Private Internet Access 3.7.2 for Windows

Private Internet Access 3.7.2 for Windows is the desktop app of the PIA virtual private network service. The app is free to download from privateinternetaccess.com, while the VPN itself requires a subscription; below are the answers people usually look for before signing up.

What is Private Internet Access?

Private Internet Access, or PIA, is a VPN provider founded in 2009 that released its first service in August 2010. Today it is owned by Kape Technologies. A VPN sends your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to one of the provider's servers, so websites see the server's address instead of yours, and people on the same network, such as a hotel or café Wi-Fi, cannot read what you send. PIA's client apps are open source, released under the GNU GPL 3.0 and MIT licences, which lets independent developers inspect how they work. That openness is one of the reasons privacy-minded users look at PIA. The Windows app keeps things simple: pick a region or let it choose one, click the big connect button, and the rest runs in the background. Advanced users can dig into the settings to adjust how connections behave. The company also offers apps for macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, and one subscription covers them.

Which devices are supported?

• Windows, macOS and Linux (64-bit desktop distributions only).
• Android 7.0 or newer on mobile devices.
• iOS 12.1 or newer on 64-bit devices.

See the official list of supported operating systems.

How do I install it?

1. Go to privateinternetaccess.com, choose a plan and download the Windows app.
2. Run the installer and allow the network adapter it adds.
3. Sign in with the credentials from your account.
4. Connect to the suggested region, or choose a country from the list.

How big is the app?

The installer is about 23.78 MB according to catalogue data.

Is PIA safe?

The official app is safe and open source. Download it only from the PIA website; fake VPN installers are a known trick. Turn on the option that blocks internet traffic if the VPN drops, if you depend on it for privacy. A VPN does not replace antivirus software, updates or careful clicking.

How much does it cost?

The installer is free to download, but PIA is a paid service: using the VPN requires a paid subscription and there is no free trial. Longer plans usually cost less per month; check current prices and refund terms on the official site.

Where can I see what changed?

Every release of the client is listed in the VPN client changelog.

What are the pros and cons?

• Pro: open-source client apps.
• Pro: small installer and simple interface.
• Pro: plenty of settings for advanced users.
• Con: requires a paid subscription.
• Con: some streaming and banking sites block VPN addresses.

What are the alternatives?

Other VPN apps for Windows in our listings: Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost and Proton VPN.