Setting Up a VPN Server on Windows Server

Introduction

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows users to connect securely to a private network over the internet. Windows Server includes built-in tools to set up a VPN server, enabling secure remote access for employees, clients, or multiple office locations.

In this tutorial, we’ll cover:

• ✅ Installing and configuring the VPN role on Windows Server
• ✅ Setting up Remote Access (RAS) for VPN
• ✅ Configuring VPN user authentication
• ✅ Testing and connecting to your VPN

1. Installing the VPN Role on Windows Server

Step 1: Open Server Manager

• Click Start → Open Server Manager.
• Click Manage → Select Add Roles and Features.

Step 2: Install Remote Access Role

• In the Add Roles and Features Wizard, click Next until you reach Server Roles.
• Select Remote Access → Click Next.

Step 3: Select DirectAccess and VPN (RAS)

• Under Role Services, select DirectAccess and VPN (RAS).
• Click Next, then Install.
• Wait for the installation to complete, then click Close.

2. Configuring VPN on Windows Server

Step 1: Open Routing and Remote Access (RRAS)

• Open Server Manager → Click Tools → Select Routing and Remote Access.
• Right-click your server name → Click Configure and Enable Routing and Remote Access.

Step 2: Configure VPN Access

• In the Routing and Remote Access Wizard, select Custom Configuration.
• Check VPN Access → Click Next → Click Finish.
• Click Start Service to enable VPN functionality.

3. Configuring Firewall & Port Forwarding

Step 1: Allow VPN Traffic in Windows Firewall

netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Allow VPN PPTP" protocol=TCP dir=in localport=1723 action=allow
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Allow VPN L2TP" protocol=UDP dir=in localport=1701 action=allow
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Allow VPN IKEv2" protocol=UDP dir=in localport=500 action=allow
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Allow VPN NAT-T" protocol=UDP dir=in localport=4500 action=allow

4. Connecting to Your VPN Server

Step 1: Get the VPN Server IP

ipconfig

Step 2: Set Up VPN on a Windows Client

• Open Settings → Click Network & Internet → Select VPN.
• Click Add a VPN connection and enter:
• VPN Provider: Windows (built-in)
• Server Address: Public IP of your VPN server
• VPN Type: PPTP / L2TP / SSTP / IKEv2
• Username & Password: As per user credentials.

Final Thoughts

A Windows Server VPN enables:

• ✔️ Secure remote access to corporate networks.
• ✔️ Encrypted data transmission for privacy and security.
• ✔️ Easy integration with Active Directory (AD) for user management.
• ✔️ Support for multiple VPN protocols (PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, IKEv2).

Next Steps? Try setting up a client-to-site or site-to-site VPN for multi-office connectivity!