Google One VPN arrives on Windows and macOS

Like other big tech companies, Google offers a range of paid plans for cloud storage called Google One, which includes many additional benefits as well, the most prominent of which is the Google VPN.

Google VPN, is a virtual private network service from Google that helps users get an extra layer of security when they connect to the Internet by encrypting their online traffic and hiding their IP address, to protect them from being tracked by hackers and intruders.

Google VPN is available exclusively for the 2 TB plan (it costs $9.99 per month and $99.99 per year) or higher and is only available in the following countries: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The VPN service can be managed from the Google One app available on both Android and iOS platforms, and now Google has also released an app for Windows and macOS users, enabling them to take advantage of this service on their computers as well.

Use of the Google VPN PC app requires you to have a PC running Windows 10 64-bit or higher, macOS 11 or higher (with an Intel or Apple Silicon chip), go to the Google One website and then go to the Benefits page, then under " VPN for Multiple Devices" section, click on "Download App". The downloaded file will be saved on your computer as "VPNbyGoogleOneSetup.exe" or "VpnByGoogleOne.dmg" depending on your operating system, double-click on the downloaded file and follow the on-screen steps to install it.

Once installed, open the app and tap the toggle switch on the app's main interface to turn on the VPN. When the VPN is connected successfully, a green tick icon will appear on your Windows taskbar or macOS menu bar, and you can press the same toggle switch above to turn off the VPN.

Users can use Google VPN on up to 6 devices, and people with whom Google One plans are shared (within a so-called family group) can also use the VPN service. Finally, for those who distrust Google's services due to privacy concerns, the company promises that they will never use the VPN connection to track, log, or sell your browsing activity.