Updated: January 7, 2025
We may earn affiliate commissions for the recommended products. Learn more.
You can connect multiple devices with a single VPN subscription by creating a virtual VPN router via a PC. This is useful for devices that don’t have a native VPN app, like Smart TVs and older models of Google Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, etc.
You can easily set up a VPN-enabled virtual router on your Windows PC with a third-party program or using the command prompt.
Here are the steps to enable a virtual on your Windows device via command prompt:
I have detailed the instructions to set up a VPN on a virtual router, along with the best VPN for this process. I have tested both ExpressVPN and NordVPN on my PC to create a virtual VPN router and both worked perfectly.
Many Windows users don’t know that their laptop or desktop can broadcast WiFi signals and that they can connect other devices with it. On top of that, you can create a VPN-enabled virtual router on your Windows PC and secure all your devices with a single VPN connection.
This is useful for using a VPN on Smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices, etc, that do not have a native VPN app and don’t support a manual configuration. Another option to connect these devices is setting up a VPN on a router, which is a more complex process than the other options.
I have outlined two methods for configuring a VPN on a virtual router on your Windows PC. The easiest approach is to use a third-party program like Virtual Router Plus or Connectify Hotspot to create a virtual router. The second method involves using the command prompt with admin access. While it requires more steps than the first, my detailed instructions make it easy for anyone to set up.
A Windows PC with a VPN can be converted into a virtual router to secure all your devices. Here are the things you will need before starting the setup:
To continue browsing the internet on your Windows PC while the virtual router is enabled, you will need an Ethernet cable. This is because your WiFi adapter is a receiver when connecting to a router. By enabling the virtual router, we’ll change its role to that of a broadcaster, allowing it to transmit VPN-protected WiFi signals.
This setup is an excellent solution to set up a VPN on Roku, Chromecast, and other devices that don’t natively support VPNs. Simply connect them to the newly created virtual VPN router to enjoy secure browsing.
Before we move forward, get a reliable VPN to create a virtual router on your Windows PC. I recommend ExpressVPN because it offers OpenVPN protocols and has highly optimized VPN servers with modern ciphers. Additionally, you will need to check if your PC can be turned into a virtual router.
Any Windows computer can become a virtual router and broadcast internet signals to many devices. Here are the steps to check your computer’s WiFi transmission support:
If you have everything mentioned above in place, let’s begin the process of setting up a virtual VPN router on your PC. Mac users should check out this guide to configure a virtual VPN router on Mac & MacBook.
I have mentioned the required things you will need to complete this process. If you have everything in place, let’s begin the process. There are two ways to set up a virtual router with a VPN on Windows.
I will outline both methods with detailed step-by-step instructions. The command prompt method is more secure, as it eliminates the need to install third-party programs on your system and provides full control over the virtual router.
I have used Virtual Router Plus for the process but you can use any free software for this process. The steps are easy, you just have to download and install a virtual router manager on your Windows PC and add relevant details.
Here are the steps to set up a virtual router on your PC via third-party software:
This is the process for creating a virtual connection using your Windows PC. We’ll configure the VPN later. For now, let’s explore the second method, which involves using the command prompt.
Here are the steps to set up a virtual router on a PC with the command prompt:
We have successfully set up a virtual router to ensure device connectivity. Now, we can move forward with configuring a VPN on a Windows 10 device. Here are the steps to do that:
First and foremost, you need to install a VPN on your Windows PC. I recommend using NordVPN or ExpressVPN, as I have personally used both to create a virtual VPN router on a PC. If you already have a VPN installed on your device, you can skip this step.
Here are the steps to enable your Windows PC for VPN WiFi signals:
Connecting many devices to a virtual router can decrease your internet speed. However, I have compiled a guide on increasing your internet speed, which you should read.
I have used ExpressVPN and NordVPN to set up a virtual router with a VPN on Windows and recommend you use the same. Although most commercial VPNs provide a native VPN app that can be used for the process.
