On Windows 1511 or 1607 ("Anniversary Update"), to connect to a VPN) you have to:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Network & Internet.
- Select VPN.
- Click on the desired VPN profile.
- Click on the Connect Button(!).
This 5-step process is overly complicated to end Users.
An OLD Trick.
To make Windows 10 1607 or 1511 VPN matters "bearable", there's a clever registry hack that reinstated the Windows 8.1 VPN connections side banner (or "flyout" if you wish) on Windows 10.
Example of Windows 8.1 "Networks" side-banner feature running on Windows 10 1607 Anniversary Update:
# This side banner allowed you to pick your desired VPN network connection.
FWIW, if you didn't know about this (or if you wish are still on Windows 10 1511 or 1607), here's how To enable the Windows 8.1 Network Connections banner on Windows 10 1607 (COPY-PASTE from reddit re-edited for clarity):
- Open regedit (WIN+R and type regedit.exe)
- Navigate to HKLM\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 (for the new ownership permissions to become effective).
- Close the Advanced window.
- Now select "Administrators" in the security tab.
- Make sure "Full control" is selected, then apply changes.
- Once that's done, double click on "ReplaceVan".
- Change its value to 2
From <https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/3fawdy/connect_to_vpn_from_task_bar/>
Suffice to say that the default Windows 10 1511 or 1607 is suboptimal from the usability perspective while the registry hack might not be for everyone.
Senior Professional Network and Computer Systems Engineer during work hours and father when home.
Andrea strives to deliver outstanding customer service and heaps of love towards his family.
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