VPN for Windows 8: one installer that runs on 8.1 too
Ben's VPN runs on Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. Both use the single installer for Windows 7 SP1 to Windows 11. On a trip, you choose which country your connection uses.
Other systems: all downloads.
First run on Windows 8 in 3 steps
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Run the installer
Open the downloaded file and click Yes in the Windows permission prompt.
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Wait for the first setup
The app shows “Welcome!” and then “Setting up the app for the first time…”. At this stage, it creates a guest account for this computer, with no sign-up form. If this step takes long, your network may be blocking our servers. The app then offers to find a working mirror automatically or to enter one by hand. Setup continues in the background while you choose.
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Choose a plan
Click Connect on the main screen. The button opens Buy Ben's VPN while the account has no subscription. Pay for one of the plans in that window. A plan bought on another device works on this computer too. To use it, click Already have a subscription? → Sign in to account in the same window.
Changing the location on a trip
The first 3 items are in the Change Location window, which the Location button opens. The 4th item is a banner that the app shows when the connection is poor.
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Fastest
One click selects a location close to you. In a new country, you do not need to search the list.
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Previous
This tile returns you to the location you used before the last change.
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Automatically connect when changing location
This box is ticked by default. With the box ticked, choosing a location connects you to it. If you are already connected, the connection changes to that location.
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Bad connection
The banner means that the internet works poorly through the current server. Fix the problem opens the Server unavailable card with 4 steps. In step 1, choose another location. Step 2 searches for a working server for up to 2 minutes. Use it when another location does not help.
The app on this computer is installed for Windows 7 and 8. On Windows 10 or 11 after an upgrade, it shows “Windows has been updated”. Click Reinstall the app in that message. The VPN then works on the new system. The guide for the upgraded computer is VPN for Windows 10 or VPN for Windows 11.
Plans with no device limit
Each plan below covers all countries. Switching to another country on a trip costs nothing extra.
Bonus months come with purchases on this site. Refunds follow our refund policy. Send the request within 14 days of payment.
Windows 8 and 8.1: updates, errors and a lost laptop
Support 24/7: the chat on this site, Telegram @bensvpn and [email protected].
The update says there is not enough disk space. What should I do?
Free some space on the disk, then click the message to try again. A different message can say that the update cannot be installed from the app. Clicking it downloads the installer in your browser. Run that installer over the version you have.
What does “Windows configuration problem” mean?
The app could not start the VPN tunnel. The usual causes are an antivirus, a damaged system service or the network settings. Click Reinstall service on the card first. If the message stays, pause the antivirus and connect again. Reinstalling the app and restarting the computer are the last steps.
Why do I see “Another VPN is active”?
Windows does not run 2 VPN apps at the same time. Disconnect the other VPN, quit its app in the notification area and click Connect again.
What if the laptop gets lost on a trip?
Your subscription belongs to your account. A guest account, however, exists only on the device where the app created it. Before the trip, open Account → Link e-mail. With an e-mail on the account, you can sign in on your phone. There, Sign out on all devices signs the lost laptop out too.
Start for 3 days, then decide
The trial costs $0.50 and opens all 187 countries and every app.
