Understanding the Purpose of the Lock Screen

The Lock Screen is the first visual interface users encounter when starting or waking their Windows 10 device. Its primary function is to prevent unauthorized access and protect user privacy by requiring a password, PIN, or biometric authentication before granting access to the system. However, the Lock Screen is not limited to just security – it also serves as an information hub and provides quick access to various features and notifications.

Functional Features of the Lock Screen

• Date, Time, and Notifications: The Lock Screen prominently displays the current date and time, ensuring users are always aware of the day and hour. Additionally, notifications from various apps and services can be configured to appear on the Lock Screen, allowing users to stay updated even without unlocking their device.
• Cortana Integration: Windows 10’s virtual assistant, Cortana, can be accessed directly from the Lock Screen. Users can interact with Cortana by using voice commands or typing, enabling tasks such as checking the weather, setting reminders, or initiating web searches without unlocking the device.
• Camera and Media Controls: The Lock Screen provides quick access to camera controls, enabling users to capture moments without the need to log in. Media playback controls, such as play, pause, and volume adjustment, are also accessible, making it convenient to control music or videos without unlocking the device.

Customizing the Lock Screen

Windows 10 offers a wide range of customization options to personalize the Lock Screen according to individual preferences. These options allow users to choose their preferred background images, change the appearance of the Lock Screen, and add widgets or apps for increased functionality.

• Background Images: Users can select their preferred background image for the Lock Screen from a variety of sources, including pre-installed Windows images, personal photos, or dynamic wallpapers. Dynamic wallpapers can display captivating images that change over time or showcase personalized slideshows.
• Lock Screen Apps: Windows 10 provides the ability to display apps on the Lock Screen, allowing users to have quick access to their favorite applications without the need to unlock their device. This feature is particularly useful for displaying productivity apps, weather widgets, or calendar events.
• Lock Screen Widgets: With the introduction of Windows 11, Microsoft has enhanced the Lock Screen to support widgets. These widgets provide at-a-glance information and can be customized to show weather updates, news headlines, sports scores, or any other desired content. Users can personalize their Lock Screen by selecting the widgets that are most relevant to them.
• Spotlight: Windows Spotlight is a feature that automatically rotates high-quality images on the Lock Screen, providing a visually appealing and refreshing experience. Users can also rate the images to provide feedback and influence the types of images they see in the future.
• Badge Notifications: Windows 10 allows certain apps to display badge notifications on the Lock Screen, indicating the number of unread messages, missed calls, or pending tasks. Users can customize which apps can display these notifications and prioritize the ones that are most important to them.

How to Enhance Lock Screen Experience

• Slide Show Shuffle: Windows 10 enables users to shuffle the images displayed in their Lock Screen slideshow. This feature adds an element of surprise and freshness, preventing monotony in the Lock Screen background.
• Cortana Voice Activation: By configuring the Lock Screen settings, users can activate Cortana by voice even when the device is locked. This hands-free feature allows for seamless interaction with the virtual assistant, providing quick access to information or performing tasks without needing to unlock the device.
• Emergency Information: The Lock Screen also provides a space for users to add emergency contact details, medical information, or a custom message. This can be vital in case of emergencies, ensuring that important information is readily available to assist others in helping the user.

The Windows 10 Lock Screen offers more than just a barrier to secure your device – it provides a feature-rich and customizable experience. From displaying important notifications to quick access to apps, Cortana integration, and personalization options, the Lock Screen is a versatile hub for information and productivity. By taking advantage of the numerous customization options, users can make the Lock Screen an extension of their personality and optimize it to suit their unique needs and preferences. With its blend of functionality and personalization, the Windows 10 Lock Screen continues to evolve as an essential component of the Windows user experience.

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Your privacy on the Internet is also at risk with the democratization of the digital world. Theft of personal data, ransomware… it has become essential to secure your internet presence these days. Let’s not forget the specialized institutions, such as the Hadopi, which track down Internet users engaged in illegal activities.

By using a VPN for Windows, you will also be able to change the IP address of your device and make websites believe that you are located in India while you are in Germany. You will then be able to view a multitude of contents.

