Murdoch Mysteries, one of my favorite American television programs, just wrapped up its 18th time. To see it, I pulled out my Kubuntu Focus Linux game laptop, connected it to my LG C2 OLED&nbsp, and went to fire up my VPN (virtual private network ), just to know I still needed to install it.

Maybe you need to use another streaming service while traveling abroad, like I do, to enjoy Netflix, Disney Plus, or another streaming services. Maybe you’d like to save money on streaming services membership using a VPN. Perhaps you want to protect your online privacy. Whatever the reason, it’s worthwhile using a VPN. With a VPN, you can conceal your site from your furnizor de servicii de internet as well as from apps and websites. For example, I can easily be seated on the couch in my life area in North Carolina, but using a VPN, apps and websites think I’m in Toronto, Canada ( or another site based on the site you select ).

Setting up a VPN is easy on most programs, including Ferestre, MacOS, iOSși Android: download an app and deploy it. But, on Linux, the construction process isn’t always as easy. While some VPN providers provide solo apps, you might have to rely on a browser plugin or to change your system manager settings. &nbsp, Here’s how to install a VPN on Linux so you can increase your net protection.

The simplest way to install a VPN on Linux is to use your VPN company’s game.

If your VPN company offers a Linux software, that’s the best way to manage a virtual private network on your PC. The most useful features include choosing a VPN method to use, like OpenVPN or WireGuard, and quick server switching. &nbsp,

Sadly, the majority of the major corporations offer helpful starting guides:

Some VPN providers, like Private Internet Access ( PIA ), offer downloadable files for installing Linux apps. For Debian-based acting techniques like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Pop!, these are frequently a.run files, a.deb files, and a.deb files. _OS. &nbsp,

Here’s how to set up a VPN on Linux with a digital report:

Navigate to the Downloads section of your VPN provider’s website to find the installer that works with your Linux operating system ( OS ) and hardware.
1. Open your terminal ( CTRL + ALT + T on most Debian-based Linux distributions ).
2. Navigate to the Downloads folder in which your file is usually saved: cd /home/[username ] /Downloads.
3. Make the installer executable ( note: If your file is a deb file, you can skip this step, and proceed to step 5, but this is required for scripts like .run or .sh files ): chmod + x]filename]
4. Run the installer by using the following commands: sudo. /[file name ] for a script like a .sh or.run file, or sudo apt install [package name ] for a.deb file.
5. Start your VPN-ul, sign in with your account qualifications, then began using your rețea privată virtuală.

Note that these procedures may vary slightly depending on the VPN company you choose, but overall the procedure should be the same. How’s what it looked like when I loaded up Personal Internet Access on my Linux system:

Obtain the most recent version of the PIA. a document to work.
1. Open a terminal ( CTRL + ALT + T ).
2. Navigate to the playlist /home/techuplife/Downloads listing in which I’ve installed my downloads.
3. Make the setup executable: chmod + by pia-linux-3.5.1-07760. Run ( Please take note that the numbers listed here will vary depending on the PIA version you’re using ).
4. Start the installer: ./pia-linux-3.5.1-07760. move.
5. Following the prompts in the connector window to accomplish installing Personal Internet Access.
6. Open the PIA Linux game, sign in, and choose a site location. &nbsp,

While some VPN providers provide digital files like a.run or.deb, others rely solely on the control line, such as Surfshark şi ExpressVPN. This look at getting a VPN on Linux with the control line:

Use CTRL + ALT + T to open a switch screen.
1. Find the installation command on your VPN provider’s website, copy that ( CTRL + C), and paste it into the terminal ( CTRL + SHIFT + V ).
2. To work the software and follow the instructions, press Enter or Return.

After installation ends, move your VPN to register in and get connected. Although the precise steps for a Linux game command line download are different, they should all be related.

