In today’s digital age, safeguarding your online activities has become paramount. Yet, certain devices like Roku TV, Apple TV, and some game consoles lack native support for VPN apps, leaving them vulnerable to surveillance from various entities, including hackers, governments, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). With a Virtual Private Network (VPN), however, your devices can enjoy enhanced security and privacy, while also unlocking access to geo-restricted content on streaming platforms like Netflix.
Fortunately, sharing your VPN connection from your Windows 10/11 computer with such devices is a straightforward process. Most leading VPN service providers, offer dedicated Windows apps, allowing you to extend your VPN protection to other devices through a Mobile Hotspot.
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Step 1: Install Your VPN Provider’s Windows App
Begin by installing the Windows application provided by your chosen VPN service. For instance, if you are a GlobalProtect VPN user, you can download their Windows App from their official website. The installation process will automatically generate a PANGP Virtual Ethernet Adapter, a crucial component for our setup.
Step 2: Set Up a Mobile Hotspot on Your Windows PC
- Open Network & Internet Settings: Right-click on the network icon in the taskbar and select “Network & Internet settings.”
- Access Mobile Hotspot: Click on “Mobile Hotspot” on the right-side panel.
- Enable Mobile Hotspot: Turn on the Mobile Hotspot, and you will be provided with an auto-generated Network Name and password, which you can customize.
- Navigate to Network Connections: Press Windows key + R to open Run utility, type ncpa.cpl and press enter to open the Network Connections page.
- Locate the network adapter created by the VPN App (e.g., PANGP Virtual Ethernet Adapter for GlobalProtect). Right-click on it and select “properties.”
- In the properties window, navigate to the “Sharing” tab. Ensure the option “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection” is checked.
- From the Home networking connection dropdown, select the Mobile Hotspot you created earlier (e.g., “Local Area Connection* 12”). Click “Ok.”
- If your VPN connection is not already turned on, you can start the connection and select your desired location.
Connect your desired device to the Windows Mobile Hotspot you created earlier. Any network traffic routed through this hotspot will seamlessly pass through the protective shield of your VPN.
Conclusion
By creating a shared VPN connection through your Windows PC’s Mobile Hotspot, you empower devices that do not inherently support VPN applications. This method ensures a secure and private online experience across all your connected devices, even those that don’t readily embrace VPN technology. So, whether it’s your Roku TV or a gaming console, this step-by-step guide opens up a world of possibilities, enhancing your digital security effortlessly.