PIAs latest update claims to triple connection speeds on Windows here's what's new

Date:
Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:32:37 +0000

Description:
Private Internet Accesss v3.8.0 update brings some big changes for Windows users and some useful updates for other platforms

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Private Internet Access (PIA) has released the v3.8.0 update for its eponymous VPN, which the company says could boost Windows connection speeds by more than 200 per cent.

The update makes WireGuard the default protocol on all platforms, replacing OpenVPN, and updates Windows clients to use the WireGuard-NT 1.1 kernel driver. In the patch notes, PIA says this driver can boost WireGuard speeds
by more than 3x on higher-bandwidth systems.

Compared to OpenVPN, WireGuard is a more modern and less CPU-intensive protocol, making it a great all-purpose VPN for multiple device types. It's also faster than OpenVPN on average

Though PIA previously offered WireGuard as an optional protocol, it used OpenVPN as standard. Making WireGuard the default gives users quicker access to a faster connection in most circumstances. You may like 'Update your app' Private Internet Access finally breaks its silence with a wave of network upgrades Amnezia VPN boosts stability of all apps with a new update Proton
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Many everyday users use their VPN of choice for video streaming or moving files securely, so connection speed can be the difference between choosing
one VPN over another.

OpenVPN remains available as an optional protocol, which will be welcome news for businesses and large networks that rely on its well-developed infrastructure.

For Windows users, the update adds the OpenVPN DCO kernel driver, which can boost connection bandwidth by up to 100 per cent depending on your system and connection specs.

As mentioned, OpenVPN is typically slower than WireGuard, so anything that boosts connection strength or speed is a welcome addition. Improving more
than speeds WireGuard is now PIA's default protocol on all platforms, good news for less powerful devices like smartphones (Image credit: Future) The update also adds the AmneziaWG protocol to Linux and macOS, making it
possible to obfuscate VPN use. What to read next NymVPNs massive new update adds one-click connections, advanced split tunneling, and fresh pricing Your ExpressVPN app on Windows, Mac, and Linux just got more flexible and more reliable Proton VPN rolls out Rust-powered 'Proton Protocols' in beta across all major apps

While most consumer VPNs disguise your web traffic, obfuscation means disguising the fact that youre using a VPN. This is useful for getting around VPN blockers in regions or environments that restrict VPN use.

The addition of AmneziaWG means Linux and macOS users can hide their VPN use if necessary while retaining the benefits of WireGuard, namely fast
connection speeds and light resource usage.

Users can activate the Amnezia protocol by heading to the Protocol page, selecting WireGuard, and switching on Obfuscation.

Finally, the update patches a macOS bug that left the app hanging if split tunnelling system extension setup was left incomplete in the system settings.

PIA hasnt always been the best for regular updates and expansions, but recently the Colorado-based firm has issued a string of useful updates, from expanding its server network to adding an F-Droid app for de-Googled Android users .

Most recently, PIA added 10 new locations to its server network across the Americas, Middle East, Africa, and Australia.

As well as the security and privacy updates wed expect to see from all VPNs, were always on the lookout for feature updates and network improvements when it comes time to put together our lists of the best VPNs on the market.

A better update cadence gives PIA a better chance of holding onto its spot as one of the best cheap VPNs you can buy. Today's best Private Internet Access deals Private Internet Access 24 Month 1.29 /mth View at Private Internet Access Private Internet Access 6 Month 5.39 /mth View at Private Internet Access Private Internet Access 1 Month 9.99 /mth View at Private Internet Access



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vpn/pias-latest-update-claims-to-triple-connection-s peeds-on-windows-heres-whats-new


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