How to install a vpn on a school computer?

How to install a vpn on a school computerow to install a vpn on a school computer?

Can a VPN Get Around School Blocks?

How It Works

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) hides your internet traffic by encrypting it and routing it through a secure server. That means:

  • Your school can’t see what websites you’re visiting
  • Websites see the VPN server’s IP address, not your school’s

So if your school blocks sites like YouTube, Discord, Reddit, or certain games, a VPN could unblock them by bypassing those filters.

BUT There’s a Catch

Schools aren’t clueless — they often fight back with:

  1. Firewall rules that block common VPN ports or IP addresses
  2. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to detect VPN traffic patterns
  3. Network monitoring software to flag unauthorized activity

If they detect a VPN, they might:

  • Block it entirely
  • Limit your network access
  • Call you into the office (yeah, that one…)

TL;DR:

  • Yes, VPNs can bypass school restrictions
  • But it might violate your school’s rules
  • And schools may have tools to detect/block VPNs
how to install a vpn on a school computer
Image source: wikiHow

How can I unblock school websites without VPN?

Use a Web Proxy

Web proxies let you access blocked sites by acting as a middleman.

  • Go to a free proxy site like:
    • hide.me
    • proxysite.com
    • kproxy.com
  • Type in the URL you want to visit

Pros: No install needed, works in-browser
Cons: Often blocked too, slow, might break some websites

Use Google Translate as a Proxy

Weirdly, this trick can work:

  1. Go to translate.google.com
  2. Set language from English to any other (like Spanish)
  3. Paste the website URL into the left box
  4. Click the translated link on the right

It loads the website through Google’s servers, which sometimes bypasses blocks.

Access the Site via IP Address

Sometimes a site is blocked by domain name (e.g., youtube.com) but not by IP.

  1. Go to https://ipaddress.com
  2. Type in the site name to get its IP
  3. Try typing that IP directly into your browser

Doesn’t always work, but worth a shot.

Use a Cached Version

Google often caches pages. You can:

  • Search the site on Google
  • Click the little ▼ arrow next to the result (if available)
  • Select “Cached”

It shows a snapshot version — good for reading text, not so much for videos or interactive stuff.

Try HTTPS Instead of HTTP (or Vice Versa)

If http://example.com is blocked, try https://example.com — or the other way around.

It’s a long shot, but filters sometimes only target one version.

how to install a vpn on school computer
Image source: Alvaro Trigo

How to install a vpn?

On Windows (PC or Laptop):

Option 1: Use a VPN App (Recommended)

  1. Pick a VPN provider — examples:
  2. Download the VPN app from their official website
  3. Install the app (just like any program)
  4. Open the app, log in, and click Connect

Done — your internet traffic is now encrypted and routed through the VPN!

Option 2: Use Windows Built-in VPN Settings (Manual Setup)

Not as beginner-friendly, but you can:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN
  2. Click Add a VPN connection
  3. Enter your VPN provider’s details (server address, username/password, etc.)
  4. Save and connect

On Android / iPhone:

  1. Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
  2. Search for a VPN like:
    • ProtonVPN
    • NordVPN
    • Surfshark
    • Windscribe
  3. Download and install the app
  4. Open the app, log in, and tap Connect

Easy and fast.

On Chrome (Browser-Only VPNs)

If you just want to use a VPN in your browser (not system-wide):

  1. Go to the Chrome Web Store
  2. Search for VPN extensions like:
    • Browsec VPN
    • Hola VPN
    • SetupVPN
  3. Add the extension to Chrome
  4. Click the icon and connect

Note: These are often free but may be less secure or slower.

FAQs

What are the risks of using a VPN at school?

Detection: Schools may monitor network traffic and detect VPN usage
Disciplinary action: Using a VPN against school policy can result in warnings, suspensions, or restrictions on device use
Slower speeds: Some free VPNs can slow down your connection

Are there any VPNs that work without installation?

Yes! Some browser-based VPNs or VPN Chrome extensions don’t require full installation:
Browsec VPN
Hola VPN
SetupVPN
Note: These might still be blocked by school filters or flagged as suspicious.

Can I use a VPN on school Wi-Fi using my own device?

Yes, definitely!
Using a VPN on your own phone or laptop while connected to school Wi-Fi is usually possible and safer, since you control the device.
Free mobile VPNs that work well:
ProtonVPN
Windscribe
TunnelBear

Can I use a VPN to unblock websites at school?

Yes, a VPN can bypass website filters (like YouTube, Discord, Reddit).
But be aware that:
It might go against school policy
VPNs may be blocked or throttled by the school’s firewall

Image source: wikiHow

READ ALSO: Why Can’t I Join My Friend’s Minecraft World (Causes & How to Fix It)

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