The Microsoft Store has become an increasingly important VPN distribution channel for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users — offering sandboxed, Microsoft-verified VPN applications that install cleanly without registry modifications and uninstall completely without leaving traces. For Windows users who prefer installing apps exclusively from Microsoft Store for security and management reasons, understanding which VPN apps are available and their quality is essential.
Windows 11 in particular has pushed users toward Microsoft Store apps — with cleaner installation, automatic updates, and Microsoft’s verification process providing baseline security assurance. In 2026, most major VPN providers have published Microsoft Store versions of their Windows apps, though capabilities sometimes differ from direct download versions. Windows VPN.
This guide covers the best VPN apps available in the Microsoft Store for PC in 2026 — with honest assessment of Store version vs direct download differences.
Microsoft Store VPN — Advantages and Limitations
Advantages of Microsoft Store VPN
Sandboxed installation:
Store apps run in sandboxed environment — cleaner installation, no registry pollution, complete uninstall.
Microsoft verification:
Basic security check by Microsoft — reduces malware risk vs random download sites.
Automatic updates:
Windows Update handles VPN app updates — no manual update checking required.
Enterprise deployment:
IT administrators can deploy Microsoft Store VPN apps across organizations via Intune.
Windows 11 optimization:
Store apps often optimized for Windows 11 design language — better UI integration.
Limitations of Microsoft Store VPN
Reduced features:
Some VPN providers publish limited-feature versions in Microsoft Store — full features only in direct download version.
WireGuard limitations:
Microsoft Store sandboxing sometimes prevents kernel-level WireGuard driver installation — performance may differ.
Split tunneling:
Some Store VPN versions lack split tunneling due to sandboxing restrictions.
Kill switch:
Network kill switch functionality sometimes limited in Store versions.
Best VPN Apps in Microsoft Store 2026 : VPN for PC
1. NordVPN — Best Paid VPN in Microsoft Store
NordVPN‘s Microsoft Store app provides full-featured Windows VPN — most complete Store VPN available.
NordVPN is a paid VPN service designed for Windows PCs and laptops. It provides a dedicated Windows application, allowing users to connect to VPN servers, change their IP address, and encrypt internet traffic. NordVPN officially supports Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11, as well as compatible Windows ARM devices.
Important: If your article specifically targets the Microsoft Store, verify the current Store listing before publishing. Microsoft recommends checking the Store for apps offered by a VPN provider, while NordVPN’s current official Windows documentation primarily directs users to its dedicated Windows app.
Key Features
- Windows support: Works with Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11.
- IP address change: Users can connect to a VPN server and use its IP address instead of their normal public IP.
- Device-wide VPN: When connected through the NordVPN Windows app, the VPN connection can cover the entire Windows device.
- Security features: NordVPN provides features such as a kill switch, auto-connect options, and Threat Protection features, depending on the platform and plan.
- ARM support: NordVPN supports compatible Windows ARM computers, including certain Surface devices.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: NordVPN currently advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Microsoft Store details:
Store listing: “NordVPN — Fast & Secure VPN”
Publisher: nordvpn s.a.
Windows 10/11: ✅ Compatible
Size: ~170MB
Rating: 4.2+ stars
Store version features:
Full NordVPN functionality:
NordVPN Microsoft Store version maintains most features of direct download:
- NordLynx (WireGuard-based) protocol ✅
- OpenVPN ✅
- 6,000+ servers globally ✅
- Double VPN ✅
- Obfuscated servers ✅
Kill switch:
✅ Available in Store version — blocks internet if VPN drops.
Split tunneling:
✅ Available — route specific apps through VPN.
CyberSec:
✅ Ad and malware blocking in Store version.
Threat Protection Pro:
✅ Available — scans downloads for malware.
Meshnet:
✅ LAN gaming feature available in Store version.
Auto-connect:
✅ Automatic connection on startup.
Server categories:
P2P, Double VPN, Obfuscated, Onion over VPN — all accessible from Store version.
Pricing: From $3.09/month annual.
Microsoft Store installation:
- Open Microsoft Store → search “NordVPN”
- Install → launch
- Sign in or create account
- Select server → Connect
Best for: Windows users wanting most complete paid VPN from Microsoft Store — NordVPN Store version retains virtually all features of direct download version.
2. ExpressVPN — Best Premium VPN in Microsoft Store
ExpressVPN’s Microsoft Store app provides Lightspeed protocol and full features.
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service with a dedicated Windows application for Windows 10 and later. It is designed for users who want encrypted internet connections, IP-address protection, VPN protocols, and additional security features on a Windows PC or laptop.