The only condition to take advantage of these benefits is to choose a powerful VPN for Windows, which is unfortunately not the case for everyone. With the number of providers increasing over time, it is difficult to know which one offers the most interesting services.

That’s why we’ve put together this ranking of the best VPNs for Windows 10 and in order to meet everyone’s needs, we’ve selected the best 14 VPN. But before we dive into that, we will start by telling you how to use a VPN (take advantages of its features).

How to use a VPN? The key steps

We will break down this guide into 4 very short sub-sections that will help you understand how to use a VPN. In this case, we will see how to download and install, how to identify yourself, how to choose a server, how to make settings and how to check if it works. In 3 minutes, you will know perfectly how to use a VPN provider.

1 Download and install it

The first step in this guide is to explain how to download and install your VPN. In all honesty, the download and installation couldn’t be easier. Just go to the provider’s website and download the application for your device. Then simply follow the guide.

2 Sign in

Your VPN is now installed on your device. But then, how do you start using it? You just need to log in with your login details you provided when you subscribed to the offer. In most cases, you will have to put your login/email address and your password. Other providers, like ExpressVPN, offer 2 options. The one we have just seen AND the possibility to fill in an identification code.

3 Choose a server to connect to

No matter which provider you use, you will have a list of countries, and servers, from which you will have to/could choose a server. By connecting to this server, you will encrypt your data and automatically change your IP address. Everything is done without you realizing it and takes 3 to 5s at most. Once you have selected your server, press the button allowing you to connect to it, and that’s it, you are protected!

4 Check that it works properly

Now that your VPN is activated, all that’s left to do is to make sure it’s working properly. For this, there are plenty of very useful sites that exist like WhatIsMyIpAddress. Make sure that the IP that appears is different from the one you had before connecting to the VPN. To do this, simply do the before, after test and see if it changes well.

Now that you know how to use a VPN, it is time to share with you the best VPN for Windows 10.

The best paid VPNs for Windows 10

If we start with the paid VPNs, it’s because these are the only offers that will guarantee you a complete service with no speed or location limits. Whether you use an Acer, HP, Dell, ASUS, Huawei or any other computer with Windows, the VPNs offered in this section will be perfect for you.

1 ExpressVPN

If ExpressVPN is at the top of this ranking of the best VPN for Windows, it’s because it has already satisfied millions of users and continues to do so. Thanks to its intuitive and fast application, ExpressVPN is very popular among Windows users.

Indeed, ExpressVPN is one of the few providers that offers an ultra-fast and secure connection. When activated, all your web traffic is encrypted and there is no noticeable slowdown. This is one of the reasons why it gets so many positive reviews. To protect you at all times and keep your anonymity, ExpressVPN also features Network Lock (or Kill Switch) which blocks your web traffic if your VPN connection should go down.

With its many servers located in 94 countries around the world, you’ll easily be able to simulate a geographic location wherever you want. You will also be able to unblock many streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) and watch your series and movies on your PC without any loss of speed or latency.

Setting up ExpressVPN on Windows is extremely simple and takes only a few minutes. This excellent provider also offers a free 30-day trial version, ideal for testing the service and getting an idea of ExpressVPN on Windows.

Pros

• Comprehensive VPN that excels in innovation and security;
• User-friendly interface and easy-to-use software;
• Wide choice of servers ;
• Allows you to watch Netflix US;
• Allows you to download torrent files;
• 30-day money back guarantee;
• Best speed on the market;
• 24/7/365 customer support;
• VPN for multiple devices;
• WebRTC/IPV6 leak protection.

Cons

• Expensive

2 NordVPN

The NordVPN is also a very good VPN recommended by many on Windows. Its quick-to-use application allows you to connect and change your location with one click. To do this, you will have the choice of over 5100 servers located in 59 countries.

For streaming and downloading, you won’t have to worry about your protection. With features like Kill Switch, Dual VPN, CyberSec and Onion Over VPN, NordVPN is at the forefront of security and privacy. It is able to guarantee your anonymity thanks to its thousands of available IP addresses. No one will be able to track your activities or know who you are.

The only problem that can be raised concerns the connection speeds which can be quite disappointing depending on the servers chosen. Fortunately, NordVPN has recently made available a new and much faster protocol called NordLynx.