How to place Surfshark on Linux

Surfshark appeared on my notebook as follows when I installed it:

Use CTRL + ALT + T to open a switch window.
1. Copy the installation script and paste it into my terminal: curl -f https ://downloads .surfshark .com/linux/debian-install .sh –output surfshark-install. ker.
2. Work the installation script: half sh surfshark-install. next follow the instructions on the screen.
3. Open the newly installed Surfshark Linux customer app, log in, choose a server location, and allow the VPN. &nbsp,

How to place ExpressVPN on Linux

In March 2025, ExpressVPN released a Graphic Linux software. Here’s how to access the ExpressVPN software for Linux:

Get the ExpressVPN software from the layout page. You may be prompted to enter your password certificates. A confirmation script should be sent via email.
1. Open the terminal ( CTRL + ALT + T on most Debian-based Linux distros ).
2. Use the command line to get to the folder where the saved file software is located. If that’s the files folder, you’ll probably use cd /home/]username ] /Downloads– where]username ] is your computer’s account.
3. Start the software script by typing [installer files ] in which case the downloaded file is named. You may be prompted to provide your PC’s login.
4. After installation is complete, the app should launch itself with your username, password, sign-in link, or activation code.

How to place NordVPN on Linux

NordVPN’s first ever Linux GUI game was released in May 2025. To fit the NordVPN on Linux:

1. Use CTRL + ALT + T to launch a prompt fast.
2. Install the NordVPN Linux app with a GUI: sh &lt, (wget -qO- https ://downloads .nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install .sh ) -p nordvpn-gui or the CLI-only version using: sh &lt, ( curl -sSf https ://downloads .nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install .sh )
3. Register into the NordVPN application. With the GUI type, start the game and input your username and password. Enter bluehost registration in the control line using the Basic version.

If you use the demand line to log in, you’ll need to either use the –token sau –callback colors. To create a new coin, log into your NordVPN accounts using a web browser, go to the Services menu and select either a 30-day or a non-expiring one, and select either the 30-day or 30-day option. In the command line, enter nordvpn login –token]your token ] ( where]your token ] is the token you generated earlier ).

Using the call symbol:

Work bluehost registration in the control line.
1. Copy the URL into a web browser that the order quick returns.
2. Register in using that URL.
3. To backup the website address, right-click the Continue option.
4. In a command prompt, run nordvpn login –call back]URL] ( where]URL] is replaced with the link you copied ).

How to set up Proton VPN on a Linux machine

With its refined GUI software, Proton VPN works tremendous on Linux:

Download the Proton VPN app package at: wget https ://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-all/protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all .deb.
1. Install the Proton VPN repository: sudo dpkg -i ./protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all. half apt update, pretend &amp, and barney &amp
2. Use the VPN game: login accurate install proton-vpn-gnome-desktop

How do I set up Mullvad VPN on Linux?

Mullvad is one of the best VPNs for people with severe privacy issues, and its Linux GUI software is easy to use:

Install curl: Use sudo to deploy curl.
1. Get the drafting key: half curl -fsSLo /usr/share/keyrings/mullvad-keyring. asc https ://repository .mullvad .net/deb/mullvad-keyring .asc
2. Put either the firm repository: echo “deb]signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/mullvad-keyring. asc arch=$ (dpkg –print-architecture ) ] https ://repository .mullvad .net/deb/stable$ (lsb_release -cs ) main” | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources. listing. d/mullvad. listing
   or echo “deb]signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/mullvad-keyring” in the experimental store. asc arch=$ (dpkg –print-architecture ) ] https ://repository .mullvad .net/deb/beta$ (lsb_release -cs ) main” | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources. record. d/mullvad. record
3. Use the Mullvad VPN app: ssh apt update pretend fitting install mullvad-vpn

Using the system administrator on your computer, you may install a VPN on Linux as well.