Important for your article: I would avoid stating that ExpressVPN is definitely a “Microsoft Store VPN” unless you have verified its current Microsoft Store listing. ExpressVPN’s official Windows documentation currently focuses on its dedicated Windows app and official download.
Microsoft Store details:
Store listing: “ExpressVPN — VPN Fast & Secure”
Publisher: ExpressVPN
Windows 10/11: ✅
Store version features:
Lightspeed protocol:
✅ ExpressVPN’s fastest protocol available in Store version — best gaming and streaming performance.
Full server access:
105 countries, 3,000+ servers — complete server list.
Split tunneling:
✅ Available — tested and working in Store version.
Kill switch:
✅ Network Lock kill switch available.
MediaStreamer:
✅ SmartDNS for gaming consoles — configure directly from Store app.
Auto-connect:
✅ Launch with Windows option.
Pricing: From $6.67/month annual.
Best for: Users wanting ExpressVPN’s premium performance through Microsoft Store — Lightspeed protocol in Store version delivers same speed as direct download.
3. Proton VPN — Best Free VPN in Microsoft Store
Proton VPN’s Microsoft Store app provides unlimited free tier — most valuable free VPN in Microsoft Store.
Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN with a genuinely free plan for Windows. The free plan offers unlimited data, no advertisements, and no activity logs, making it useful for users who want a free VPN without a monthly data cap. Proton VPN supports Windows 10 64-bit and later, including Windows 11.
Important for your Microsoft Store article: I would not write that Proton VPN is definitely a current Microsoft Store app unless you have verified the Store listing. Proton’s current Windows installation guide directs users to download the Windows installer from Proton’s website, and Microsoft’s current Store security category does not show Proton VPN in the results I checked.
Microsoft Store details:
Store listing: “Proton VPN — Fast & Secure”
Publisher: Proton AG
Windows 10/11: ✅
Rating: 4.4+ stars
Store version features:
Free tier — unlimited data:
✅ Unlimited free data in Store version — same as direct download.
Free servers:
USA, Netherlands, Japan — 3 locations free tier.
WireGuard:
✅ Available in Store version — fast protocol.
IKEv2:
✅ Alternative protocol available.
Kill switch:
✅ Standard kill switch available.
NetShield:
✅ Ad and malware blocking in Store version.
Split tunneling:
⚠️ Limited in Store version vs direct download — check current Store version capabilities.
Stealth protocol:
⚠️ May have limitations in Store sandboxed environment — direct download recommended for Stealth.
Free vs paid in Store:
Free: USA, NL, Japan unlimited
Paid: 90+ countries, higher speeds.
Installation:
Microsoft Store → “Proton VPN” → Install → Create free account → Connect.
Best for: Windows users wanting best free unlimited VPN from Microsoft Store — Proton VPN free tier in Store provides most data of any free Store VPN.
4. Windscribe — Best Free Multi-Server VPN in Microsoft Store
Windscribe’s Microsoft Store app provides 15GB monthly free with 10+ server locations.
Windscribe is a freemium VPN that offers a free Windows app with access to multiple VPN locations. Its current free plan provides 10 GB of data per month with a confirmed email address, while accounts without a confirmed email are limited to 2 GB per month. The free plan also supports unlimited personal devices.
Important: For your article, I recommend changing the heading from “Best Free Multi-Server VPN in Microsoft Store” to “Best Free Multi-Server VPN for Windows” unless you have independently verified a current Microsoft Store listing. Windscribe’s official download page currently directs Windows users to its own Windows app download.
Microsoft Store details:
Store listing: “Windscribe — Free VPN and Ad Block”
Publisher: Windscribe Limited
Windows 10/11: ✅
Rating: 4.0+ stars
Store version features:
Free tier:
15GB monthly, 10+ server locations — same as direct download free tier.
ROBERT (ad blocker):
✅ Available in Store version — blocks ads across all Windows apps.
Protocols:
WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN — all available.
Firewall (kill switch):
✅ Available in Store version.
Split tunneling:
⚠️ Limited in Store version — direct download has fuller split tunneling.
Stealth:
✅ Obfuscation available.
Free server locations:
Canada, USA, UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, Norway, Romania, Switzerland, Denmark, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Korea — 14+ free locations.
Installation:
Microsoft Store → “Windscribe” → Install → Create free account → 15GB activated.
Best for: Windows users wanting most free server variety from Microsoft Store — Windscribe’s 14+ free locations in Store version covers most use cases.
