Download Proton VPN for PC, Windows 11/10 & Mac (Free)

Proton VPN is a free download for Windows 11, Windows 10 and Mac. The Windows setup is 124.1 MB for x64 PCs and 110.7 MB for ARM64 PCs, and the Mac download is 125 MB.

Advertisement

The free plan has no data cap and shows no ads. The same Proton account signs in to the apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Linux, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro.

Proton VPN downloads for Windows x64, ARM64, Mac and mobile
The Windows setup is 124.1 MB for x64 PCs and 110.7 MB for ARM64 PCs.

Which Proton VPN download do you need?

Find your device in the left column. Every link goes to Proton or an official app store.

Your device Where to get it Size
Windows 11 or Windows 10 64-bit, Intel or AMD (x64) Proton VPN for Windows 124.1 MB
Windows 11 or 10 on Arm (Surface Pro, Surface Laptop and other Arm PCs) Proton VPN for Windows 110.7 MB
Mac on macOS 14 Sonoma or later Proton VPN for macOS 125.0 MB
Mac on macOS 12 or 13 Proton VPN for macOS Pick your macOS version in the download menu
iPhone or iPad on iOS 17 or later Proton VPN on the App Store 270.3 MB
Android phone or tablet Proton VPN on Google Play Varies by device

To check your PC, press Windows + I, open System > About and read System type. An ARM-based processor line means you need the ARM64 file.

Proton builds no 32-bit Windows app, and the Microsoft Store does not list Proton VPN.

Download Proton VPN from the official sources

Proton AG publishes the desktop apps on its own site and the phone, tablet and TV apps through Apple and Google.

  1. Proton VPN for Windows — 124.1 MB x64, 110.7 MB ARM64 · version 5.1.8
  2. Proton VPN for macOS — 125.0 MB · version 6.5.1, with older builds for macOS 12 and 13
  3. All Proton VPN downloads — Linux, Chromebook, browser extensions and TV apps
  4. Proton VPN on the App Store — 270.3 MB · iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro
  5. Proton VPN on Google Play — developer Proton AG, 100M+ downloads

Skip download portals. Proton publishes a SHA-256 checksum for every Windows and Mac release, and a portal copy gives you nothing to check it against.

Advertisement

How to install Proton VPN on Windows 11 and 10

The installer works the same way on Windows 11 and Windows 10. It needs Windows 10 64-bit build 19045 or later.

  1. If Windows blocks the file, open Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > Choose where to get apps and select Anywhere.
  2. Open protonvpn.com/download-windows, select Download for Windows and choose x64 or ARM64.
  3. Double-click the downloaded EXE file and select Yes when Windows asks to allow changes.
  4. Pick your language in the setup wizard and select OK.
  5. Select Next to keep the default Start menu folder.
  6. Deselect any other Proton apps you do not want, then select Install.
  7. Review your choices and select Install again.
  8. Wait for the wizard to close and Proton VPN to start.
  9. Select Sign in with your Proton account, or Create Account for a free one.
  10. Select Connect to join the fastest free server for your location.

The app installs to %ProgramFiles%\Proton\VPN . A Proton Mail, Drive or Pass login works here too.

Install Proton VPN with winget instead of the Microsoft Store

Proton VPN has no Microsoft Store listing. winget, Microsoft’s Windows package manager, installs the same setup file from Proton’s server.

Advertisement
  1. Right-click Start and select Terminal (Admin).
  2. Run winget install Proton.ProtonVPN .
  3. Type Y to accept the source agreement if winget asks.
  4. Wait while winget downloads the installer and checks its SHA-256 hash.
  5. Open Proton VPN from the Start menu and sign in.

winget picks the x64 or ARM64 installer for your processor.

How to verify the Proton VPN installer before you run it

Proton publishes a SHA-256 checksum for each Windows installer in its release feed, and Microsoft’s winget manifest carries the same value.

  1. Open Terminal in the folder that holds the installer.
  2. Run Get-FileHash .\ProtonVPN_v5.1.8_x64.exe -Algorithm SHA256 , using your own file name.
  3. For the x64 file, compare the output with C7E9D52FD4D3B65FF8EA83C24DBBE3F4AD9B3726739CF645CE15B9E24EDC4AA4 .
  4. For the ARM64 file, compare it with 6041E1EBDCE7DD0803E0A794F12D6FFFFA9D8560A7B5192D8754890B35562BB4 .
  5. For a newer release, open Proton’s x64 release feed and read SHA256CheckSum under the Stable entry.
  6. Right-click the installer, select Properties and open Digital Signatures to confirm a valid signature.

