Windows can do a lot of cool things, but there are still plenty of third-party tools you need to install and use: antivirus programs, video players, video game clients, etc. But what about VPNs? Do you need to use one on your computer or not?
Well you definitely should. If you have time, we recommend checking out these four very good reasons to use the very best VPNs for your Windows device:
1. Unblock Online Content
Few things are as comfortable as in life as finishing a long day of work and relaxing with your favorite Netflix series. Or spending a long-awaited weekend binging the latest shows on Hulu or BBC iPlayer.
It sounds like a really simple thing. But for many people around the world, it’s not entirely possible.
Why?
Because geo-blocks stop you from watching what you want. Due to them, you can’t watch some movies or shows because of your geo-location. Basically, the streaming platform you’re using didn’t buy distribution rights in your country.
It makes sense why they can’t show the content, sure, but that probably doesn’t mean much to you. When you paid for their service, you likely didn’t expect it to come with limitations.
Overall, it’s just annoying that you can’t watch the latest series simply because you’re from a specific country.
Luckily, you can bypass geo-blocks if you just use a VPN. It hides your IP address from the sites and apps you use, so they can’t see your geo-location anymore. They’ll only see the VPN server’s IP address.
So you just need to do use a VPN server in a country where the content you want to watch is available. Easy-peasy.
2. Bypass Firewalls
Maybe you’re underage, and your parents are a bit too overprotective. So they use firewalls to block certain sites on your home’s network.
Yes, we’re mostly talking about those kinds of sites, but who knows – if your parents are too “extreme,” they might block Facebook, Twitter, Steam, or YouTube if they’re worried they might “interfere with your studies.”
In situations like that, a VPN can feel like a real godsend. Using it helps you bypass any firewall.
How?
To understand that, you first need to know how a firewall restricts your access. Basically, it’s all tied to your IP address – the one your home network assigns to your computer when you connect to it. The firewall enforces inbound and outbound traffic rules that are linked to it.
With a VPN, you browse the web through a VPN server (so through a different IP address). Those restrictions no longer apply to you because you’re not using your original IP address (the one with firewall restrictions) to visit websites.
Why Not Turn Off the Firewall Instead?
Sure, you could do that.
But how long is it going to take your parents to notice? Plus, maybe they changed the password to the router’s web interface.
With a VPN, things are much smoother. You get to circumvent the firewall like a ninja – completely stealthy. Really, odds are extremely low that your parents will use packet sniffers to monitor network traffic to detect VPN connections, so you should be safe.
3. Stop Bandwidth Throttling
Ever noticed random, regular speeds drops during the week? Do they happen around the same time when you use a specific service (Steam, Netflix, etc.)?
If yes, there’s a chance your ISP is throttling your bandwidth. Essentially, that means they’re limiting your speeds at certain intervals.
Normally, they do that to prevent network congestions. But they might also do it if they see you’re using too much data on a specific web app. Maybe you’re going over your data plan, or maybe they want to subtly pressure you into buying a pricier subscription.
Whichever the case, you’re left to deal with annoying slowdowns that ruin the Internet for you.
Fortunately, you can prevent bandwidth throttling if you use a VPN. Here’s how:
- The VPN hides the IP addresses you connect to. Your ISP won’t know what sites you’re browsing. They’ll only see the VPN server’s IP address.
- The VPN encrypts your traffic end-to-end. ISPs can’t use packet sniffers anymore to analyze your data packets to see what web apps you’re using data on.
Due to that, your ISP won’t be able to selectively throttle your connections.
4. Get a Better Gaming Experience
Who doesn’t love gaming on Windows? You have tons of awesome games, simple controls for FPS games, and you can always use an Xbox controller if you want.
Do you know what could make it even better?
That’s right – a VPN.
Here’s why – it will help you get rid of high ping times and lag spikes. You just need to use a VPN server that’s in the same region as the gaming server. The VPN will route your traffic directly to it, resulting in lower lag and ping.
