How to Install SoftEther VPN Server on Windows Server in 2026

SoftEther is a free, open-source multi-protocol VPN server, and installing it on Windows Server takes about five minutes. Here is exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Download the Installer

Connect to your server over RDP and open the official download page.

 
Set the four dropdowns to:

Select Software: SoftEther VPN (Freeware)
Select Component: SoftEther VPN Server
Select Platform: Windows
Select CPU: Intel (x86 and x64)

Download the newest file in the list. It is named like this:

softether-vpnserver-vX.XX-XXXX-rtm-windows-x86_x64-intel.exe

Step 2: Run the Installer as Administrator

Right-click the downloaded file and choose:

Run as administrator

The SoftEther VPN Server Setup Wizard opens.

Step 3: Select the SoftEther VPN Server Component

The same installer can install three different products. Pick the first one:

SoftEther VPN Server

Do not pick VPN Bridge or VPN Client. Bridge joins an existing VPN, and Client only connects to one.

Click Next, accept the End User License Agreement, then confirm the Important Notices screen.

Step 4: Finish the Installation

Leave the installation folder at the default:

C:\Program Files\SoftEther VPN Server

Click Next, then Finish. The installer registers a Windows service that starts automatically, so the VPN server survives a reboot.

Step 5: Verify the Installation

Open PowerShell and check that the service is running:

Get-Service -DisplayName "SoftEther VPN Server"

The status should read Running.

SoftEther VPN Server Manager also launches after setup. Select the local server, click Connect, and set an administrator password when prompted.

SoftEther VPN Server is now installed and running on your Windows Server. One thing to check before you configure it: SoftEther listens on TCP 443, so it will conflict with IIS if a website is already using that port on the same VPS.