On a Mac, run shasum -a 256 on the downloaded file in Terminal and compare it with d50a49f14c50b0ef8ad68a89fc9685d5699ba2d4f92cb4c34317291b425435f8 for version 6.5.1. A mismatch on either platform means the file is damaged, so download it again.

Which Proton VPN download do you need for your Mac, iPhone or Apple TV?

The Mac app comes from Proton’s site, and the current build needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later. Open the Apple menu and select About This Mac to check your version.

Advertisement
Your Apple device Where to get it Build
Mac on macOS 14 Sonoma or newer Proton VPN for macOS 6.5.1, 125.0 MB
Mac on macOS 13 Ventura Proton VPN for macOS 5.1.0, the last build for Ventura
Mac on macOS 12 Monterey Proton VPN for macOS 4.8.0, the last build for Monterey
iPhone or iPad on iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 Proton VPN on the App Store 270.3 MB
Apple TV on tvOS 17 or Apple Vision Pro Proton VPN on the App Store Same App Store listing

To install on a Mac, open the DMG from Downloads, drag Proton VPN into Applications and open it. Select Open at the first-launch warning and sign in.

When System Extension Blocked appears, select Open System Settings, go to General > Login Items & Extensions > Extensions > Network Extensions, turn on ProtonVPN WireGuard and select Done. Select Allow when macOS asks to add VPN configurations on your first connection.

Is Proton VPN free?

Yes. Proton VPN has a free plan with no time limit, no data cap and no ads, on Windows, Mac and every other platform. The free plan includes the no-logs policy, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, the kill switch and servers in 10 countries: the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, Norway, Switzerland, Singapore, Mexico, Canada and the United States. Paying adds 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries, up to 10 devices at once, NetShield, split tunneling, streaming, P2P, Secure Core and Tor servers. In the App Store for the United States, VPN Plus costs $11.99 a month or $83.90 a year, and Proton Unlimited costs $14.99 a month or $119.99 a year. Paid plans carry a 30-day money-back guarantee, and the Windows app is open source under GPL-3.0.

How to check your Proton VPN version and update it

The Windows app has an Automatic updates setting. These steps show your build and pull the newest one on demand.

  1. Press Windows + I and open Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Search for Proton VPN and read the version under its name.
  3. Compare it with the latest version in the requirements table below.
  4. Right-click Start, select Terminal (Admin) and run winget upgrade Proton.ProtonVPN .
  5. On a Mac, open Proton VPN and select Proton VPN > Check for updates in the menu bar.

In the Windows app, open Settings > General to turn Automatic updates or Beta access on or off.

Check the Proton VPN system requirements

Proton ships Windows builds for x64 and ARM64 processors only. The Mac requirement applies to the current 6.5.1 build.

Field Value
Software Proton VPN
Developer Proton AG
Latest version 5.1.8 for Windows (31 August 2026); 6.5.1 for Mac
Licence Free plan; Windows app open source under GPL-3.0; paid VPN Plus and Proton Unlimited
Windows Windows 10 64-bit build 19045 or later, including Windows 11
Windows architecture x64 and ARM64; no 32-bit build
Download size, x64 124.1 MB
Download size, ARM64 110.7 MB
macOS macOS 14 Sonoma or later; older builds for macOS 12 and 13
Download size, Mac 125.0 MB
iPhone and iPad iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 or later; 270.3 MB
Install folder %ProgramFiles%\Proton\VPN
winget package Proton.ProtonVPN
Official download source protonvpn.com/download
Last verified 2026-09-13

Press Windows + R, type winver and select OK to see your build. A number below 19045 needs Windows Update before the app installs.

Fix Proton VPN not installing on Windows 11 or 10

Find the symptom you saw and work down its list.

The installer will not run on this PC

The PC runs 32-bit Windows, or a Windows 10 build older than 19045.

  1. Press Windows + I, open System > About and read System type.
  2. Press Windows + R, type winver and check the build number.
  3. Install pending updates from Windows Update, then run the installer again.

Windows only allows Microsoft Store apps

Windows is set to install Store apps only.

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings.
  2. Set Choose where to get apps to Anywhere.
  3. Run the Proton VPN installer again.

Setup stops at the permission prompt

The app installs for all users and needs administrator approval.

  1. Run the setup file again and select Yes when Windows asks to allow changes.
  2. On a work or school PC without admin rights, ask IT to install it.

An ARM64 PC gets the wrong download

The download page picks a build from what your browser reports.

  1. Open protonvpn.com/download-windows and select Show all download options.
  2. Choose Windows 11/10 (ARM64).
  3. Or run winget install Proton.ProtonVPN , which picks the ARM64 file for you.

The Mac app opens but will not connect

macOS blocked the Proton VPN network extension.

