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Windows Client Setup

docs/client-windows.md

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Windows Client Setup

This guide will help you set up your Windows device to connect to your Algo VPN server.

Supported Versions

  • Windows 10 (all editions)
  • Windows 11 (all editions)
  • Windows Server 2016 and later

WireGuard Setup (Recommended)

WireGuard is the recommended VPN protocol for Windows clients due to its simplicity and performance.

Installation

  1. Download and install the official WireGuard client for Windows
  2. Locate your configuration file: configs/<server-ip>/wireguard/<username>.conf
  3. In the WireGuard application, click "Import tunnel(s) from file"
  4. Select your .conf file and import it
  5. Click "Activate" to connect to your VPN

Alternative Import Methods

  • QR Code: If you have access to the QR code (wireguard/<username>.png), you can scan it using a mobile device first, then export the configuration
  • Manual Entry: You can create a new empty tunnel and paste the contents of your .conf file

IPsec/IKEv2 Setup (Legacy)

While Algo supports IPsec/IKEv2, it requires PowerShell scripts for Windows setup. WireGuard is strongly recommended instead.

If you must use IPsec:

  1. Locate the PowerShell setup script in your configs directory
  2. Run PowerShell as Administrator
  3. Execute the setup script
  4. The VPN connection will appear in Settings → Network & Internet → VPN

Troubleshooting

"The parameter is incorrect" Error

This is a common error that occurs when trying to connect. See the troubleshooting guide for the solution.

Connection Issues

  1. Check Windows Firewall: Ensure Windows Firewall isn't blocking the VPN connection
  2. Verify Server Address: Make sure the server IP/domain in your configuration is correct
  3. Check Date/Time: Ensure your system date and time are correct
  4. Disable Other VPNs: Disconnect from any other VPN services before connecting

WireGuard Specific Issues

  • DNS Not Working: Check if "Block untunneled traffic (kill-switch)" is enabled in tunnel settings
  • Slow Performance: Try reducing the MTU in the tunnel configuration (default is 1420)
  • Can't Import Config: Ensure the configuration file has a .conf extension

Performance Optimization

  1. Use WireGuard: It's significantly faster than IPsec on Windows
  2. Close Unnecessary Apps: Some antivirus or firewall software can slow down VPN connections
  3. Check Network Adapter: Update your network adapter drivers to the latest version

Advanced Configuration

Split Tunneling

To exclude certain traffic from the VPN:

  1. Edit your WireGuard configuration file
  2. Modify the AllowedIPs line to exclude specific networks
  3. For example, to exclude local network: Remove 0.0.0.0/0 and add specific routes

Automatic Connection

To connect automatically:

  1. Open WireGuard
  2. Select your tunnel
  3. Edit → Uncheck "On-demand activation"
  4. Windows will maintain the connection automatically

Multiple Servers

You can import multiple .conf files for different Algo servers. Give each a descriptive name to distinguish them.

Security Notes

  • Keep your configuration files secure - they contain your private keys
  • Don't share your configuration with others
  • Each user should have their own unique configuration
  • Regularly update your WireGuard client for security patches

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