Windscribe's new UI update makes switching protocols simple – here's what's new

Windscribe has released a new update which brings new customization options to its apps.

Changes have been made to the home screen and features are easier to access, with Windscribe describing the update as bringing "a little bit of everything." You can also rename servers and even add sound effects – something not usually offered by the best VPNs.

The update is live on Windscribe's desktop and mobile VPN apps and the changes are the same for both Windscribe Pro and Windscribe Free – one of the best free VPNs.

Protocol selection

In its blog post, Windscribe said its app has had "a proper once-over." The home screen is cleaner and has fewer distractions, which is welcome, considering this is one area we saw room for improvement in our full review. Windscribe Pro users will now see a Pro badge on the screen.

You can now choose the VPN protocol you want to connect to directly from the home screen – gone are the days of navigating through various layers of settings.

Click the name of the protocol in the top left of the screen and it'll bring up a list of available protocols. Supported protocols include WireGuard, IKEv2, and its OpenVPN-based obfuscating Stealth protocol.

You can also quickly select your preferred protocol. Click on your network name and you'll jump to the relevant settings section.

Toggling the Preferred protocol tab will allow you to select your desired protocol and port.

Look & Feel

Windscribe's Look & Feel section isn't brand new, but more options have been added to the feature.

Users could previously add their own custom backgrounds to the Windscribe app, but you can now also choose from one of the provider's built-in pre-set backgrounds. These are titled Square, Palm, Ripple, Drip, and Snow.

In addition, you can now adjust the aspect ratio of all background images, choosing from Fill, Stretch, or Tile.

Separate images can be set for when the VPN is connected and disconnected, or you can have the same image for both. Image customization appears to be desktop only, with .png, .jpg, and .gif images compatible.

Windscribe mobile users have the option to switch between dark and light mode, but this isn't brand new.

Sound Effects

Along with images, you can hear a sound effect when you connect and disconnect from the VPN.

There are a load of preset sounds including Arcade, Boing, Sci-Fi, and even Fart. Yes, you read that right. You can have fart sounds play when you connect and disconnect from the VPN.

You can upload your own sound files, with .mp3, .wav, and .m4a all compatible.

Windscribe admits this is "for laughs," but having a sound effect play when your connection drops can also be useful for alerting you right away.

Rename servers

The final UI update announced is the ability to change the name of any Windscribe server to whatever you like. This, like the sound effects, has no impact on VPN performance, privacy, or security, and is purely cosmetic.

To change a server name, go to Preferences then Look & Feel. Next, export the server_nicknames.json file. Open it and change the Country, City, and Nickname fields to whatever you want. Finally, save it and import the updated file – no restart needed.

These updates are available now for the following Windscribe app versions: Desktop 2.16.14+, Android 3.92.1815+, and iOS 3.9.3+.

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