About this release
Hotspot Shield is a VPN client that wraps the machine's internet connection in an encrypted tunnel and routes it through one of a large number of servers around the world. The practical effect is twofold, traffic on an untrusted network like a cafe or hotel connection is protected from anyone snooping on the same network, and the apparent location of the connection becomes wherever the chosen server sits.
The premium tier is the one worth having, and this build has it active. The free version imposes a daily data cap, throttles the speed and limits which servers you can reach, all of which the premium tier removes. That leaves the full server network, uncapped data, and the higher speeds the underlying protocol is capable of, which is the difference between a VPN you use constantly and one you tolerate.
The client itself is deliberately simple. Connect with one button, pick a server location from a list, and let it run, with an option to connect automatically on an untrusted network and a kill switch that blocks traffic if the tunnel drops so nothing leaks around it. It covers Windows from 7 upward in both architectures, and the interface is available in a long list of languages.
What it does
- Encrypted tunnel protecting traffic on untrusted networks
- Large server network across many countries
- Premium tier with no data cap and no speed throttle
- Full server access rather than the free version's limited set
- One button connect with automatic server selection
- Automatic connection on untrusted networks
- Kill switch that blocks traffic if the tunnel drops
- Split behaviour so chosen traffic can bypass the tunnel
- Runs on Windows 7 through 11 in both architectures
- Twenty four interface languages included
Changes in this version
- Premium limits lifted in this build
- Faster connection establishment
- Improved kill switch reliability
- Expanded server location list
- Reduced background resource use
What the package contains
- Hotspot Shield VPN offline installer
- Premium activation component
- All interface languages
- Silent install script for unattended setup
- Readme with the install order written out step by step
Installation notes
Follow these in order. Most reports of a failed install come from skipping a step rather than from the package itself.
- Extract the archive to any folder.
- Run the installer and finish the wizard, which installs a network adapter.
- Apply the included licensing step so the premium tier unlocks.
- Launch the client once.
- Connect to a server and confirm the premium state with no data cap.
- Turn off automatic updates to keep the activation state.
System requirements
| Operating system | Windows 7 or newer, 32-bit or 64-bit |
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster |
| Memory | 1 GB minimum |
| Graphics | No requirement |
| Storage | 150 MB free |
| Network | An active internet connection to tunnel through |
Things worth knowing
- The installer adds a virtual network adapter, that is normal for a VPN and required for the tunnel.
- Turn on the kill switch if a leak of your real connection would matter, it blocks traffic when the tunnel drops.
- Turn off automatic updates if you want the activation state left exactly as installed.
Questions about this title
What does the premium tier remove?
Does it protect me on public wifi?
What is the kill switch for?
Why did the installer add a network adapter?
What people are saying
Premium lifts the cap so I actually leave it on. Free tier was unusable with the throttle.
Turned on the kill switch. Tunnel dropped once and nothing leaked, exactly as it should.
Full server list unlocked. Connection is quick and I have not hit a cap.
Listing information
This entry is catalogued under Security & Privacy and carries the tags below. Language coverage is Multilingual, 24 interface languages, and the supported platform list is Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11. Version 12.15.1 is the current catalogued build, last checked 3 days ago, and the entry has been in the index since it was added 3 years ago.