The easiest way to use Windscribe on Linux is through the official desktop app. It lets you connect, switch locations, and manage core VPN features without manually editing VPN configuration files. The desktop client is open source, and you can review the code or follow development in the Windscribe Desktop App repository.
Make sure you have the following ready before beginning the setup process:
Windscribe does not log your browsing activity and does not sell user data; see our Privacy Policy for specifics.
Windscribe has one free tier and two paid options. Your plan determines how much data you get, which VPN locations you can reach, and how much of R.O.B.E.R.T. you can configure.
Pricing can vary by region and currency, and Windscribe runs seasonal promotions, so check current rates on the Windscribe website before you subscribe.
Official desktop packages are currently available for:
Use the package that matches your distribution and CPU architecture. Other related distributions may work with the matching package, but are not always official support targets. To ensure the application functions as intended, download packages only from official Windscribe channels.
Figure 1: Select Linux on the Windscribe Downloads page, then download the package that matches your distribution and CPU architecture.
The exact filenames look like this, with [current version] replaced by the actual version number. The examples below show the 64-bit Intel/AMD builds plus the available ARM64 builds:
windscribe_[current version]_amd64.debwindscribe_[current version]_arm64.debwindscribe_[current version]_amd64_fedora.rpmwindscribe_[current version]_arm64_fedora.rpmwindscribe_[current version]_amd64.pkg.tar.zstwindscribe_[current version]_amd64_opensuse.rpmHere [current version] is replaced by the actual version number, so a real Debian or Ubuntu filename looks something like windscribe_2.x.y_amd64.deb.
In addition to the desktop app above, Windscribe also provides separate Linux command-line interface packages. These are intended for headless machines, servers, and pure terminal environments where no desktop is installed. See How to Use Windscribe on Linux (CLI & Headless) for guidance on when to use a command-line package instead of the desktop app.
Windscribe does not maintain official Flatpak or Snap builds at this time, so users should stick to these native packages for the supported experience.
Because different Linux distributions handle graphical package installers differently, using the terminal is the most reliable way to install the application. Open your terminal and run the command that matches your distribution.
The commands below assume the package is in your ~/Downloads folder; adjust the path if you saved it elsewhere. They use the 64-bit Intel/AMD (AMD64) packages, so if you downloaded a 64-bit ARM package, substitute the matching ARM64 filename.
sudo apt install ~/Downloads/windscribe_[current version]_amd64.debsudo dnf install ~/Downloads/windscribe_[current version]_amd64_fedora.rpmsudo pacman -U ~/Downloads/windscribe_[current version]_amd64.pkg.tar.zstsudo zypper install ~/Downloads/windscribe_[current version]_amd64_opensuse.rpmWindscribe Linux packages are signed with the same Windscribe GPG key. If openSUSE refuses to install the package because the signing key is not present, import the official public key first:
sudo rpm --import https://windscribe.com/windscribe_linux_signing_key.pubIf your distribution supports graphical double-click installations, you can install the application without typing commands:
Figure 2: Select Login if you already have a Windscribe account.
To secure your connection instantly, select the large power button in the application window.
To select a specific VPN location, select the location field inside the app window to open the full location list, then select your preferred destination.
Free accounts can connect only to free VPN locations. Premium locations marked with a star require a Build-A-Plan or Pro subscription. If a location appears locked, that is the plan limit, not a connection error.
Figure 3: The location list lets you choose a destination before connecting. The app shown here is still disconnected.
You will know you are successfully connected when the main application window turns blue, the power button glows green, the status reads ON, and your newly assigned VPN IP address is displayed on the screen instead of your personal IP address.
When you want to disconnect, select the power button again. The app will return to its disconnected OFF state.
If you need to remove Windscribe, use your distribution's package manager. Run the command that matches your system:
sudo apt remove windscribesudo dnf remove windscribesudo pacman -R windscribesudo zypper remove windscribeBefore uninstalling, disconnect from the VPN and turn off the Firewall first, just to avoid any surprises with your network connection afterward.
The desktop application includes several core security features accessible through the Preferences menu.
How much of R.O.B.E.R.T. you can configure depends on your plan:
On Linux, the desktop app supports five connection options:
Stealth and WStunnel can help you connect on restrictive or censored networks, but no VPN can guarantee access in every situation, since blocking methods change over time.
Network Rules let the app connect or disconnect automatically based on the network you join. This is handy for laptop users who want Windscribe to turn on automatically whenever they connect to untrusted or public Wi-Fi.
MAC Address Spoofing lets you replace your device's hardware address with a different one. You can configure how it behaves, including having it generate a fresh address automatically. This adds a layer of privacy on public networks where your device's real MAC address might otherwise be tracked.
Need more technical insight or help managing your active configurations? Review the open-source client in the Windscribe Desktop App repository, learn more about R.O.B.E.R.T., or visit our Help Center for setup guides for your other devices.