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. 🙂

Joel G Mathew

Joel G Mathew, known in tech circles by the pseudonym Droidzone, is an opensource and programming enthusiast.

He is a full stack developer, whose favorite languages are currently Python and Vue.js. He is also fluent in Javascript, Flutter/Dart, Perl, PHP, SQL, C and bash shell scripting. He loves Linux, and can often be found tinkering with linux kernel code, and source code for GNU applications. He used to be an active developer on XDA forums, and his tinkered ROMS used to be very popular in the early 2000s.

His favorite pastime is grappling with GNU compilers, discovering newer Linux secrets, writing scripts, hacking roms, and programs (nothing illegal), reading, blogging. and testing out the latest gadgets.

When away from the tech world, Dr Joel G. Mathew is a practising ENT Surgeon, busy with surgeries and clinical practise.