First-time VPN users often get stuck on one question: where do I download the official app? Search results are full of tampered installers that push ads or worse. This guide covers one thing — getting the genuine client from the ProtonVPN official site and installing it on five device types.
Sticking to the official channel matters because third-party packages are frequently altered. All ProtonVPN download links point to the official distribution server with digitally signed installers.
1. Before downloading
Confirm two things first: your OS meets the minimum version, and your network can reach the official site. Windows 10/11, macOS 11+, Android 8.0+, iOS 14+ and mainstream Linux distros are supported.
On the ProtonVPN site, click the "Free VPN Download" button to open the download center, pick your platform, and the installer downloads without requiring registration.
2. Install steps by platform
Windows users double-click the .exe and follow the wizard. macOS users drag the .app into Applications. Android and iOS users can install from the app store or the official site. Linux users install the .deb with dpkg or add the official repository.
| Platform | Install method | Minimum version |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | .exe wizard | Windows 10 |
| macOS | Drag .app | macOS 11 |
| Linux | .deb / repo | Mainstream distros |
| Android | APK / store | Android 8.0 |
| iOS | App Store | iOS 14 |
3. Troubleshooting
On macOS, allow the app in Privacy & Security if you see an "unidentified developer" warning. On Windows, click "More info" then "Run anyway" if SmartScreen blocks it. Most connection failures come from network restrictions; switching to WireGuard usually fixes them.
One user installed a "ProtonVPN accelerator" from a third-party site and had their account stolen. Switching to the official client stopped it. The ProtonVPN site remains the only trusted free vpn download source.
Back to the opening question: where to download? Only the official site. Get the first step right and the rest is a few clicks. Open ProtonVPN now and start from the download center.
