File Extension Database

Open OVPN File

An OVPN file is a configuration file used by the OpenVPN software, which allows secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections for remote access facilities and software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN). This file typically contains important information such as the connection settings, root certificates, security settings, and other vital details that define the connection between two end-points. In this article, we will discuss the various formats and ways to open, use, and configure files with the OVPN file extension.

OpenVPN Software

OpenVPN is an open-source software application that is widely used for creating secure virtual private networks over unsecured networks and is known for its robustness, speed, and security. It supports various platforms such as Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, and even some mobile platforms like Android and iOS. You can download the OpenVPN software from their official website found here. For a good tutorial on setting up OpenVPN, visit this link.

Opening and Using OVPN Files

Once you have installed the OpenVPN software on your device, opening and using OVPN files is relatively simple. On most platforms, the default configuration is stored in an "openvpn" or "config" folder, and all you need to do is place the OVPN file in that directory. On Windows computers, right-clicking the OpenVPN system tray icon and selecting "Import file..." will allow you to import the OVPN configuration file to the client directly. For macOS and Linux users, consult the documentation provided by your specific OpenVPN client for detailed instructions on file importing.

Configuration Format and Configuring OVPN Files

An OVPN file is a plain-text file containing key-value pairs that are used to define specific settings or options for the VPN connection. The file can contain options like connection establishment, authentication, encryption, compression, and other security-related settings. If you have a basic understanding of networking principles and security protocols, you can easily modify or create your own OVPN file to suit your preferences. A typical OVPN file will contain the following directives: - client: This designates that this file is meant for a client. - dev: This specifies the type of network device to use, commonly tun or tap. - proto: This defines the protocol to use, either udp or tcp. - remote: This specifies the VPN server's hostname/IP address and port number. - ca, cert, key: These directives point to the appropriate file locations of certificates and keys for secure connections; for example: ca ca.crt, cert client.crt, key client.key. For a comprehensive list of options, visit the OpenVPN manual at this link.

OVPN File Important Information

Given that OVPN files contain vital information about the VPN connection, such as certificates, keys, and connection settings, it is important to handle these files securely and to never share them with unauthorized individuals. Always ensure that your connection settings are accurate and that the proper security settings have been applied to your OVPN file. Since these files can be easily edited using a text editor, make sure to thoroughly check your configuration settings to avoid misconfiguration or potential security risks.

How Can I Open OVPN File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open OVPN file is to find a OVPN file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a OVPN file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open OVPN file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as OVPN file opener then try to search online for "OVPN viewer", "application to open OVPN file" or "open OVPN file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open OVPN file

How Can I Open OVPN File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a OVPN file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a OVPN file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with OVPN file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as OVPN file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open OVPN file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open OVPN file then try to search for "OVPN viewer", "application to open OVPN file" or "read OVPN file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read OVPN file

How Can I Open OVPN File on Android

If you downloaded a OVPN file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded OVPN file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "OVPN".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "OVPN viewer", "OVPN file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open OVPN File on iPhone or iPad

To open OVPN File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the OVPN file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "OVPN". This way you can find apps which can open OVPN files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "OVPN viewer" or "OVPN file" online in your favorite search engine.

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