How do I setup an L2TP VPN on Windows?

L2TP is a VPN standard built into Windows 10 that allows you to securely connect over the internet to a company or home network and access files and applications on that network.

Step-by-step guide

To setup an L2TP client VPN on Windows 10:

• In Windows Search, type VPN and select Change virtual private networks (VPN).

• This opens up the Windows 10 VPN Settings control panel.

• Click Add a VPN Connection to open the next window and enter the following:
  • VPN Provider: Windows (built-in)
  • Connnection Name: Any name that will help you identify this connection, in this example we're using MyConnection
  • Server Name or Address: The IP address that you have been given
  • VPN Type: L2TP/IPSec with pre-shared key
  • Pre-shared key: Enter the Pre-shared key that you have been given
  • User name: Enter the username you have been given
  • Password: Enter the password you have been given

• Click Save
  • Now Navigate to Control Panel > Network & Internet > Network Connections, right click on the connection you've just created and select Properties. On the Security tab, make sure Allow these protocols is selected and that you've allowed Microsoft CHAP Version 2 is ticked. 

• Now, back on the VPN control panel, select the connection you’ve just created and click Connect.

• Enter the User name and Password you’ve been given and click OK (if you haven't already entered this previously).