If you are unable to install the PIA App using the standard or alternative instructions, please use the detailed step by step guide below to perform the installation in safe mode.

Step 1: Reboot the Computer into Safe Mode with Networking

1: Navigate to Start > Settings.

2: Under the System tab, scroll down and click on Recovery.

3: Click on Restart now on the Advanced startup box and again on the pop-up window.

4: Click on Troubleshoot.

5: Click on Advanced options.

6: Click on Startup Settings.

7: Click on Restart.

8: Press 5 for Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 2: Download

If you have not already, download the PIA App installer please find the current installer here. (Note: PIA currently officially supports Windows 8.1 and 10)

Note: Be aware that 64-bit operating systems are backwards compatible with 32-bit applications however, 64-bit cannot be installed on 32-bit operating systems. To check what bit version of Windows you are using, please visit Microsoft's support page here

Step 3: Run Installer

Once the PIA installer has finished downloading, click the up ^ arrow and select Open (or double click) to run the .exe file to extract the Private Internet Access Installer.

Step 4: Security Confirmation

Windows will then prompt you with a security confirmation (User Account Control Window) asking to allow the installer to make changes to your system. Click Yes to continue

Step 5: Installing App

Once you have given Windows permission to run the installer, your OS will begin installing the PIA app.

Step 6: Restart the Computer

From the start menu perform a standard system restart to reboot the computer in standard operation.

After the application has been successfully installed, the app will open to the Quick Tour/Login window. Select Login and enter your login credentials, that were provided to you via the email address used upon signing up, (i.e. Username p1234567).

Note: If you have installed the application from the customized installer that was provided upon signing up for your account, your credentials will be filled in for you.

After logging into the application, your credentials should be saved. The DEFAULT DISPLAY will be the primary window you use when interacting with the application day to day. In the image shown below, the power button shows yellow, meaning you are currently disconnected. You can also find more info on how the tray icon displays and the meaning of the different colors here.

Step 8: Connecting

Use the power button to establish a connection — it may take some time to establish the connection, this is normal.

Note: If you are unable to connect, please reference our connection issue article as your first troubleshooting step.

Once the connection is established, the Power button will turn green and the application will list the VPN Server's IP.

Congratulations! You are now ready to begin utilizing your safe and anonymous VPN connection. If you'd like to know more about the app's settings, please visit our knowledge base articles Understanding the PIA App's Basic Settings and Understanding the PIA App's Advanced Settings.