# Installing and Configuring OpenVPN (Microsoft Windows)

To access **vSphere/NSX-T**, you must install the OpenVPN client software and establish a VPN connection. The OpenVPN client is open-source software that enables you to establish a VPN connection that is protected through SSL.

This article explains how to install and configure the OpenVPN client software on your local computer.

## Installing OpenVPN

{% hint style="info" %}
**Prerequisites:**

* You have administrator rights.
* You have logged in on your local PC.
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important:**

To use OpenVPN, you must enable the following ports in your router and firewall:

Alternatively, OpenVPN can be used with port 1194 TCP. In this case, this port should also be opened.
{% endhint %}

| **Port** | **Protocol** |
| -------- | ------------ |
| 1194     | UDP          |
| 443      | TCP          |

### Installation Steps

1. Download the [<mark style="color:blue;">OpenVPN software</mark>](https://openvpn.net/community/). This is offered as a 32-bit and a 64-bit version.
2. To start the installation, double-click on the installation file.
3. Click on **Install Now**. The OpenVPN software is installed.
4. Click on **Close**.
5. Click **OK** in the **OpenVPN GUI** window.

![OpenVPN GUI](/files/KlXsh3WHzFqlJYqKDzhW)

## Downloading the Configuration File

To configure OpenVPN, you need a specific `*.ovpn` file. To download it, proceed as follows:

1. Log in to your [<mark style="color:blue;">IONOS CLOUD account</mark>](https://dcd.ionos.com).
2. In the [<mark style="color:blue;">**Data Center Designer (DCD)**</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#data-center-designer-dcd), go to **Menu** > **Private Cloud** > **Login**.
3. Log in to the [<mark style="color:blue;">Cloud Panel</mark>](https://cloudpanel.ionos.de/login) with your credentials.
4. To download the configuration file, click **VPN** in the **Private Cloud** section.

The configuration file is downloaded in the form of a zip file.

## Configuring OpenVPN

1. Open your Windows Explorer.
2. Open the folder that contains the zip file you downloaded.
3. Unzip the zip file in the desired folder.
4. Click the upward pointing arrow on the right side of the taskbar.

![Select the upward pointing arrow](/files/4gUX7oGyBLhbWLNPzPtB)

5. Right-click on the OpenVPN icon.

![OpenVPN icon](/files/ijfjWy5idbMyUkHbGhdX)

6. Click **Import > Import File**.

![Import file](/files/ir7YFoz4myJDh7UILKDh)

7. Open the directory where you unzipped the ZIP file.
8. Select the configuration file with the `*.ovpn` file extension.
9. Click **Open**.

The configuration file is imported.


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