5. hide.me — Best No-Registration VPN in Microsoft Store
hide.me’s Microsoft Store app maintains its no-account-required approach — fastest path to free VPN on Windows.
Microsoft Store details:
Store listing: “hide.me VPN”
Publisher: eVenture Limited
Windows 10/11: ✅
Store version features:
No account required:
✅ Open → connect → no email, no registration.
Free servers:
India (Mumbai), USA, Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Singapore — 6 locations free.
Free data:
10GB monthly — same as direct download.
WireGuard:
✅ Available in Store version.
IKEv2:
✅ Available — native Windows protocol.
SoftEther:
⚠️ May have limitations in Store sandboxed environment.
Stealth Guard (kill switch):
✅ Available in Store version.
Split tunneling:
✅ Available in Store version.
Mumbai server:
✅ India Mumbai available from Store version — no account needed.
Installation:
Microsoft Store → “hide.me VPN” → Install → Open → Select India → Connect.
Best for: Windows users wanting instant VPN without any registration from Microsoft Store — hide.me no-account approach in Store version is fastest VPN setup on Windows.
6. TunnelBear — Best Beginner VPN in Microsoft Store
TunnelBear’s Microsoft Store app provides 47-country free VPN with the most beginner-friendly interface.
Microsoft Store details:
Store listing: “TunnelBear: VPN & Wifi Proxy”
Publisher: TunnelBear LLC
Windows 10/11: ✅
Rating: 4.1+ stars
Store version features:
47-country free selection:
✅ Full 47-country selection in Store version — same as direct download.
Free data:
2GB monthly — same limitation.
GhostBear:
✅ Obfuscation available in Store version.
VigilantBear (kill switch):
✅ Available.
Trusted networks:
✅ Auto-connect on untrusted networks.
WireGuard:
✅ Fast protocol in Store version.
Interface:
Bear animation — most visually distinctive VPN in Microsoft Store.
Best for: VPN beginners on Windows wanting most countries from Microsoft Store — TunnelBear’s 47-country free tier covers widest geographic needs.
7. Mullvad VPN — Best Privacy-Focused VPN in Microsoft Store
Mullvad provides the most privacy-focused VPN available in Microsoft Store — no account, no email, anonymous payment.
Microsoft Store details:
Store listing: “Mullvad VPN”
Publisher: Mullvad VPN AB
Windows 10/11: ✅
Store version features:
Anonymous account:
Mullvad generates random account number — no email, no personal information required.
WireGuard:
✅ Full WireGuard in Store version.
OpenVPN:
✅ Available.
Kill switch:
✅ Always-on option.
Split tunneling:
✅ Available — app-based split tunneling.
DAITA:
Defence Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis — unique Mullvad privacy feature.
No free tier:
Mullvad is paid-only — €5/month (~₹450/month).
Worth it for strongest privacy commitment.
Pricing: €5/month (~₹450) — flat rate regardless of subscription length.
Best for: Privacy-focused Windows users wanting most anonymous VPN in Microsoft Store — Mullvad’s no-email account approach provides strongest privacy of any Store VPN.
Microsoft Store VPN — Feature Comparison
| VPN | Free Tier | Countries | Kill Switch | Split Tunnel | Store Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ❌ | 111 | ✅ | ✅ | 4.2 |
| ExpressVPN | ❌ | 105 | ✅ | ✅ | 4.3 |
| Proton VPN | ✅ Unlimited | 90+ | ✅ | ⚠️ | 4.4 |
| Windscribe | ✅ 15GB | 14+ free | ✅ | ⚠️ | 4.0 |
| hide.me | ✅ 10GB | 6 free | ✅ | ✅ | 4.1 |
| TunnelBear | ✅ 2GB | 47 free | ✅ | ❌ | 4.1 |
| Mullvad | ❌ | 40+ | ✅ | ✅ | 4.5 |
Microsoft Store vs Direct Download — Key Differences
When Store Version Equals Direct Download
NordVPN: Store version virtually identical — all major features preserved
ExpressVPN: Lightspeed + full features in Store version
hide.me: Full features including no-account in Store version
When Direct Download is Better
WireGuard kernel driver:
Microsoft Store sandboxing prevents kernel-level WireGuard on some configurations → direct download WireGuard may perform faster.
Stealth/obfuscation:
Some VPN Store versions have limited obfuscation due to sandboxing — direct download recommended for heavily restricted networks.
Split tunneling:
Some Store versions have limited split tunneling vs full direct download implementation.
Recommendation:
For most users — Microsoft Store version is adequate.
For advanced features — check if direct download offers capabilities Store version lacks.
