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FREE & OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE

SoftEther VPN

An open-source, cross-platform VPN server/client project with multiple supported VPN protocols and an officially maintained stable repository.

THE IDEA, MAPPEDA virtual network between endpoints.
  1. 01

    Client / virtual hub

    Credentials identify the authorized endpoint.

  2. 02

    Encrypted connection

    Protocol and configuration define the tunnel.

  3. 03

    Permitted network

    Routes and access policy decide what is reachable.

Conceptual topology, not a deployment we tested. Follow the project documentation for supported configurations and operational requirements.

Multi-protocol VPN suite

Remote-access servers and network bridging with multiple client options.

Software cost and scope

No software license fee for the listed open-source edition. Hosting, bandwidth, hardware and administration are separate.

License: Apache-2.0. Stable open-source software; protocol, client and platform capabilities vary.

Read the project license information (opens in a new tab)

What you configure

You configure the server, users, selected protocols, routing and exposed management interfaces.

Protocol: SoftEther SSL-VPN and supported interoperable protocols.

SEE THE CONTROLS. FOLLOW THE STEPS.

Connect with SoftEther VPN Client Manager

Windows · SoftEther VPN Client · 8 steps

Connect to an authorized SoftEther server. This does not configure a VPN Gate relay, bridge or server deployment.

What you’ll do: Create an adapter, configure and verify a server connection, check useful access, and disconnect.

Documentation checked 2026-11-09. Source-based walkthrough; we have not deployed or tested this connection. Pictures are labelled by origin. Publisher screenshots can show older interfaces; use the linked current documentation when your version differs.

Version scope: SoftEther VPN Client Manager on Windows; exact Windows and client builds in the publisher screenshots are not stated.

Before you start

  • Install the official VPN Client, rather than Server Manager.
  • Obtain the server address, port, Virtual Hub, authentication details and certificate information.
Server
The operator’s hostname, port and Virtual Hub name.
Account
The specified authentication method and your credentials or certificate.
Trust & routing
Expected server certificate plus the adapter, address and DNS plan.

Use your own authorized account and configuration. Keep private keys, QR codes and sign-in codes out of shared pictures.

  1. Open VPN Client Manager

    Install and open the SoftEther VPN Client component.

    1. Use the project download and choose VPN Client for your platform.
    2. Open VPN Client Manager; Server Manager is a different tool.
    What you should see

    Client Manager shows connection settings and virtual adapters.

    SoftEther manual: choosing Client Manager (opens in a new tab) · SoftEther project: Windows client screenshots (opens in a new tab)

    Publisher screenshotSoftEther project screenshot: Client Manager with connection settings and virtual adapters. (opens in a new tab)
    Open full size (opens in a new tab)Publisher-supplied example. App version not stated; the interface may differ today.Source: SoftEther project: Windows client screenshots (opens in a new tab)

  2. Create a virtual adapter if needed

    A connection uses a selected virtual network adapter.

    1. Open Virtual Adapter and choose Create Virtual Network Adapter.
    2. Enter a name that is not already used and confirm creation.
    What you should see

    The adapter appears in Client Manager; use your own name.

    SoftEther manual: virtual network adapters (opens in a new tab)

    Publisher screenshotSoftEther project screenshot of the Create New Virtual Network Adapter dialog with an example adapter name. (opens in a new tab)
    Open full size (opens in a new tab)Historical SoftEther manual screenshot on Windows 8. It illustrates the adapter dialog; follow current client and OS requirements.Source: SoftEther manual: virtual network adapters (opens in a new tab)

  3. Add the server connection

    Create a new connection setting.

    1. Enter Host Name, Port Number and Virtual Hub Name from the operator.
    2. Give the connection a recognizable name.
    What you should see

    The remote server and hub match the issued instructions.

    SoftEther manual: connection and certificate settings (opens in a new tab)

    Publisher screenshotSoftEther project screenshot: connection properties for server, port, Virtual Hub, authentication and adapter. (opens in a new tab)
    Open full size (opens in a new tab)Publisher-supplied example. App version not stated; the interface may differ today.Source: SoftEther manual: connection and certificate settings (opens in a new tab)

  4. Choose the adapter and authentication

    Different accounts require different authentication methods.

    1. Select the virtual adapter for this connection.
    2. Choose the instructed authentication type and supply your account details.
    What you should see

    The adapter and authentication fields are complete for your account.

