Working with OpenVPN on Windows 8

Ok, I dont claim to know exactly what steps have fixed my connectivity issues with OpenVPN on Windows 8. But from what I’ve seen from community posts, it’s hardly a remote issue (forgive the pun).

Steps to install and use OpenVPN on Windows 8

Get the latest beta version of OpenVPN from the download page. Scroll down to the bottom where you will note beta/rc releases.

I used openvpn-install-2.3_rc1-I003-x86_64 for 64 bit Windows 8.

Before installing it, uninstall any OpenVPN installations you already have and the TAP driver installation.

After installing it, an OpenVPN GUI shortcut appears on the desktop. Right click it, select properties, and Advanced->Run as Administrator

Now, navigate to Network connections. (Just type ‘Network Connections’ in Metro Start).

In Network connections, identify the one that is labelled as “TAP-Windows Adaptor”.

Right click, Properties>Internet Protocol 4 (TCP/IPv4)>Properties>Advanced>

In Advanced TCP/IPv4, under WINS, choose to Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP

Now, right click your OpenVPN icon on the system tray, edit config and/or copy the .ovpn file, key and certificates to C:/Program Files/OpenVPN/config (ProgramFilesx86 for 32 bit).

Try connecting to OpenVPN now. If the client connected, but IP does not change, reboot your computer. It may work now. 🙂