How to set up Express VPN on Xbox Series S?

On By AfterWork Gamer

To use ExpressVPN on your Xbox Series S, you have two main options: setting up the VPN on your home router or using a PC with a virtual router. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each method:

Option 1: Set up ExpressVPN on Your Home Router

  1. Ensure your router is compatible with ExpressVPN. Check ExpressVPN’s website for a list of supported routers and setup guides.
  2. Sign in to your ExpressVPN account and find the manual setup section. There, you can get the necessary configuration details, such as server addresses, authentication, and encryption settings.
  3. Access your router’s admin panel by typing the router’s IP address in a web browser. It’s usually something like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Enter your login credentials to log in.
  4. Look for the VPN or ExpressVPN section in your router’s settings. The location and appearance may vary depending on your router’s make and model.
  5. Enter the configuration details obtained from the ExpressVPN website, such as the server address and login credentials.
  6. Save the settings, and the router should establish a VPN connection.
  7. Connect your Xbox Series S to the internet via your router, and all devices connected to that router will be protected by the VPN.

Option 2: Set up a Virtual Router on Your PC

  1. Make sure your PC is connected to the internet and you have an active ExpressVPN subscription.
  2. On your PC, download and install the ExpressVPN app for Windows.
  3. Launch the ExpressVPN app and sign in with your account credentials.
  4. In the ExpressVPN app, click the “Menu” button (three horizontal lines) and select “Options.”
  5. Go to the “General” tab, scroll down to the “VPN Server Location” section, and check the box that says “Allow access to local network devices such as network printers and file servers.”
  6. Close the ExpressVPN app but keep it running in the background.
  7. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
  8. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
    vbnet
  • netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=YourNetworkName key=YourPassword

    Replace “YourNetworkName” with the name you want to give your virtual router and “YourPassword” with the password you want to set.

  • After successfully creating the virtual router, type the following command and press Enter:
    sql
  1. netsh wlan start hostednetwork
  2. Your virtual router should now be active. Go to the Network settings on your Xbox Series S, find your virtual router in the list of available Wi-Fi networks, and connect to it.
  3. On your PC, launch the ExpressVPN app, select a server location, and connect to it.
  4. Your Xbox Series S should now be using the VPN connection provided by your PC’s virtual router.

Please note that the process may vary slightly depending on your router model or the version of ExpressVPN. For the most accurate and up-to-date instructions, refer to the official support documentation provided by ExpressVPN.