What is a VPN kill switch?

A VPN kill switch (also stylized as killswitch) is a safety feature that automatically cuts off Internet access for your computer’s entire network when the VPN connection gets disrupted. Its goal is to stop IP leaks when you’re online without a VPN. If you don’t have a kill switch enabled, your true IP address will be immediately broadcasted online as soon as the VPN connection drops.

Do I need a VPN kill switch?

If you use a VPN to remain anonymous on the web, then yes, you definitely need a VPN kill switch. This way, you can make sure that your online activities won’t be traced back to you. It’s particularly practical for users who live in countries with harsh Internet censorship. Many of them resort to virtual private network solutions to bypass government censorship and access blocked websites, such as journalists or whistleblowers.

What are the best VPNs with kill switch for Windows?

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a top VPN for Windows 10, which also comes integrated with an automatic kill switch called VPN Killswitch. It’s set to auto mode, which means that it blocks all outside network traffic when the VPN is on. However, you can set VPN Killswitch to Always in order to block all incoming and outgoing traffic, whether the VPN is on or off. Or you can disable it. Created by Kape Technologies, PIA is compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can even set it up on your router to share your VPN account with all connected devices. It allows 10 simultaneous connections. What else you must know about PIA:

+3,300 VPN servers in 48 countries No logs or leaks 24/7 live chat support 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)

When it comes to a VPN kill switch for Windows computers, NordVPN really shines because it has two types of kill switches: for applications and the entire network traffic. The Internet kill switch stops all inbound and outbound connections if the VPN gets interrupted. Meanwhile, the App Kill Switch terminates specific programs to make sure they won’t expose your true IP address. Made by Tefincom & Co., NordVPN has some of the best security features you can find in a virtual private network solution. In addition to a kill switch, you can use Double VPN, obfuscated servers, Onion-over-VPN, and dedicated IP addresses. It uses OpenVPN with 256-bit encryption to secure your data. NordVPN is compatible with all popular platforms, including Windows, Android, Linux, Mac, and iOS. Plus, you can install it at the router level to provide VPN access to all connected devices. It supports 6 simultaneous connections. What else you must know about NordVPN:

+5,100 VPN servers in 59 countries No logs or leaks 24/7 live chat support 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)

Designed by Surfshark LTD, Surfshark is yet another VPN with a kill switch for Windows PC. Simply called Kill Switch, it disables all Internet access when you’re not using the VPN. That means that you will lose network connectivity even after quitting or logging out of the app. Besides a kill switch, Surfshark brings to the table other awesome security features, such as support for WireGuard and OpenVPN with 256-bit encryption, Shadowsocks proxy, multi-hop VPN connections, obfuscation mode, along with an ad and malware blocker. The best part about Surfshark is that you can use a single account on any number of devices since it permits unlimited simultaneous connections. It works with Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, and routers. What else you must know about Surfshark:

+1,700 VPN servers in +63 countries 24/7 live chat and email support 30-day money-back guarantee 7-day free trial for Android and iOS

Operated by Kape Technologies, CyberGhost VPN is the best free VPN with Internet kill switch for Windows PC. That’s because it’s the only premium service on this list that offers a free trial for Windows (no credit card). CyberGhost VPN has an automatic Internet KillSwitch built into the software application, which you can’t turn off no matter what. It’s not a drastic measure because it doesn’t shut off your Internet access when the VPN is off. But it’s designed to block all connections as soon as you lose access to the CyberGhost VPN network. You can set up CyberGhost VPN not only on Windows but also iOS, Android, Linux, and Mac. It also has OpenVPN manual config for router setup. It can protect up to 7 devices at once. What else you must know about CyberGhost VPN:

+6,500 VPN servers in 89 countries No logs or leaks 24/7 live chat support Up to 45-day money-back guarantee 1-day free trial for Windows and macOS 7-day free trial for Android and iOS

ExpressVPN is a VPN service that has a kill switch called Network Lock, featuring support for Windows, Mac, Linux, and routers. It stops all traffic flowing in and out of your network as soon as you get disconnected from the VPN. This way, it hides you from your ISP and maintains your online anonymity. Created by Express VPN International LTD, this tool uses OpenVPN with 256-bit AES military-grade encryption, exclusive DNS servers, IPv6 leak protection, and split tunneling. It allows 5 simultaneous device connections. What else you must know about ExpressVPN:

+3,000 VPN servers in 94 countries No logs or leaks 24/7 live chat and email support 30-day money-back guarantee 7-day free trial for Android and iOS

To recap, a VPN kill switch for Windows 10 is indispensable for privacy-concerned users who want to protect their online anonymity all the time, even in the short time it takes for a VPN to disconnect and reconnect. If you’re trying to hide your browsing activity from your ISP and block government traffic, you definitely need a VPN kill switch. The virtual private network solutions above are the best in the business, especially when it comes to Internet security and anonymity.

We recommend Private Internet Access, a VPN with a no-log policy, open source code, ad blocking and much more; now 79% off. Name * Email * Commenting as . Not you? Save information for future comments
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