How to Change Your VPN on a Computer

How to switch to a different VPN on Windows or Mac

To change your VPN, you disconnect from your current VPN service and connect to a different one. The exact steps depend on whether you are switching between servers within the same VPN app, switching to a completely different VPN provider, or removing a VPN connection entirely. Most people can change VPNs in under a minute once they know where to look.

If you are using a VPN app (like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark), you typically just open the app, select a new server location from the list, and click connect. If you set up a VPN manually through your computer's built-in settings, the process is slightly different and involves the network control panel. This guide covers both approaches for Windows and Mac.

Key Takeaways

Most VPN apps let you switch servers by opening the app, picking a new location, and clicking connect—no restart needed.
On Windows, you can manage VPN connections through Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, where you can connect, disconnect, or remove a VPN.
On Mac, VPN connections appear in System Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, and you can toggle them on or off from there.
Disconnecting from one VPN before connecting to another prevents connection conflicts and ensures your traffic routes correctly.
If a VPN app stops responding, restarting it or reinstalling it usually fixes the problem faster than troubleshooting settings.

Switching servers within a VPN app on Windows

Open your VPN process. Look for a list of server locations—this is usually displayed as a map, a dropdown menu, or a scrollable list of countries and cities. Click or tap the location you want to connect to instead.

If you are already connected to a VPN server, the app will disconnect from the old one and connect to the new one automatically. Some apps show a progress indicator while the connection switches. Wait until the status shows "Connected" before opening your browser or using the internet, which usually takes five to fifteen seconds.

If the new server fails to connect, try selecting a different server in the same country or region. Server overload is the most common reason a single server refuses connections. Switching to a nearby alternative almost always works.

Switching servers within a VPN app on Mac

Open your VPN app from the Applications folder or from Spotlight (press Command + Space, type the app name, and press Enter). Select a new server location from the list inside the app window.

Click the connect button. If you are already connected, the app will switch to the new server. The process is identical to Windows—wait for the status to show "Connected" before using the internet. If the connection stalls, try a different server in the same region.

Some Mac VPN apps also place a menu icon in the top menu bar (next to the clock). You can often switch servers directly from that menu without opening the full app window, which is faster if you switch frequently.

Removing a VPN and connecting to a different provider on Windows

If you want to stop using one VPN service entirely and switch to a different one, disconnect from the current VPN first. Open your VPN app and click the disconnect button, or go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, select your current VPN, and click Disconnect.

Uninstall the old VPN app by right-clicking it in the Start menu or opening Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, finding the VPN app, and clicking Uninstall. Restart your computer after uninstalling—this clears any leftover VPN drivers or settings that might interfere with the new service.

read and install your new VPN app from the provider's website. Open it, create an account or log in, and select a server to connect to. The first connection usually takes longer than subsequent ones because the app is configuring itself for the first time.

Removing a VPN and connecting to a different provider on Mac

Disconnect from your current VPN by opening the app and clicking disconnect, or by going to System Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, selecting your VPN, and clicking Disconnect.

Drag the old VPN app to the Trash from the Applications folder. Empty the Trash afterward. Unlike Windows, Mac does not require a restart, but closing and reopening your browser after switching VPNs ensures your new connection is recognized.

read your new VPN app from the provider's website and drag it to Applications. Open it, log in, and connect to a server. Mac VPN apps typically work when ready without needing system configuration.

Changing a manually configured VPN on Windows

If you set up a VPN connection manually through Windows settings rather than using an app, you manage it differently. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet > VPN, and you will see a list of VPN connections you have created.

To switch to a different VPN, click on the one you want and select Connect. To remove a VPN you no longer use, click it, select Remove, and confirm. To add a new VPN connection, click Add a VPN, select Windows (built-in) as the provider, and enter the connection details your VPN provider gave you—this includes the server address, connection name, and login credentials.

Manual VPN setup is less common now because most providers offer apps, but it is useful if you need to connect to a corporate VPN or a custom server. The process is slower than using an app because you have to enter settings by hand.

Changing a manually configured VPN on Mac

Open System Settings and go to General > VPN & Device Management. You will see any VPN connections you have set up manually. Click the one you want to use and select Connect.

To remove a VPN, click it and select Remove. To add a new one, click Add VPN Configuration, choose the protocol your provider specified (usually IKEv2 or L2TP), enter the server address and login details, and click Create. Mac stores these settings and remembers them, so you only have to enter them once.

Troubleshooting when a VPN will not switch

If your VPN app freezes or refuses to connect to a new server, close the app completely and reopen it. On Windows, you can also restart your computer to clear any stuck network connections. On Mac, force-quit the app by pressing Command + Option + Escape, selecting the VPN app, and clicking Force Quit.

If restarting the app does not work, check your internet connection by opening a browser and visiting a website. If the internet itself is down, no VPN will connect. If your internet works but the VPN does not, try a different server in a different country—the original server may be offline or overloaded.

If multiple servers fail, uninstall and reinstall the VPN app. This fixes corrupted settings or drivers that prevent connections. If the problem persists after reinstalling, contact your VPN provider's support team—they can check whether your account is active and whether their servers are running normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my computer to change VPNs?

No. Switching between servers in the same VPN app or connecting to a different VPN app does not require a restart. Restarting is only necessary if a VPN connection gets stuck or if you are uninstalling an old VPN app and want to may support all its files are cleared before installing a new one.

Will changing my VPN affect my internet speed?

Switching to a server in a different country may change your speed because the data travels a longer distance. Switching to a different server in the same country usually has no noticeable effect on speed. If you notice a sudden slowdown after switching, try a server closer to your physical location.

Can I use two VPN apps at the same time?

Running two VPN apps simultaneously usually causes connection problems because both try to control your network traffic. Disconnect from one VPN completely before connecting to another. If you need to switch VPNs frequently, use a single app that lets you change servers quickly rather than installing multiple apps.

What happens to my browsing history when I change VPNs?

Changing VPNs does not affect your browser history or cookies. Your browser stores that information locally on your computer. The VPN only affects which IP address websites see—it does not touch your browser's stored data.

Why does my VPN keep disconnecting when I try to switch servers?

This usually means the new server is overloaded or offline. Try a different server in the same country. If all servers in that country fail, your internet connection itself may be unstable—check whether other apps can connect to the internet. If your internet is fine but the VPN keeps failing, reinstall the VPN app or contact the provider's support team.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.