Split tunneling allows you to specify which applications bypass or use the VPN. Within the Network tab in the Private Internet Access (PIA) desktop application settings, select the box for Split Tunneling.
Once you check the box, click Add Application to allow the application to search for programs on your computer. Choose your desired application from the list and select Bypass VPN to add it to the exclusion list. You can use the search bar to narrow the list or click Browse to perform a manual search of your computer if you do not see the application.
After you add an application to the exclusion list, you may need to restart that app for changes to apply. You can remove applications from the list at any time by clicking the X next to the entry.
Inverse Split Tunneling:
Inverse split tunneling allows you to configure apps to use the VPN only or bypass the VPN. You find this in the same location within the Network preferences.
Bypass VPN: The application operates normally whether the VPN is connected or disconnected.
Only VPN: The application connects only when the VPN is active. The application is blocked from reaching the internet when the VPN is closed or disconnected.
IP Split Tunneling:
You can add specific IP addresses and subnets to exclude them from the VPN. PIA supports both IPv4 and IPv6. Rules route the specified IP addresses and subnets through the normal, non-VPN gateway.
DNS Split Tunneling (Windows and Linux):
On Windows and Linux, split tunneling also splits DNS traffic. This means that apps set to "bypass" use your existing DNS, while apps set to "VPN" use the DNS configured in the PIA app.
The default is Follow App Rules, which means that "bypass" apps use existing DNS, while "VPN" apps use the VPN configured DNS (PIA DNS or any other selection made in PIA if a custom DNS is set).
Enabling Split Tunneling
MacOS
Enable the feature: Check the Split Tunnel box.
2. Add applications: Click Add Application to search for programs.
3: Select the app: Choose the application from the populated list.
4: Set rules: Once added, choose Bypass VPN or Only VPN for the application.
Windows
For Windows users, after you check the Split Tunneling box, a User Account Control window may appear. Select Yes to allow the application to make changes to your device.