While I recommend using the formal Linux software from your VPN service, assuming there’s a accessible, you can setup a virtual private network on your computer using a particular protocol, like OpenVPN or WireGuard. You’ll use a particular VPN process client, such as Network Manager and WireGuard and OpenVPN. While using Network Manager or OpenVPN functions, it’s more troublesome and doesn’t give you the full slate of characteristics you’d get from a solo VPN client software from your company. &nbsp,

For instance, by installing Surfshark’s VPN game, I may move between WireGuard and OpenVPN. Various VPN protocols provide a variety of advantages. Usually, OpenVPN sports better security at the cost of connection frequencies, while WireGuard is more balanced with excellent protection and small speed reduction compared to not using a VPN. However, not all businesses permit you to use their client apps; all of IPVanish’s Linux instructions depend on OpenVPN.

To configure a VPN on Linux using your network manager:

Open the connections.
1. Click the plus ( + ) sign.
2. Choose your preferred VPN protocol, typically WireGuard or OpenVPN.
3. Enter the correct information based on your VPN provider.

From there, you can switch between several fields:

1. Connection name: You can use anything, but I recommend setting this as your VPN provider, i. e., NordVPN, IPVanish, etc.
2. Gateway
3. TLS, Static Key, Password, and Password with Certificate ( TLS ) are connection types.
4. User name
5. Password

You may have even more fields depending on the type of connection you choose. You’ll need to check your VPN provider’s website to see the correct information to input in the various boxes and obtain certificates. &nbsp,

VPN apps with a GUI on Linux are great for beginners

Many VPN providers only offer Linux command line interface, aka CLI, apps. Although the command line isn’t always challenging, a visual interface is simpler for Linux beginners to use. Additionally, a graphical user interface, or GUI, provides features like the ability to pick your favorite servers, quickly turn your VPN connection on or off and easily navigate into your settings. Some of our favorite VPN providers with Linux GUI applications are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and Mullvad.

That’s not to say a CLI VPN app is challenging to use, but it’s not as intuitive– especially for folks new to Linux– since you’ll need to enter the proper commands to perform essential functions like changing servers and turning your VPN on or off. You’ll need to remember the proper Linux app commands to enter when using a command-line-only app to connect, disconnect, switch servers, enable kill switches, and perform other operations. Or, if you’re me, you’ll need to look up commands each time because you don’t recall them off the top of your head. &nbsp,

Luckily, they’re mostly pretty simple, for instance, nordvpn login lets you log in, nordvpn connect sau nordvpn c connects you to VPN servers, and nordvpn set killswitch on enables its kill switch. Similar to ExpressVPN, you can connect using the command expressvpn connect. Using expressvpn list in a terminal window shows a list of recommended server locations, and you can pick a specific location using expressvpn connect” ]country- city ]”. Thankfully, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer GUI Linux apps, which are much simpler for beginners to use than CLI apps. But as you can see, most terminal commands aren’t too tricky, although you might have to consult help documents for the VPN you’re using for the full library of options. &nbsp,

You can also run a VPN on Linux using a browser extension

You get a fantastic experience using the Linux app from your VPN provider, either with a GUI or CLI. However, you can also use a browser extension. Complete protection for all applications running on your computer is provided by a standalone VPN app, including Spotify and your Steam game client. If your VPN has tunelare divizată, you can even choose which apps use a VPN while it’s enabled and which don’t. So you can use your VPN to access UK Netflix libraries while installing games from Steam without using your VPN to access Valve’s two-factor authentication email and faster download speeds.

On the other hand, a browser extension only protects web traffic through your browser. So, CNET, if you’re watching Netflix, Spotify, and reading articles on your favorite websites ( it’s true? ), in a browser, that’s routed through your VPN. However, downloadable apps for Netflix, Spotify, and other services aren’t. In this way, a browser extension is similar to split tunneling in that only some traffic is protected. However, extensions only work with what is in that particular web browser, which is split tunneling, which allows you to use your VPN for a variety of apps. &nbsp,

In the end, you’ll get the most functionality if you have the option to use a VPN client app. A browser extension is pretty easy but less comprehensive than a standalone VPN application. Additionally, switching VPN protocols requires more time, even though using the network manager on your Linux OS is effective. &nbsp,