# How do I install and use VilaNet on Windows?

Download the official VilaNet installer, complete Windows installation, sign
in, choose **Auto Select**, and allow administrator access when VilaNet needs to
create its system-level VPN interface.

The VilaNet 2.12.82 installer, shared app labels and Windows 10 requirement
have been checked against the current release and application source. Installer
dialogs, Windows security prompts and a real VPN tunnel still require final
verification on a clean Windows system before publication.

## Before you start

You need:

- 64-bit Windows 10 or later;
- an active VilaVPN account; and
- administrator permission to install VilaNet and enable its VPN interface.

VilaNet 2.12.82 does not provide an official 32-bit Windows installer.

## 1. Download VilaNet

Use the
[official VilaVPN Windows download](https://vilavpn.com/dl.php?type=d&id=5).
This evergreen link serves the current approved Windows installer.

If that download is unavailable, use the
[VilaNet 2.12.82 Windows installer on the public GitHub mirror](https://github.com/vilavpn/vilanet/releases/download/v2.12.82/VilaNet-for-Windows-2.12.82.exe).
You can review all customer downloads on the
[VilaVPN downloads page](https://vilavpn.com/index.php?rp=/download) or verify
the current mirrored file on the
[public VilaNet 2.12.82 release page](https://github.com/vilavpn/vilanet/releases/tag/v2.12.82).

The expected filename is `VilaNet-for-Windows-2.12.82.exe`. Do not run a copy
from an unsolicited message or an unofficial download site.

## 2. Install the app

1. Open **Downloads** in File Explorer.
2. Double-click `VilaNet-for-Windows-2.12.82.exe`.
3. Review the Windows security or User Account Control prompt. Continue only
   when it refers to the VilaNet installer you just downloaded.
4. Select **Yes** if Windows asks whether the installer may make changes.
5. On the Welcome page, select **Next**.
6. Review and accept the license agreement to continue.
7. Keep the standard components selected unless support has asked you to
   change them.
8. Confirm the installation folder. The default is
   `C:\Program Files\VilaNet`.
9. Select **Install**, wait for setup to finish, then select **Finish**.
10. Leave the launch option selected if you want VilaNet to open immediately;
    otherwise, launch **VilaNet** later from the Start menu.

If Windows shows an unexpected publisher, filename or source, cancel the prompt
and download the installer again from an official link above.

## 3. Sign in

1. Open VilaNet.
2. Review the linked EULA and Privacy Policy.
3. If the consent checkbox is not already selected, select it and review the
   minimal-data consent message.
4. Select **Allow** if you agree and want to continue.
5. Enter your VilaVPN account email under **E-mail**.
6. Enter your account password under **Password**.
7. Select **Login**.

VilaNet should open the main screen. An expired or inactive package must be
renewed before it can connect.

## 4. Choose a server and connect

The connection controls are shared with the other VilaNet apps.

1. Open **Server Nodes**.
2. Choose **Auto Select** for the fastest available server, unless you need a
   specific location.
3. Return to the main screen.
4. Select **Connect**.
5. If User Account Control asks to let VilaNet make changes, confirm that the
   prompt names VilaNet, then select **Yes**. TUN mode needs administrator
   permission to create the Windows VPN interface, and the app may restart
   after elevation.
6. If VilaNet restarts, wait for it to reopen and reconnect if it does not do so
   automatically.
7. Wait for **Connecting** to change to **Connected**.

Do not approve an elevation prompt that names an unrelated program.

## 5. Confirm that it works

1. Leave VilaNet open for a few seconds and confirm it remains **Connected**.
2. Open a browser and load two familiar HTTPS websites.
3. Return to VilaNet and confirm it still shows **Connected**.

The app status and working web traffic together are a stronger check than an
IP-check website alone. See
[Confirm VilaVPN is working](/en/start-here/confirm-vilavpn-is-working/) for
the complete verification steps.

## If something goes wrong

### Windows blocks or warns about the installer

- Confirm the filename is `VilaNet-for-Windows-2.12.82.exe` and that it came
  from an official link above.
- Download a fresh copy if the file is incomplete or its origin is uncertain.
- Do not bypass a warning about an unexpected publisher. Preserve the exact
  message and contact support.

### VilaNet cannot create the VPN interface

- Exit VilaNet, then right-click **VilaNet** in the Start menu and choose
  **Run as administrator**.
- If the error mentions WinTun or the TUN service, reinstall VilaNet from the
  official installer to repair the VPN driver.
- Preserve the exact error before reinstalling so support can distinguish a
  permission issue from a driver issue.

### Login or connection fails

- Confirm the email address has no extra spaces and the subscription is active.
- Confirm ordinary internet access works while VilaNet is disconnected.
- Try **Auto Select** once.
- Record the exact error and preserve diagnostics before changing advanced
  settings or reinstalling.
- Continue to [Cannot sign in](/en/troubleshooting/cannot-sign-in/) or
  [Cannot connect](/en/troubleshooting/cannot-connect/).

## Next step

Learn [how to choose a specific server](/en/common-tasks/choose-a-server/), or
keep **Auto Select** enabled for normal use.