How to Create a Free VPN in a Virtual Machine

How to Create a Free VPN in a Virtual Machine

Creating a free VPN in a virtual machine can be accomplished using various online tools and services. Here, we outline a straightforward process using OpenVPN, a popular open-source VPN solution.

Step 1: Set Up the Virtual Machine

Install the Operating System

• Ensure you have a virtual machine configured and running with an operating system of your choice (e.g., Ubuntu).

Update the System

• Before installing any software, it is good practice to update the operating system:

  sh
  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
  

Step 2: Install OpenVPN

Install OpenVPN

• In the terminal, install OpenVPN using the package manager:

  sh
  sudo apt install openvpn -y
  

Download the OpenVPN Installation Script

• There is a popular script that automates the OpenVPN setup called openvpn-install. Download and execute the script:

  sh
  wget https://git.io/vpn -O openvpn-install.sh
  chmod +x openvpn-install.sh
  sudo ./openvpn-install.sh
  

Follow the Script Instructions

• The script will ask several questions, such as the server's IP address, the port to use, the protocol (UDP or TCP), and the client's name. Provide the necessary answers.

Generate Client Configuration Files

• Upon completion, the script will generate a .ovpn file for the client. This file contains all the necessary configurations to connect to the VPN server.

Step 3: Configure the VPN Client

Transfer the .ovpn File to the Client

• Transfer the generated .ovpn file to the client device where you want to configure the VPN.

Install the OpenVPN Client on the Client Device

• Linux:

  sh
  sudo apt install openvpn -y
  

• Windows:
  • Download and install OpenVPN GUI.
• Mac:
  • Download and install Tunnelblick.

Import the .ovpn File

• Import the .ovpn file into the OpenVPN client.

Connect to the VPN

• Start the VPN connection using the OpenVPN client.

Step 4: Test the Connection

Verify the IP

• After connecting to the VPN, verify that your IP has changed to the VPN server's IP. You can check this on websites like WhatIsMyIP.com.

Test Connectivity

• Ensure that you can access the internet and that your connections are being routed through the VPN.

Final Considerations

• Security: Although OpenVPN is a robust solution, it is essential to ensure that your server is properly secured. Keep both the operating system and OpenVPN updated.
• Performance: The VPN's performance will depend on the virtual machine's resources and internet connection speed.
• Free Limitations: While OpenVPN itself is free, hosting costs and server resources (such as CPU, memory, bandwidth) are factors to consider.

By following these steps, you can set up a free VPN using OpenVPN in a virtual machine, providing an additional layer of security and privacy for your network connections.