ProtonVPN and NordVPN Enable App-Level Traffic Routing on Windows
The feature allows users to bypass encryption for specific programs, such as games or local service apps, to maintain speed and accurate location data.
By Elijah Fitzgerald ·
ProtonVPN and NordVPN now allow Windows users to route specific applications around their encrypted connections. This feature, known as split tunneling, gives users control over which data flows through the VPN and which connects directly to the internet.
Virtual private networks typically encrypt all traffic to hide user location and activity from internet service providers. However, this encryption can reduce connection speeds. Split tunneling addresses this by sending selected traffic around the encrypted bridge. This prevents users from having to toggle the VPN on and off for different tasks.
App-based split tunneling is the most common implementation. Users can choose which programs receive protection. For example, a banking app might remain inside the VPN for security, while a weather app runs outside it to display local forecasts based on the device's true location. Gaming is another frequent use case, as players often exclude games to minimize latency.
Other methods include URL-based routing, which applies rules by domain name, and route-based tunneling, which uses specific IP addresses. These latter options are less common in consumer software and are primarily used by administrators managing multiple users.
In the ProtonVPN Windows client, the split tunneling option appears on the right side of the main console. Users can select specific apps to include in the VPN or exclude them, with the default setting applying to all other programs. The NordVPN interface requires users to click the settings icon in the bottom left corner and enable the split tunneling toggle to make similar selections.
Mobile devices offer similar controls, though with limitations. Android devices and desktop platforms generally allow app-level selection. iPhones typically restrict users to excluding websites and IP addresses rather than individual applications. Most VPN providers include these tools in their paid tiers, with setup steps varying by product.
Configuring split tunneling is generally a one-time task. Users can adjust which apps are covered as needed, but the settings do not require ongoing manual intervention. This leaves protection active for sensitive activities while allowing direct connections for services that benefit from local routing or higher speed.