Thanks to numerous protocols and so-called obfuscated servers, it is possible to activate our VPN in countries with restrictions. But if this is your major use, we recommend you to opt for ExpressVPN which is a bit more efficient in this respect. Don’t be afraid to try it because all the packages come with a 30-day money back guarantee. As a bonus, a single NordVPN give you the possibility to protect 6 devices.

Pros

• Easy to use;
• Ultra-fast NordLynx in-house protocol;
• Works with Netflix and torrents;
• High quality customer support;
• More than 5100 servers in the world;
• Present in 59 countries;
• Up to 6 simultaneous connections.

Cons

• Rather high price;
• Complex manual settings in censored countries.

3 Surfshark

If you’re worried that VPNs are a bit complicated to use and understand, then Surfshark is here to put you back in your comfort zone. Generally, but especially on Windows 10, this is a VPN that makes running a virtual private network second nature. It’s so easy to use, and give you access to 3,200 servers in 65 countries.

Getting started is simple, and once you’re in, we love how the main interface adapts like a responsive website as you resize windows and navigate the app. It keeps things simple in its smallest form, but opens up more and more functionality as you expand it. Hey, we know this may seem pretty minor, but it just lets you know that you’re in the hands of a vendor that has really thought about the user experience.

If your priority is more about getting a VPN for streaming, Surfshark has a long list of streaming services that will give you access to (US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and Disney Plus among them), turning your windows device into a versatile media center when you’re on the go.

In the end, we’re well aware that it’s the Surfshark price that really stands out. And that value increases when you also consider that one subscription will cover as many devices as you can handle – so add your Mac, mobile, tablet, router, TV streaming device and more.

Pros

• Unbeatable pricing;
• Unlimited number of devices to protect;
• Camouflage mode;
• Easy to install and use;
• Works with Netflix and Torrenting.

Cons

• Speed (especially for downloading and streaming);
• Number of servers.

4 CyberGhost

CyberGhost boasts over 7,000 global servers, a generous 45-day money back guarantee, and consistently fast connection speeds that are only enhanced by the availability of Wire Guard.

At first glance, CyberGhost’s PC VPN seems pretty lightweight; when you boot up, the console is just a list of server locations, your current connection status and a welcoming “Connect” button.

But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll see that the console makes your Windows shine. We like, for example, its Smart Rules feature that automatically launches a particular application (like your default browser in incognito mode) the second you connect to a particular server. This is in addition to other handy features such as application protection, the ability to create a custom list of websites that need to be protected. not go through the VPN tunnel, and detailed permissions and protection settings.

CyberGhost can also be cheap, if you sign up for a multi-year subscription, making it a fantastic alternative to the other names above. But only if you are not specifically looking for a streaming VPN. While CyberGhost can do the basics very well (unblock Netflix US and Disney+ for example), it has trouble with tougher opponents like BBC iPlayer and other foreign Netflix catalogs.

Pros

• No log retention;
• 24/7/365 customer support;
• 7 simultaneous connections;
• Easy to install and use;
• Works with Netflix;
• 45 days money back guarantee;
• Works for torrents;
• 7000 servers in 90 countries;
• WireGuard protocol support (for better speeds).

Cons

• 1 month subscription a bit expensive.
• Does not allow to bypass censorship in China.
• Rare stability problems.

5 Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield has been a major player in the Windows VPN game for some time now, and its unique Catapult Hydra protocol means it’s an easy choice.

The effect of using its own protocol means that server connection speeds are fast. Really fast. So, if you particularly like streaming, torrenting or simply not being kept waiting, then Hotspot Shield will have a worthy place in your PC VPN list.

Beyond pure speed, Hotspot Shield offers is ridiculously easy to set up and use – even for VPN novices. Press the big On/Off button and you’ll be connected to the server of your choice in moments.

There’s a Smart VPN feature that helps you connect to the ideal server based on your location and activity, a fully functional kill switch, and a bonus feature that automatically connects Hotspot Shield when you’re accessing unsafe Wi-Fi hotspots – ideal for the cybersecurity-minded. And if you want to entrust all your online security this software, you can also add antivirus, spam blocker and password manager for a small extra fee.

