About this release
ExpressVPN is a full system virtual private network, meaning it tunnels everything the machine sends rather than just the browser, and it routes that traffic through a large network of servers spread across many countries. Unlike a nearest edge privacy tool, the whole point here is choosing where you appear, so you connect to a server in a country of your choosing and your traffic emerges there, encrypted end to end between your machine and that server.
The client is deliberately simple over a serious engine. One large button connects to the smart location it picks, or you drill into the country list to choose exactly where to exit. Underneath sits an in house protocol built for throughput, so the speed penalty a tunnel normally imposes is kept small, and a kill switch stands guard, cutting all traffic the instant the tunnel drops so nothing leaks out unprotected while it reconnects.
Around the core are the protections that matter on a shared or hostile network. Its own encrypted DNS runs inside the tunnel so lookups do not leak, split behaviour lets chosen applications skip the tunnel when you want them to, and there is no traffic log kept by design. This build is prepared to install in an activated state, so the full server network and the protocol options are available from the first launch.
What it does
- Full system tunnel covering every application, not just the browser
- Large server network across many countries to choose from
- In house protocol tuned for throughput over a tunnel
- Kill switch that cuts traffic the instant the tunnel drops
- Encrypted DNS inside the tunnel to stop lookup leaks
- Split behaviour so chosen applications skip the tunnel
- Smart location that picks a fast server automatically
- One button connect with a full country list when you want it
- No traffic logging by design
- Automatic reconnection after a network change or sleep
Changes in this version
- Updated the in house protocol for better throughput
- Improved kill switch reliability during a fast reconnect
- Faster server selection in the smart location picker
- Reduced battery impact on laptops while connected
- Refreshed the interface and connection status display
What the package contains
- ExpressVPN client installer
- Full server network available from first launch
- All interface languages
- Readme with the install order written out step by step
- Notes on configuring the kill switch and split behaviour
Installation notes
Follow these in order. Most reports of a failed install come from skipping a step rather than from the package itself.
- Close any other VPN client first, two tunnels will conflict.
- Disconnect from the network before you start.
- Extract the archive to any folder you like.
- Run the installer as administrator and complete the wizard.
- Apply the included activation step, then launch once and close it.
- Reconnect, open the client, and connect to a location.
System requirements
| Operating system | Windows 10 or Windows 11, 32-bit or 64-bit |
| Processor | Any 1 GHz or faster processor |
| Memory | 2 GB minimum |
| Graphics | No requirement |
| Storage | 200 MB free |
| Display | 1024 by 768 minimum |
Things worth knowing
- Turn the kill switch on if you care about leaks, it is the piece that stops traffic escaping during a reconnect.
- Run only one VPN client at a time, a second tunnel fights this one.
- Choose a nearer server for speed and a specific country only when you need to appear there.
Questions about this title
Does it cover the whole machine or just the browser?
Can I choose which country I appear in?
What does the kill switch do?
Will it slow my connection?
What people are saying
Covers the whole machine, not just the browser, which is what I actually needed. Kill switch gives me peace of mind.
Connected to a server across the world and the speed hit was smaller than I expected. The protocol earns its keep.
Turned the kill switch on and watched traffic stop dead when I forced a reconnect. Does exactly what it says.
Listing information
This entry is catalogued under Security & Privacy and carries the tags below. Language coverage is Multilingual, 16 interface languages, and the supported platform list is Windows 10, Windows 11. Version 14.2.0.13656 is the current catalogued build, last checked 3 days ago, and the entry has been in the index since it was added 2 years ago.