    SoftEther manual: connection and certificate settings (opens in a new tab) · SoftEther manual: virtual network adapters (opens in a new tab)

    Publisher screenshotSoftEther project screenshot: connection properties for server, port, Virtual Hub, authentication and adapter. (opens in a new tab)
    Open full size (opens in a new tab)Publisher-supplied example. App version not stated; the interface may differ today.Source: SoftEther manual: connection and certificate settings (opens in a new tab)

  5. Verify the server certificate

    Confirm the identity before connecting.

    1. Enable Always Verify Server Certificate.
    2. Set the expected CA or server certificate using independently confirmed information.
    What you should see

    An unexplained certificate change is investigated before proceeding.

    SoftEther manual: connection and certificate settings (opens in a new tab)

    Publisher screenshotSoftEther project screenshot: Always Verify Server Certificate and trusted or individual certificate controls. (opens in a new tab)
    Open full size (opens in a new tab)Publisher-supplied example. App version not stated; the interface may differ today.Source: SoftEther manual: connection and certificate settings (opens in a new tab)

  6. Save and start the connection

    Use the connection you just configured.

    1. Save the setting and choose Connect.
    2. Read any connection or authentication error instead of hiding it.
    What you should see

    The intended entry reports an established session.

    SoftEther manual: connecting, status and disconnecting (opens in a new tab) · SoftEther manual: connection and certificate settings (opens in a new tab)

    Publisher screenshotSoftEther connection progress dialog (opens in a new tab)
    Open full size (opens in a new tab)SoftEther project manual; unmodified publisher screenshot. Published example, not our connection. Exact application build is not stated.Source: SoftEther manual: connection and certificate settings (opens in a new tab)

  7. Check the adapter and useful access

    The session must reach the destination you need.

    1. Confirm the intended adapter and its address assignment.
    2. Try the authorized resource and follow the operator’s routing/DNS plan.
    What you should see

    The resource is reachable over the selected connection.

    SoftEther manual: virtual network adapters (opens in a new tab) · SoftEther manual: connecting, status and disconnecting (opens in a new tab) · SoftEther project: Windows client screenshots (opens in a new tab)

    Publisher screenshotSoftEther project screenshot: Client Manager with connection settings and virtual adapters. (opens in a new tab)
    Open full size (opens in a new tab)Publisher-supplied example. App version not stated; the interface may differ today.Source: SoftEther project: Windows client screenshots (opens in a new tab)

  8. Disconnect without removing the adapter

    End this session from Client Manager.

    1. Select this connection and choose Disconnect.
    2. Review startup/reconnect settings; keep adapters used by other profiles.
    What you should see

    This session has stopped without disturbing unrelated connections.

    SoftEther manual: connecting, status and disconnecting (opens in a new tab) · SoftEther manual: connection and certificate settings (opens in a new tab)

    Publisher screenshotSoftEther disconnect confirmation (opens in a new tab)
    Open full size (opens in a new tab)SoftEther project manual; unmodified publisher screenshot. Published example, not our connection. Exact application build is not stated.Source: SoftEther manual: connection and certificate settings (opens in a new tab)

Check the result

Confirm the address assigned to the virtual adapter and access to the intended network. Follow the operator’s routing and DNS plan.

  • The correct server and Virtual Hub session is connected.
  • The server certificate is verified against the expected identity.
  • The selected virtual adapter reaches the authorized resource.
  • You can stop this session without disturbing unrelated connections.

If it does not work

For a failed connection, read the status/error details and confirm the gateway, account and certificate rather than disabling encryption or identity verification.

Cannot establish the session

Confirm server name, port, Virtual Hub and credentials with the gateway operator. These fields refer to different parts of the connection.

Certificate warning

Verify the expected server certificate with the operator; retain verification rather than accepting an unexplained change.

Connected but no useful access

Check the selected virtual adapter and the gateway’s routing, address assignment and permissions. A connected session alone does not establish internet routing.

Stop or roll back deliberately

Disconnect the specific connection in Client Manager. Review startup connection settings if you enabled them; avoid deleting a shared virtual adapter merely to stop one session.

Guide sources and image metadata · Picture credits

Privacy considerations

The software and a public volunteer relay network are different trust models. Self-hosting does not inherit anonymity from the project name.

Your hosting arrangement, physical server location, account records and browser identity still matter. Plan credential management, updates, DNS, routing and connection-failure behavior before relying on a deployment.

Review the privacy checklist

Official resources

Documentation reviewed 2026-11-06. Project documentation reviewed; no independent security testing performed by StealthVPN. Use the project’s current installation and security guidance; platform support and configuration choices can change.

Official installation options (opens in a new tab)