Connect to VPN from task bar?

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1

I’m still getting used to using Windows 10 and I’m not sure if I’m missing something with using a VPN or whether my UI is bugging out. In windows 7, I could click the network icon, then click on the name of one of my VPN connections and a ‘connect’ button would pop up.

Now, when I click the network icon and the name of a VPN, I’m taken to the settings panel and then I have to click the VPN name there to get a ‘connect’ button. I’ve tried right clicking the connection in the task bar and that does nothing either.

Am I missing something or did they simply just make connecting to a VPN less efficient?

2

Not sure if you ever got an answer for this, like you I was frustrated with the new UI and unnecessarily stupid method of connecting to a list of VPNs.

See the below link, this reverts the network flyout to be the same as windows 8.1. The only downside seems to be that the design of it is not in line with the rest of the task bar now (but who cares for functionality).

Answer is:

Open regedit (WIN+R and type regedit.exe)

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Control Panel\Settings\Network

Take ownership of the “Network” key/folder (right click, Permissions)

Select “Advanced” in the Permissions window

In the Advanced window, select “Change” where the owner field is (at the top of the window)

Type in your username and save your changes.

Close the advanced window

Now select “Administrators” in the security tab

Make sure “Full control” is selected, then apply changes

Now that’s done, double click “ReplaceVan”

Change it’s value to 2

3

I think there is a better way using the Connect button at the bottom of the Notification Center pull out.

4

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Did I say Thank you?

5

It works! This was literally the one thing that was preventing me from upgrading to W10 on my other computers after I have to go through so many clicks to do vpn on my first upgraded computer. thanks for the reference!

6

Yes, there is. You can create a shortcut for the VPN (Taskbar Network Icon right click → Open Network and Sharing… → Change Adapter Settings → Right click on the VPN → Create Shortcut) and use the Start Menu’s Search feature to open the connection

7

I don’t get anything about VPNs when I do that. It just sits saying that it’s searching for wireless displays and audio devices.

8

Ok. I am sorry. I was trying to remember how off the top of my head before. I am home now looking at it.

What you need to do is go into Settings → System → Notifications & Actions.

Then it will allow you to select what 4 buttons show at the bottom of the Notification Center; VPN is one of those.

9

i see that but it still takes me into settings before i can connect