Attention Proton VPN users running OpenVPN – update your configs now

Proton VPN is advising users running old manual OpenVPN configurations (config) to update them or switch to a different VPN protocol.

Manual config files downloaded before September 2023 will no longer be supported and new files must be downloaded before the end of February 2026.

However, like some of the best VPNs, Proton VPN is working towards the discontinuation of OpenVPN and is encouraging users to consider using its other protocols.

Manual OpenVPN configs downloaded before September 2023 are going

In a blog post, Proton VPN said it no longer supports manual OpenVPN config files downloaded before September 2023.

Anyone currently using these configs will have until February 28, 2026, to download newer config files. After this date the old configs will cease to work.

Proton VPN is making this change to ensure it maintains the highest possible security standards.

The new configs support a faster, stronger, and more efficient version of AES-256 encryption. Entire data packets are encrypted, including the length and payload, so a potential attacker can't see its shape, as well as contents. Newer certificates are also supported which improve trust and attack resistance.

What is Proton VPN recommending?

If your device supports Proton VPN's native app – all newer devices on major platforms will – Proton VPN recommends you use it. WireGuard is supported on all platforms, as is the censorship-resistant Stealth protocol.

For those who want to use OpenVPN, the protocol is still available on Proton VPN's Windows VPN app. For other devices, you'll have to download manual configs. Proton VPN only recommends using manual OpenVPN configs on devices that don't support WireGuard.

For those that need it, Proton VPN has a guide on downloading manual OpenVPN configs.

WireGuard is the default protocol for most VPNs. It's modern, fast, and secure. Historically, OpenVPN has been better at evading internet censorship and deep-packet inspection (DPI), but many major VPNs have now developed their own WireGuard-based proprietary protocols which can be used to evade internet censorship.

Proton VPN has said it is "working toward discontinuing support for OpenVPN" in its official apps.

Some Proton VPN users on Reddit expressed their disappointment over the long-term plans to remove OpenVPN support. One user said it was "designed for completely different uses than WireGuard." Another said, when using OpenVPN DCO, they saw faster speeds on OpenVPN than WireGuard.