In our tests, unblocking YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ was very easy. And there’s P2P support on every server, making it a handy VPN for torrents, too.

Pros

• Fast and secure proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol;
• Excellent speeds, perfect for streaming and P2P;
• 45-day money back guarantee;
• 7-day free trial;
• Quality free trial;
• Works with Netflix;
• Easy to use and interface;
• Allows you to bypass censorship in China.

Cons

• High price;
• Limited selection of features;
• Lack of transparency.

6 ProtonVPN

VPN provider Proton offers an exceptional level of security for a free VPN. Proton has indeed become known for its strict VPN privacy policy: ultra-secure servers, no logging of your browsing data, a killswitch feature that keeps you safe from network jumps. Easy to download, Proton VPN is very easy to use on Windows in our opinion, even if you are a VPN novice.

The guarantee of confidential browsing from your PC: Proton VPN benefits from Swiss privacy laws. And it has had its “no log” policy confirmed several times by an external auditing body. It only retains an email address. A VPN that is easy to use: the interface of Proton VPN is easily installed on Windows 7 or Windows 10. you can choose your connection country or let the VPN do it for you.

Pros

• Premium quality;
• Optimal security and transparency (open-source applications, audits);
• Easy to install and use;
• Ergonomics of the applications;
• Works with Netflix;
• Free VPN, perfect to get a first idea of the application.

Cons

• Limited number of servers;
• Does not allow to bypass censorship, especially in China;
• Unreactive customer support.

Top 7 free VPNs for windows 10 in 2022

Do you want to be invisible on the Internet without breaking the bank? Use a free VPN to hide your IP address. Here is our selection of the best on the market.

7 ProtonVPN

Proton VPN is recognized as one of the paid VPNs that offers the best protection. However, this Swiss VPN also exists in free mode with the same level of security. Obviously, you will have access to fewer servers and fewer options with the free version. But if you are looking for a high level of privacy from your Windows computer, Proton’s free VPN offers the best solution in our opinion.

8 Hotspot Shield the truly free VPN

Just as functional as the premium version, the main difference is the ads – which is often the case with free VPNs. Here you will be able to access all sites regardless of the filters on your network. On top of that your identity is protected when you are on a public Wifi network. This is recommended because otherwise bad people can intercept your information.

9 Windscribe VPN

Another trustworthy VPN for your computer. It offers servers around the world in Canada, the US and the UK. On the free version, you get a generous 10GB of traffic. It’s unlimited on the Pro version. Finally, all your transfers are encrypted and the service does not retain any information. The guarantee of a protected connection wherever you are.

10 Turbo VPN

Another VPN application with which you can enjoy a fast and encrypted connection. The proposed servers are once again spread all around the world and will allow you to bypass restrictions due to your geographical location. Indeed, servers like Netflix block access to certain countries. Not anymore with a turbo boost!

11 Tunnelbear

ExpressVPN offers a free version and paid versions. For the free version, the limit is 500MB of data. This is very little, especially if you are a big streamer. The features of the free version are not detailed on the site.

12 Hide.me VPN

Hide.me deserves its place in our comparison of the best free VPNs for Windows 10. It has very good technical performance. Moreover, the security policy of this VPN offers solid guarantees.

13 Opera

Opera, the mobile browser that everyone knows is the first browser that offers a free, legal and unlimited VPN. Everything is included in this VPN from secure browsing to unrestricted access. You can use Opera VPN not only on your smartphones and tablets, but also your computers.

14 Speedify VPN

With 2 GB free per month, Speedify offers a VPN that can interest those who are looking for protected and fast connections. Indeed, Speedify presents itself first and foremost as a speed gas pedal: it offers to aggregate your different sources of internet connection (4G, wifi, ethernet) to optimize your speed. Moreover, this free VPN perfectly encrypts your data.

Conclusion: ExpressVPN the best for Windows 10

Against the various VPNs tested, ExpressVPN is the best choice of VPN for Windows 10. The functionalities of its application will allow you to browse in a truly private and secure way without any bandwidth limits. ExpressVPN also works perfectly to bypass geo-restrictions and network filtering, indispensable features highly sought after by Internet users. So, you can access blocked content very easily from your Windows PC.

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