Install a VPN on Your School Computer, Even if It’s Blocked

School–issued computers are convenient but may include admin blocks that prevent you from accessing the information you need. A virtual private network (VPN) may be able to help you bypass website restrictions while also keeping your browsing activity private while using a school computer.

Most school-issued computers are Chromebooks, due to their low cost and accessibility, so installing a VPN may be a bit different from what you would do on PCs and MacBooks.

Using one of the best VPNs will ensure you have Chromebook compatibility while also providing the necessary power to bypass content blocks or IP bans. Below, we outline our top VPN recommendations and provide instructions on how to install them on your device.

Best VPNs for school or college

How to install a VPN on your school computer

School administrators and IT professionals often put blocks in place to prevent you from downloading and installing new software and apps. Circumventing those blocks may not be possible with the software currently on the device.

If your school has blocked access to the app store, you may still be able to download the VPN from a website.

You can also install a VPN directly on certain browsers, like DuckDuckGo or Brave. Additionally, using a proxy server may help you bypass blocks, but proxies can’t encrypt your data like VPNs do.

Anyone with access to the router can easily view your unencrypted data, as the router keeps logs of your activity, so the best VPNs for schools are a must for maintaining privacy.

1. Create your VPN account

Choose a VPN that’s compatible with your device. If you’re using a Chromebook, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost are all good, affordable options.

If you can get a dedicated IP address add-on, which is a private IP address used only by you, it may provide even more stability on school-owned networks.

2. Install a compatible VPN

After creating your account and paying for your chosen VPN, you can download the actual agent to your device.

1. Select the Launcher in the corner of your Chromebook screen.
2. Select Play Store.
3. Search for the VPN app you want to install.
4. Select the VPN app.
5. On the right, select Install.

If you can’t access the Google Play Store to download the app, try visiting the website and downloading the agent directly. Each site will have its own method of downloading, but you can access the manual download through your online portal.

3. Configure your VPN

If the agent or app doesn’t configure during the setup process, you’ll need to do it manually.

1. Select the Time in the corner of your Chromebook screen.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select Network.
4. Select Add connection.
5. Next to your chosen connection, select the VPN.
6. Follow the onscreen instructions.

4. Make sure your VPN is turned on

If the automatic configuration worked, you should be able to keep your VPN turned on from the agent. If it’s not working, you may need to manually configure your settings.

1. Configure your VPN first (see above).
2. Select the Time in the corner of your Chromebook screen.
3. Select Settings.
4. Select Apps.
5. Select Manage Google Play preferences.
6. Select Android Settings.
7. Select Network & internet.
8. Find your VPN and select it.
9. To the right of your app, select Settings.
10. Turn on Always-on VPN.

How to use a VPN when the school has blocked it

Sometimes you may not be able to install a VPN in the traditional way, but there could be a workaround to help.

Using a mobile hotspot or a proxy server may be more accessible and can disrupt the VPN bans just long enough to get a VPN installed. Many IT directors use blanket rules for banning programs, which allows them to cover a large number of devices quickly. However, this also means that hacks and exploits are likely to be possible.

There are other options, such as installing the DuckDuckGo browser with Privacy Pro to utilize its built-in VPN or downloading the Brave browser, which is typically approved by schools, and installing your chosen VPN’s extension; this could also circumvent the block.

Ways to bypass school VPN blocks

1. Switching to a different VPN protocol (like OpenVPN over TCP on port 443).
2. Using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi.
3. Changing the port number used by your VPN.
4. Trying a different VPN service.
5. Using a proxy server to change your IP address and try installing again.
6. Using DuckDuckGo’s Privacy Pro browser with built-in VPN.
7. Install a Brave browser and get a VPN extension.

Is there a VPN that isn't blocked by schools?

We aren’t sure why schools would want to stop students from using a VPN for privacy. Data transmitted across shared internet connections and public Wi-Fi has a high potential to be leaked if a scammer connects to the network. Since school networks often have hundreds of people connected at any given time, it makes sense to use security software.

Security-forward VPNs all share similar features and functionality, optimized for both safety and performance. We recommend using a service with:

• Multiple protocols you can choose from
• Obfuscated servers to hide VPN usage
• Torrenting support for large file downloads
• A kill switch to hide your data if the VPN agent is disconnected
• A good selection of servers, so you’re always using the fastest connection

Best VPNs for school laptops

Each of our VPN recommendations has the features listed above, is a trusted name in security, and is compatible with Chromebooks and other operating systems.

Our choices for the top Chromebook VPNs that are usually allowed by schools are:

FAQs

Bottom line

If you can circumvent your school’s VPN blocks, you’ll increase your security while also giving yourself the ability to access content you may need for your schoolwork. Getting around admin-set blocks may not be straightforward, but there are steps you can take to get a VPN installed.

Since most school-issued devices are Chromebooks, you’ll want to grab one of the best VPNs on the market for reliable Chromebook compatibility.

Security, especially student security, is important when using shared Wi-Fi connections. Just because your school is issuing a device they own, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a private connection. With the tips above, we think you’ll find success securing your school computer.