Windows Guide
OrbVPN for Windows
Protect your Windows PC or laptop with OrbVPN. Features TAP adapter integration, System Tray control, Windows Hello authentication, and optional startup on boot.
Windows Features Overview
OrbVPN for Windows provides comprehensive VPN protection with deep operating system integration. The TAP adapter ensures reliable tunnel creation, while System Tray access and Windows Hello authentication streamline your daily workflow.
TAP Adapter
OrbVPN installs a virtual TAP network adapter for reliable VPN tunnel creation. This provides system-level traffic routing for all applications.
System Tray
Control OrbVPN from the Windows System Tray. Right-click for quick access to connect, disconnect, change servers, and open settings.
Windows Hello
Authenticate with Windows Hello using facial recognition, fingerprint, or PIN. Secure app access with your preferred Windows biometric method.
Installation
Download the Installer
Visit the OrbVPN website and download the Windows installer. The file is a standard .exe installer compatible with Windows 10 and later.
Run the Installer
Double-click the downloaded file and follow the installation wizard. You may need to approve a User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
Install TAP Adapter
The installer will set up the TAP virtual network adapter. Approve the driver installation when Windows prompts for permission.
Launch and Sign In
OrbVPN launches automatically after installation. Sign in with your account credentials or Windows Hello if configured.
Administrator Privileges
The initial installation requires administrator privileges to install the TAP adapter driver. Subsequent launches do not require elevated permissions.
System Tray Integration
The System Tray icon is your primary interface for quick VPN control on Windows.
Tray Icon Status
The System Tray icon shows your current status. A colored shield indicates connected, a gray icon means disconnected, and animation means connecting.
Right-Click Menu
Right-click the tray icon for a context menu with options to connect, disconnect, select a server, open settings, check for updates, and exit.
Double-Click to Toggle
Double-click the System Tray icon to instantly toggle your VPN connection on or off. The quickest way to control your VPN.
Toast Notifications
Windows toast notifications inform you when the VPN connects, disconnects, or encounters issues. Notifications are customizable in settings.
Windows Hello Authentication
Windows Hello provides a fast, secure way to authenticate with OrbVPN using the biometric capabilities of your Windows device.
Facial Recognition
Use your Windows Hello camera for facial recognition login. Supported on devices with IR cameras like Surface tablets and modern laptops.
Fingerprint
Authenticate with your fingerprint reader. Supported on laptops and external USB fingerprint sensors connected to your Windows PC.
PIN Fallback
If biometric sensors are unavailable, Windows Hello falls back to your secure PIN. This is still faster and more secure than typing a full password.
Startup on Boot
Configure OrbVPN to start automatically when Windows boots, ensuring you are always protected from the moment you log in.
Open OrbVPN Settings
Launch OrbVPN and navigate to Settings then General to access startup configuration options.
Enable Start on Boot
Toggle the 'Start with Windows' option to on. OrbVPN will launch automatically each time you log into Windows.
Enable Auto-Connect
Optionally enable 'Auto-Connect on Startup' to automatically establish a VPN connection as soon as OrbVPN starts.
Minimize to Tray
Enable 'Start Minimized' so OrbVPN launches silently into the System Tray without showing the main window on every boot.
Silent Protection
Combine Start with Windows, Auto-Connect, and Start Minimized for a completely hands-off VPN experience. Your PC is protected from boot with no manual intervention required.
Windows-Specific Settings
Windows Firewall
OrbVPN works alongside Windows Defender Firewall. The app automatically configures firewall rules for VPN traffic during installation.
Split Tunneling
Configure per-application VPN routing. Choose which Windows applications route through the VPN and which use your direct connection.
DNS Configuration
OrbVPN configures DNS settings automatically when connected. Custom DNS servers can be specified in the advanced settings panel.
Kill Switch
The Windows kill switch blocks all internet traffic when the VPN disconnects unexpectedly, preventing your real IP from being exposed.
Firewall Rules Management
OrbVPN for Windows includes a built-in firewall rules manager as part of the desktop security suite. This feature gives you granular control over network traffic beyond the VPN tunnel.
Custom Firewall Rules
Create, edit, and manage Windows Firewall rules directly from OrbVPN. Block or allow specific applications, ports, and IP ranges without navigating Windows Firewall settings.
Automatic Rule Creation
OrbVPN automatically creates and manages firewall rules for the VPN tunnel, kill switch, and DNS leak protection. These rules are cleaned up when OrbVPN is uninstalled.
Persistence Scanner
The Persistence Scanner is a desktop-only security feature that detects suspicious programs configured to run automatically on your Windows PC.
Startup Item Analysis
Scans Windows startup locations including the registry (Run/RunOnce keys), Startup folders, scheduled tasks, and services for unauthorized entries.
Threat Detection
Identifies potentially malicious persistence mechanisms such as unknown services, suspicious scheduled tasks, and unauthorized registry modifications that may indicate malware.
Network Monitor
The Network Monitor provides real-time visibility into all network connections on your Windows PC, helping you identify suspicious activity.
Active Connections
View all active network connections on your PC in real time. See which applications are connecting to which servers, including port numbers and connection states.
Traffic Analysis
Monitor bandwidth usage per application. Identify apps that are using excessive data or making unexpected network connections.
TAP/TUN Driver Installation
OrbVPN for Windows requires a virtual network adapter driver to create VPN tunnels. The installer handles this automatically, but understanding the process helps with troubleshooting.
TAP Adapter
The TAP virtual network adapter is installed during setup. It creates a virtual network interface that OrbVPN uses to route and encrypt all traffic through the VPN tunnel.
TUN Mode
For WireGuard connections, OrbVPN uses TUN mode for Layer 3 routing. This provides better performance and lower overhead compared to TAP for most use cases.
Driver Reinstallation
If VPN connections fail after a Windows update, the TAP/TUN driver may need reinstallation. Go to OrbVPN Settings then Advanced then Reinstall Network Driver. Restart Windows after reinstalling.
Troubleshooting
TAP Adapter Issues
If the VPN fails to connect, reinstall the TAP adapter from OrbVPN Settings then Advanced then Reinstall TAP Driver. Restart Windows afterwards.
Windows Hello Not Working
Ensure Windows Hello is configured in Windows Settings then Accounts then Sign-in Options. Re-enroll your biometric data if recognition fails.
Slow Connection Speeds
Try switching protocols in OrbVPN settings. WireGuard typically offers the best performance on Windows. Disable other VPN or proxy software.
Antivirus Blocking VPN
Some antivirus software may interfere with the TAP adapter. Add OrbVPN to your antivirus exclusion list or whitelist the TAP adapter.
Protect Your Windows PC
OrbVPN for Windows delivers seamless VPN protection with System Tray control, Windows Hello, and automatic startup. Download and get protected in minutes.