> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.anyone.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.anyone.io/connect/desktop-vpn.md).

# Desktop VPN

The Anyone Desktop VPN provides a simple way to route your device's internet traffic through the Anyone Network.

It is available for **Windows, macOS, and Linux.**

***

### Download the Anyone Desktop VPN

Download the latest version of the Desktop VPN for your operating system:

[**\[Download Anyone Desktop VPN\]**](https://www.anyone.io/desktop)

Once downloaded, install and open the application.

<figure><img src="/files/SuyEyqVG4gG4hH5u9SGx" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Connecting to the Anyone Network

When you first open the Desktop VPN, the app will show your current connection status and the available exit locations.

#### Choose an exit country

Under **Exit Country**, open the dropdown to browse the available global exit locations.

Select your preferred country and click **Connect**.

If you leave the selection as **Any country**, Anyone will automatically select an available exit for your connection.

<figure><img src="/files/VXhxH0rBPSkETFK3WwqQ" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once connected, the **Connection Status** will change to **Connected** and the app will display your proxy IP and selected exit.

***

### Viewing Your Route

Expand the Desktop VPN window and open the **Overview** tab to see the route your connection is taking through the Anyone Network.

The route displays the relays used for the connection, including the:

* Entry relay
* Middle relay
* Exit relay

You can also view information about each relay, including its country, IP address, fingerprint and bandwidth.

<figure><img src="/files/7JFqTHNTzgPxBVQKgWlk" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Globe View

The route can also be displayed visually on the interactive globe.

Open **Settings** and enable **Globe Animations**.

Return to the **Overview** tab to see your route displayed across the globe.

<figure><img src="/files/9zQu7BEFRRTGrn0DZNPK" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/p1D6AVulKgvNkx22kQjP" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Custom Routing Rules

The Desktop VPN can route different websites through different exit countries.

The VPN needs to stay disconnected to be able to create custom routing rules.&#x20;

#### Match Subdomains

Open **Settings** and enable **Match Subdomains** if you want subdomains to follow the same routing rule as their parent domain.

For example, a rule created for `example.com` can also apply to subdomains such as `docs.example.com`.

<figure><img src="/files/4UnBr8ujtLFZ766C0ewL" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Create a Routing Rule

Open the **Rules** tab and select **Add Rule**.

Each rule can contain:

* **Title:** Give the rule a name so it can be easily identified.
* **Destinations:** Enter the website or domain that the rule should apply to. Multiple destinations can be added, with one destination per line.
* **Number of Hops:** Choose the number of hops used for traffic matching this rule.
* **Exit Countries:** Choose the country that traffic matching this rule should exit through.

Once configured, select **Add Rule** to save it.

<figure><img src="/files/DsLFskT4xhTXDZYgf9JJ" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Your new rule will appear in the **Rules** tab.

#### Using Multiple Routing Rules

You can create additional rules for different websites and assign different exit countries to each one.

Each rule can be individually enabled or disabled, edited and deleted.&#x20;

Once your rules are configured and enabled, click **Connect**.

Traffic matching a rule will use the exit location configured for that rule.

<figure><img src="/files/6jTtOe3NHskSBeRw0Q8z" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This allows different sites to route through different countries during the same VPN session.

***

### Activity

The **Activity** tab shows applications that are currently making connections through Anyone.

While connected, open **Activity** to view applications using the proxy and their active connections.

<figure><img src="/files/qVNS6YfjPdnbXKtrknGf" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Settings

Open **Settings** using the settings icon in the Desktop VPN.

The available options include:

* **Globe Animations:** Displays your current route visually on the globe in the Overview tab.
* **Enable Auto Updates:** Allows the Desktop VPN to receive application updates automatically.
* **Open at Startup:** Launches Anyone VPN automatically when your device starts.
* **Dynamic Port:** Automatically selects another port if the default port is already in use.
* **Match Subdomains:** Allows subdomains to use the routing rule configured for their parent domain.

***

### Disconnecting

To stop routing your traffic through Anyone, click **Disconnect**.

The Connection Status will return to **Disconnected** and your traffic will no longer be protected by the Anyone connection.

***

### Closing the Desktop VPN

Closing or minimizing the main Desktop VPN window will leave the application running in the background.

To completely quit Anyone VPN, use the Anyone VPN icon in your system tray or menu bar and select **Quit**.

***

The Anyone Desktop VPN is now ready to protect your traffic through the Anyone Network.

You can use the default connection for simple network-wide privacy, choose your preferred exit country, or create routing rules for more granular control over how individual destinations are routed.