I recommend them for their excellent performance, including highly optimized servers, advanced encryption ciphers, secure VPN protocols, and responsive 24/7 customer support.
Both VPNs come with featured apps that are compatible with Windows, Mac, Apple TV, and Android devices. You can also connect more than five devices simultaneously with either service. Advanced features like split tunneling, Custom DNS, kill switch, and ad-blocker are also included in the regular subscription. A dedicated IP will cost you extra money.
NordVPN offers a 2-year plan at $4.49/month, while ExpressVPN is priced at $4.99/month. Both providers include 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. I personally tested their cancellation and refund processes, which were straightforward and hassle-free. For a detailed account of my experience with refunds from NordVPN and ExpressVPN, read more here:
There can be many reasons for a VPN not working on a virtual router. The most common reasons are incorrect settings and an old driver, which does not support broadcasting VPN WiFi signals.
Here’s an improved, copywriter-friendly version of the text: Start by pressing Windows Key + X and selecting Device Manager from the menu that appears. This handy tool allows you to manage and update all the hardware drivers on your computer with ease.
In the Device Manager window, expand the Network Adapters section by clicking the small arrow next to it. This will display a list of all network adapters on your system. Locate your primary WiFi adapter—often labeled with terms like Broadcom or 802.11. Once you find it, right-click and select Update Driver Software. Opt for the automatic update search to ensure your WiFi adapter is running the latest version.
Next, look for the Windows Adapter with the name of your VPN provider. This is a crucial component for VPN functionality. Confirm that it’s enabled and up-to-date. If it’s disabled, simply right-click and select Enable. Then, check for updates by selecting Update Driver Software to ensure it’s ready to support a seamless VPN experience.
There are several reasons to enable a virtual VPN router on your PC. One key reason is compatibility: if you own older models of devices like Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Smart TVs, you may not be able to install a native VPN app. In such cases, you’ll need to rely on creating a VPN-enabled virtual router or installing a VPN on your physical router.
Setting up a virtual VPN router on your PC is often more straightforward than configuring a VPN on a physical router, making it the preferred choice for many users. Below, you’ll find helpful guides on installing a VPN for various streaming devices:
The word virtual router is self-explanatory. It is a router that is not physical but acts like a physical router. It requires a computer and a VPN subscription.
You will also need an ethernet internet connection because you will be changing your PC’s WiFi from receiving internet signals to broadcasting them. Here are a few pros and cons of a virtual router:
Turning your Windows PC into a VPN-enabled virtual router can be highly beneficial for all the devices in your household. However, keep in mind that your internet speed may decrease since all connected devices will route their traffic through a single VPN server.
I have outlined the most effective methods to create a virtual router with a VPN on your PC. You can either use a third-party program or set it up manually through the command prompt. Additionally, I have recommended the best VPNs that support OpenVPN and can seamlessly integrate with a virtual router.
Setting up a virtual VPN router on a Windows device is simpler than it might seem. However, you’ll need an Ethernet cable since your WiFi will function as a broadcaster, transmitting internet signals instead of receiving them.
There are two ways to create a virtual VPN router: using a third-party program or through the command prompt. In this blog, I’ve provided a step-by-step guide for both methods to make the process easy to follow.
I have tested ExpressVPN and NordVPN to create a secure virtual VPN router on Windows 10 and connected my iPhone and Roku devices simultaneously.
Both VPNs provide the best VPN servers and secure VPN protocols. They are an ideal choice for setting up a VPN-enabled virtual router on a PC.
Setting up a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot on your PC is similar to creating a virtual VPN router. All you need is an active VPN subscription, an Ethernet connection, and a Windows PC.
Free VPNs come with limitations such as data caps and restricted server locations. However, if you’re comfortable with these constraints, I recommend Hotspot Shield. Its free version offers optimized VPN servers in the US and UK, making it a reliable choice for basic needs.
Mustafa is a cybersecurity analyst and a co-founder of VPN for What. Since 2017, Mustafa has gained international experience, working with governments, NGOs, and the private sector as a cybersecurity and VPN expert and advisor.
