How to install on Windows on Surfshark

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-19

Quick Answer

Installing Surfshark on Windows is straightforward - download the official app from Surfshark's website, run the installer, and log in with your credentials. The entire process takes just a few minutes and provides automatic connection management.

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Prerequisites

Active Surfshark subscription
Windows 10 or 11 operating system
Administrator privileges on your computer
Stable internet connection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Download Surfshark Windows App

Visit surfshark.com and log into your account. Navigate to the Downloads section or click Get Apps. Select Windows and click Download for Windows to get the SurfsharkSetup.exe file.

Always download from the official Surfshark website to ensure you get the latest secure version.

Run the Installer

Locate the downloaded SurfsharkSetup.exe file in your Downloads folder. Right-click the file and select Run as administrator. If prompted by Windows Defender or antivirus, click Allow or Yes to proceed.

Running as administrator ensures proper installation of VPN drivers and system components.

Complete Installation Process

The installer will launch automatically. Click Install when prompted. Wait for the installation to complete - this typically takes 1-2 minutes. The app will automatically launch once installation finishes.

Sign In to Your Account

When Surfshark opens, click Log In. Enter your Surfshark email address and password in the respective fields. Click Log In to authenticate your account and access the VPN features.

If you forgot your password, click 'Forgot Password?' to reset it via email.

Configure Initial Settings

After logging in, Surfshark may prompt you to enable Auto-connect and Kill Switch. Click Enable for both features for optimal security. You can modify these settings later in Settings > General.

Enable Kill Switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

Connect to a VPN Server

Click Quick-connect to automatically connect to the fastest available server, or click All locations to choose a specific country. Select your desired server location and click Connect. The app will show Connected status when successful.

Use Quick-connect for general browsing or choose specific locations for geo-restricted content.

Verify Connection Status

Once connected, the Surfshark interface will display a green Connected status with your current server location. Visit whatismyipaddress.com in your browser to verify your IP address has changed to the VPN server's location.

The system tray icon will also show your connection status - green means connected, gray means disconnected.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Installation fails with 'Access Denied' error

Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator. Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation, then re-enable it afterward.

App won't connect to any servers

Check your internet connection first. Go to Settings > Connection and try changing the protocol to OpenVPN UDP or IKEv2. Restart the application if issues persist.

Slow internet speeds after connecting

Try connecting to a server closer to your physical location. In Settings > Connection, change protocol to WireGuard for better performance. Disable unnecessary features like MultiHop.

Cannot access certain websites while connected

Enable NoBorders feature in Settings > Advanced. Try switching to different server locations. For streaming services, use servers specifically optimized for that platform.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Surfshark website before purchasing.

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