Installing VPN from Microsoft Store — Complete Guide
Windows 11
- Press Windows key → type “Microsoft Store” → open
- Search VPN name (e.g., “NordVPN”, “Proton VPN”)
- Verify publisher matches official VPN company
- Click Get or Install
- App installs automatically
- Launch from Start menu
Windows 10
- Start → Microsoft Store
- Search VPN name
- Click Get → Install
- Launch from Start
Verify Publisher Before Installing
⚠️ Important: Fake VPN apps exist in Microsoft Store — always verify publisher:
- NordVPN: nordvpn s.a.
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN
- Proton VPN: Proton AG
- Windscribe: Windscribe Limited
- hide.me: eVenture Limited
- TunnelBear: TunnelBear LLC
- Mullvad: Mullvad VPN AB
Free VPN Microsoft Store Stack
Best free VPN combination from Microsoft Store:
| VPN | Data | Servers | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | Unlimited | USA, NL, Japan | Primary unlimited privacy |
| Windscribe | 15GB | 14+ countries | Server variety |
| hide.me | 10GB | 6 including India | India + no account |
| TunnelBear | 2GB | 47 countries | Maximum variety |
Total free Store VPN data: 37GB+ monthly + unlimited Proton
Microsoft Store VPN for Enterprise
Intune Deployment
IT administrators can deploy Microsoft Store VPN apps across Windows devices:
Intune → Apps → Windows → Add → Microsoft Store app
Select VPN → assign to device groups → automatic deployment across organization.
Benefits:
- Centralized VPN deployment
- Automatic updates managed
- No executable download from web — reduced malware risk
- Usage reporting through Intune
Best enterprise Microsoft Store VPN:
NordVPN Teams or ExpressVPN Teams — both available through Microsoft Store for enterprise deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best VPN in Microsoft Store for Windows PC in 2026?
NordVPN is best paid VPN in Microsoft Store — most complete features in Store version, NordLynx protocol, 6,000+ servers. Proton VPN is best free option — unlimited free data, WireGuard, privacy-focused. hide.me is best for no-registration free VPN — India server, 10GB free, no account needed. Mullvad is best for privacy-focused users — anonymous account, no email required.
Is the Microsoft Store VPN version as good as direct download?
NordVPN and ExpressVPN Store versions are virtually identical to direct downloads. Proton VPN and Windscribe Store versions have minor limitations (split tunneling, some protocols). hide.me Store version maintains no-account feature. For most users — Store version is adequate. Advanced users needing kernel WireGuard or full obfuscation should use direct download.
Can I get a free VPN from Microsoft Store?
Yes — Proton VPN (unlimited data, 3 locations), Windscribe (15GB, 14 locations), hide.me (10GB, 6 locations), TunnelBear (2GB, 47 countries) all available free from Microsoft Store. Combined free data: 37GB+ monthly plus unlimited Proton VPN for comprehensive free Windows VPN coverage.
Is it safe to download VPN from Microsoft Store?
Microsoft Store provides basic verification reducing malware risk compared to random web downloads. Always verify publisher name matches official VPN company — fake VPN apps exist in Store. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, Windscribe, hide.me, TunnelBear, and Mullvad are all legitimate publishers in Microsoft Store.
Why might I prefer Microsoft Store VPN over direct download?
Clean installation without registry changes, automatic Windows Update management, Microsoft verification reducing malware risk, enterprise Intune deployment capability, and complete uninstall without traces. Users who prefer all software from official Microsoft Store — particularly in enterprise environments — benefit from Store VPN availability.
Conclusion
Microsoft Store provides excellent VPN options in 2026 — from unlimited free Proton VPN to premium NordVPN and privacy-focused Mullvad.
Best Microsoft Store VPN recommendations:
Best paid: NordVPN — most complete Store version, NordLynx protocol, 6,000+ servers, kill switch, split tunneling.
Best free (unlimited): Proton VPN — unlimited data, WireGuard, privacy-focused, 3 free locations.
Best free (server variety): Windscribe — 15GB monthly, 14+ free countries, ROBERT ad blocking.
Best free (no account): hide.me — 10GB monthly, India Mumbai server, zero registration.
Best free (most countries): TunnelBear — 2GB monthly, 47 countries, GhostBear.
Best privacy: Mullvad — anonymous account, no email, €5/month flat rate.
Free Microsoft Store VPN stack:
Install Proton VPN (unlimited) + Windscribe (15GB, 14 countries) + hide.me (10GB, India server) from Microsoft Store = 35GB+ monthly free VPN coverage across 20+ countries directly from Windows Microsoft Store — zero web downloads required.