  1. Open System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions.
  2. Go to Extensions > Network Extensions and turn on ProtonVPN WireGuard.
  3. Return to the app, select Connect and choose Allow at the VPN configuration prompt.

How to uninstall Proton VPN

Disconnect first, then remove the app.

  1. Open Proton VPN and select Disconnect, or select Disconnect from its system tray icon.
  2. Press Windows + I and open Apps > Installed apps.
  3. Select the three dots beside Proton VPN and choose Uninstall.
  4. Confirm, then select Yes when Windows asks to allow changes.
  5. Or run winget uninstall Proton.ProtonVPN in Terminal (Admin).
  6. Delete the %ProgramFiles%\Proton\VPN folder if it is still there.
  7. On a Mac, quit Proton VPN and drag it from Applications to the Trash.

Removing the app does not cancel a paid plan. Cancel it from your Proton account.

Which VPN to install instead of Proton VPN

Proton VPN is the pick when you want a free plan with no data cap. These options suit other needs.

VPN Where it comes from Pick it when
NordVPN nordvpn.com You already pay for a NordVPN plan
ExpressVPN expressvpn.com or the Microsoft Store You want a paid VPN you can install from the Microsoft Store
Windows built-in VPN client Included in Windows Your employer or school gives you a VPN server address to connect to

Frequently asked questions

Is Proton VPN free to download?

Yes. Proton VPN is free to download on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone, and its free plan has no data cap and no ads. VPN Plus and Proton Unlimited are optional paid upgrades.

Where is the official Proton VPN download for PC?

protonvpn.com/download-windows is Proton’s own Windows download page, and protonvpn.com/download lists every platform. You can also install it with winget using the package ID Proton.ProtonVPN. Proton VPN is not in the Microsoft Store.

How big is the Proton VPN download?

The Windows setup is 124.1 MB for x64 PCs and 110.7 MB for ARM64 PCs. The Mac download is 125.0 MB, and the iPhone and iPad app is 270.3 MB on the App Store.

Which Proton VPN version is the latest?

Version 5.1.8 is the current Windows release, dated 31 August 2026, and 6.5.1 is the current Mac release. Run winget upgrade Proton.ProtonVPN on Windows, or use Check for updates in the Mac app menu.

Does Proton VPN work on Windows 11 and Windows 10?

Yes. Proton VPN supports Windows 10 64-bit build 19045 and later, which includes Windows 11. It runs natively on x64 and ARM64 processors, and there is no 32-bit build.

What macOS version does Proton VPN need?

The current Mac app, version 6.5.1, needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later. Proton keeps older builds on its download page: 5.1.0 for macOS 13 Ventura and 4.8.0 for macOS 12 Monterey.

Is Proton VPN on the Mac App Store or Microsoft Store?

No to both. The Mac app comes from protonvpn.com/download-macos, and the Windows app comes from protonvpn.com or winget. The App Store listing is for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro.

Is Proton VPN safe to download?

Proton VPN is safe when it comes from protonvpn.com, winget, the App Store or Google Play. Proton publishes a SHA-256 checksum for every Windows and Mac installer, so you can check the file before running it.

How much does Proton VPN Plus cost?

In the App Store for the United States, VPN Plus costs $11.99 a month or $83.90 a year. Proton Unlimited, which adds Proton Mail, Drive and Pass, costs $14.99 a month or $119.99 a year.

What does the free Proton VPN plan leave out?

The free plan connects you to servers in 10 countries without letting you pick one. It leaves out streaming, P2P, NetShield, split tunneling, Secure Core, Tor servers and use on up to 10 devices. Data is not capped.

Why is Proton VPN not installing?

The usual causes are 32-bit Windows, a Windows 10 build older than 19045, Windows set to Store apps only, or a declined permission prompt. Check System type and winver, set Choose where to get apps to Anywhere, and select Yes.

How do I uninstall Proton VPN?

Disconnect and quit the app, then open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the three dots beside Proton VPN and choose Uninstall. You can also run winget uninstall Proton.ProtonVPN in an admin terminal.

Philip Celasco

Philip is a Texas-based technology writer and IT administrator at Techdows.com with more than 10 years of experience creating practical content for everyday users and professionals. He specializes in web browsers, particularly Chromium-based platforms such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Opera. Through his work as an IT administrator, Philip has hands-on experience managing devices, configuring browser policies, troubleshooting software and network issues, and helping people resolve problems that affect productivity and security. His articles are based on practical testing and real-world technical experience. He covers browser settings, extensions, performance problems, privacy controls, security features, and Windows troubleshooting. Outside work, Philip enjoys the quieter side of life in Texas and stepping away from the screen when he can. He has two kids, two cats and loves to play golf with his mother during the weekends.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *