People search 'ProtonVPN free download for PC' specifically because most VPN 'free' tiers turn out to be time-limited trials - and they want to confirm ProtonVPN's isn't. Built by Proton AG, the same team behind Proton Mail, ProtonVPN's free plan has no data cap and no expiry, though it limits you to a smaller set of server locations and one device. This guide walks through installing the Windows client and pairing it with a free Proton account.
How the Free Tier Differs From Paid Plans
ProtonVPN's free tier runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, so the same account works across every device you own, just with reduced server choice on the free plan.
Upgrading to a paid plan unlocks streaming-optimized servers, higher speeds, and multi-device connections, but the free tier alone is enough for basic browsing privacy with no ads or bandwidth cap.
Who ends up using ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN appeals to privacy-focused users who want a genuinely usable free VPN tier, not just a trial.
- Privacy-conscious users wanting no-logs browsing protection on public Wi-Fi
- Journalists and activists who value Proton's Swiss jurisdiction and audited no-logs policy
- Budget users who need basic VPN coverage without ever paying or hitting a data cap
Before you install
A couple of things worth knowing about ProtonVPN before you request the link: it covers Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, so pick the right build for the machine you're setting up. And on pricing, ProtonVPN has a free tier plus a paid upgrade; the free build below is the full, genuine app, not a time-limited trial. It's developed and maintained by Proton AG.
System requirements
- WindowsWindows 10 or 11 (64-bit); older 7/8.1 builds usually still run but no longer get official support
- macOSa recent macOS release — check the download page for the current minimum version, since Apple Silicon vs Intel builds sometimes differ
- Linuxmost current 64-bit distributions; look for a native .deb/.rpm/AppImage or a package in your distro's own repository
- Androida recent Android build installed from the Play Store or the developer's own APK
- iOSa recent iOS release installed from the App Store
Heavier workloads (large files, high-res media, big projects) will naturally want more RAM and a faster CPU/GPU than the bare minimum.
Quick steps
- Download the ProtonVPN Windows client from the link below.
- Install it and sign in with a free Proton account (or create one during setup).
- Pick a free-tier server location and connect with one click.
ProtonVPN: the honest trade-offs
- Free tier has no data cap or time limit, unlike most rival free VPNs
- Strong privacy reputation backed by Swiss law and independent audits
- Works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS with one account
- Free tier restricts you to a handful of server locations and one device
- Connection speeds on free servers can lag noticeably behind paid-tier servers
The installer here is Proton AG's official signed client, the same file distributed from Proton's own servers.
Other Antivirus & Security downloads people search for
Browse the full Antivirus & Security category →
Keeping ProtonVPN up to date
ProtonVPN usually has a built-in updater or store-based auto-update (Microsoft Store / Mac App Store / Play Store, depending on platform); if you installed it manually, re-downloading the current build from the official source is the fallback. Sticking to the developer's own distribution channel — which is what this page links to — means you're never stuck on an old build with unpatched bugs just because a mirror site stopped updating its copy.
Features, install steps, alternatives and more detail live on the main ProtonVPN page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ProtonVPN free plan time-limited like a trial?
No - Proton AG's free tier has no expiry or data cap, though it restricts you to a smaller set of server locations and one device.
Does the free ProtonVPN plan work on more than just Windows?
Yes, the same free account also covers macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS clients.
