This guide answers the question “How do I configure v2rayN on a PC?” It walks you through downloading and installing the app, importing nodes, enabling the proxy, and checking your IP, DNS, and browser environment. It’s intended for everyday users setting up V2Ray/VLESS/VMess nodes on a Windows PC for the first time.
1. Get ready and install v2rayN
v2rayN is a popular proxy client for Windows. It’s just a connection tool, so you’ll need a working node or subscription link to use it. We recommend downloading the latest archive from the project’s official release page and extracting it to a folder that isn’t a sensitive system directory, such as a software folder on your D: drive. The first time you run it, double-click v2rayN.exe. If you’re prompted to install a missing runtime, follow the instructions to install .NET Desktop Runtime.
After opening the app, check for its icon in the system tray at the bottom right of your screen. Many new users assume that closing the window quits the app, but v2rayN continues running in the system tray. To exit, right-click the tray icon and select “Exit.”
2. Import nodes or a subscription link
If you have a single vmess, vless, trojan, or ss link, you can import it from the clipboard. If you have a subscription address, use the subscription feature to make future updates easier. This site also curates some free nodes, which we recommend using only for temporary testing. Actual connection stability may vary.
- Copy the node or subscription link, making sure there are no extra spaces.
- Open v2rayN and click the “Servers” menu.
- For a single node, select “Import share links from clipboard.”
- For a subscription link, select “Subscription group settings,” add the address, and save.
- Return to the main window, click “Update subscriptions,” and wait for the nodes to appear.
- Select a node, right-click it, and set it as the active server.
After importing, right-click the node and run “Test server real connection delay” or a similar check. Treat the latency result as a rough guide: access also depends on the connection route, your network environment, and the target website.
3. Enable the system proxy and check your IP
After selecting a node, you’ll also need to enable the proxy. One common way is to right-click the tray icon and set “System Proxy” to “Automatically configure system proxy,” or switch to the corresponding mode in the main window. If your browser uses the system proxy by default, its web traffic will then go through v2rayN.
Once configuration is complete, visit an IP lookup site in your browser and check whether the displayed location has changed. If your IP hasn’t changed, first check these three things: whether the node is set as the active server, whether the system proxy is enabled, and whether the browser is using a separate proxy extension. Other proxy extensions installed in the browser may override v2rayN’s settings.
4. How DNS relates to your browser environment
If the connection succeeds but websites still won’t load, the issue may be with DNS or the browser cache rather than the node. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses, and problems with name resolution can make it seem like you’re connected but unable to open websites. In v2rayN’s routing settings, start with the default rules and avoid making unnecessary changes to advanced DNS settings. You can also clear your browser’s DNS cache or try a different browser.
- IP: The exit address websites see when you visit them.
- DNS: Affects domain name resolution. Issues may prevent some websites from opening.
- Browser environment: Proxy extensions, privacy extensions, cache, and WebRTC can all affect test results.
5. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
If v2rayN doesn’t work after configuration, troubleshoot in this order to save time: try two or three different nodes, then update your subscription; make sure your computer’s clock is accurate, as an incorrect time can cause TLS handshake failures; check whether Windows Firewall or security software is blocking v2rayN; close other proxy or VPN software to avoid port conflicts; and finally, restart v2rayN and your browser.
Most users don’t need to change a lot of advanced settings right away. First make sure these four things are working: the node is usable, the system proxy is enabled, the browser is using the proxy, and your IP has changed. That’s usually all it takes to complete a standard v2rayN setup on a PC.