What is PPTP VPN? How to set up PPTP VPN connection on Windows 10

Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is one of the earliest VPN protocols, widely used in the early 2000s to create secure, encrypted tunnels. Developed by Microsoft in 1999, PPTP provides a simple and effective method for encrypting communications. Let’s explore the PPTP VPN protocol with Getnada to understand its strengths and weaknesses how to set up PPTP VPN connection on Windows 10.

What is PPTP VPN?

The Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) was the pioneering protocol for establishing virtual private networks (VPNs). It provides essential features such as authentication, the creation of VPN tunnels, and data encryption, which are common in most VPN protocols. Despite its age, PPTP includes all the fundamental components necessary for secure network communication.

Although PPTP was popular in the 1990s, it falls short compared to contemporary VPN technologies. It has notable security flaws, rendering it susceptible to various attacks, such as bit-flipping. To grasp the nature of these vulnerabilities, it’s important to examine the protocol’s functionality in detail.

What is a VPN connection? Types of VPN and how does it work

Advantages and Disadvantages of the PPTP VPN

The PPTP VPN protocol offers a straightforward and speedy solution, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and efficiency. Here are the primary advantages of the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol:

PPTP advantages

User-Friendly Configuration: PPTP VPNs are quick and simple to set up, making them accessible even to individuals with limited technical expertise.

Minimal Configuration Requirements: The setup process involves fewer steps and configurations compared to more complex VPN protocols, reducing the time and effort required to get connected.

Cross-Platform Compatibility:

Wide OS Support: As one of the oldest VPN protocols, PPTP is supported by a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even some older systems and devices.

Built-In Support: Many operating systems have built-in support for PPTP, eliminating the need for additional software or drivers, further simplifying the setup process.

Speed and Performance:

Less Complex Encryption: PPTP uses simpler encryption methods, which, while not as secure, result in faster data processing and transmission.

Lower Overhead: The lack of complicated encryption and authentication processes means there is less computational overhead, allowing for faster connection speeds and better overall performance.

Efficient for Basic Use: For users primarily concerned with speed and efficiency, such as streaming or accessing non-sensitive information, PPTP can provide a satisfactory balance of performance and convenience.

PPTP disadvantages

Although PPTP is easy to set up and offers fast speeds, it falls short in the most critical aspect—VPN security. Let’s examine its main disadvantages in more detail.

Weak Security: PPTP is no longer regarded as a secure VPN protocol due to its inadequate security measures, especially in terms of encryption. It employs Microsoft Point-to-Point Encryption (MPPE) which relies on outdated algorithms, making it vulnerable to cyberattacks. One of the most significant security weaknesses of PPTP is its reliance on short encryption keys, which are highly susceptible to brute-force attacks. This vulnerability undermines the overall security of the VPN, exposing users to potential risks.

Poor Authentication: PPTP suffers from numerous authentication vulnerabilities. It utilizes the Microsoft Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (MS-CHAP) for user authentication, which is riddled with weaknesses. These flaws make it susceptible to various exploitation methods, compromising the overall security and integrity of the VPN connection.

Firewall Restrictions: Firewalls are security mechanisms that control and filter network traffic based on predefined rules. Due to the lack of standardized VPN port numbers, PPTP can be easily blocked by firewalls, resulting in frequent connectivity issues. This makes it less reliable in environments with strict network security policies.

How to set up PPTP VPN connection on Windows 10

To add a VPN connector on Windows 10, start by clicking the Start icon and selecting Settings.

Select the “Network & Internet” option. 

Select “Add a VPN connection”

Choose PPTP as the VPN type and fill out the form using the details provided by your system administrator. Once completed, click “Save” to finalize the setup.

Next, we need to open the legacy Control Panel to complete the configuration.

Click on the Start icon and start typing “Control Panel.” When the application appears in the list, click on it.

If your view doesn’t match the image below, change the “View by” option to Small icons.

Double-click on “Network and Sharing Center.”

Alternatively, you can access the Network and Sharing Center directly by pressing Win+R and running “ncpa.cpl”

In the left-hand menu, click on “Change adapter settings.”

Locate the VPN connection you just created, right-click on it, and select Properties.

In the General tab, leave the default settings as shown below.

In the Options tab, also leave the default settings as shown below.

In the Security tab, ensure that PPTP is selected as the VPN type and enable MS-CHAP v2.

In the Networking tab, leave the default settings as shown below.

In the Sharing tab, leave the default settings as shown below.

Click OK and close all the windows opened during this setup process.

Connecting the VPN

In the bottom right corner of Windows, you will find a network icon. Click on it.

A small popup dialog will appear, displaying a list of VPN connections along with other connections, such as available WiFi networks (if WiFi is enabled).

Click on the VPN connection you created and select “Connect.”

Accessing Company Shares

Once the VPN is connected:

Press Win+R to open the Run dialog.

Type in the server name or IP address provided by your system administrator.

Click “Open” to access the server.

A Windows File Explorer window will appear, showing a list of shares.

From there, you can open the shares by double-clicking on them (assuming you have the necessary access rights). You might be prompted for a username and password. Enter the username as DOMAIN\Username and use the company password associated with that username.

You can also map drive letters from this Explorer view by right-clicking on the share and selecting “Map network drive.”

Disconnecting the VPN

In the bottom right corner of Windows, locate and click on the network icon.

A small popup dialog will appear, showing a list of VPN connections and other network options.

Click on the VPN connection and select “Disconnect.”