Setting up a Synology VPN on your Windows 10 computer allows you to securely access your home or office network from anywhere. This guide will walk you through each step carefully, making the process simple even if you’re not very tech-savvy.
Using a VPN on Synology helps protect your data from hackers and snoopers while you’re connected to public or untrusted networks. It also allows you to access files and services on your Synology NAS as if you were on the same local network.
We will cover how to configure the VPN server on your Synology device and how to connect to it using Windows 10’s built-in VPN client. Troubleshooting tips and FAQs are included to help you if you run into any issues.
By the end of this guide, you should be able to securely connect to your Synology VPN with ease.
Quick Note Before You Start
- Synology NAS: Make sure your Synology NAS is powered on, connected to your network, and updated to the latest DiskStation Manager (DSM) version.
- Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is necessary for remote VPN access.
- Router Settings: You may need to configure port forwarding on your router to allow VPN traffic.
- Windows 10: Ensure your PC is updated and you have administrator rights to add VPN connections.
Step 1: Enable VPN Server on Synology NAS
First, log in to your Synology DSM interface via a web browser by entering your NAS IP address or QuickConnect ID.
Once logged in, open the Package Center and search for VPN Server. Install this package if it’s not already installed.
After installation, launch the VPN Server app. You will see options for different VPN protocols such as PPTP, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec.
For Windows 10, L2TP/IPSec is generally recommended as it is more secure than PPTP and easier to set up than OpenVPN.
Click on L2TP/IPSec and enable it by checking the box. Set a pre-shared key (a password that will be used for authentication) and take note of it. You’ll need this later when configuring Windows 10.
Also, make sure to enable IP Address Range to assign IP addresses to connected clients. The default settings usually work fine.
Click Apply to save your settings.
Step 2: Configure Router for Port Forwarding
VPN connections require specific ports to be open on your router so that outside devices can connect to your Synology NAS.
Login to your router’s web interface. This usually involves typing your router’s IP address into a browser and entering admin credentials.
Locate the port forwarding or virtual server settings. You will need to forward the following ports to your Synology NAS local IP address:
- UDP 500 (for IPsec)
- UDP 1701 (for L2TP)
- UDP 4500 (for IPsec NAT traversal)
Forward these ports to the internal IP address of your Synology NAS (something like 192.168.x.x). This step is crucial because it allows your router to direct VPN traffic correctly to your NAS.
If you’re unsure how to do this, consult your router’s manual or look for online tutorials specific to your router model.
Step 3: Create VPN User Accounts on Synology
Go to Control Panel in DSM, then select User. You need to create or select a user who will be allowed to access the VPN.
Click on the user, then go to the Applications tab. Make sure to enable VPN Server access for that user by checking the appropriate box.
If you want to create a new user, click Create and fill in the necessary details, then grant VPN access.
This user and password combination will be used to authenticate when connecting from Windows 10.
Step 4: Set Up VPN Connection on Windows 10
On your Windows 10 PC, open Settings by pressing Windows + I. Then select Network & Internet and click on VPN.
Click Add a VPN connection. Fill out the form as follows:
- VPN provider: Windows (built-in)
- Connection name: Give it a recognizable name like “Synology L2TP VPN”
- Server name or address: Enter your Synology NAS’s public IP address or your QuickConnect ID if supported
- VPN type: Select L2TP/IPSec with pre-shared key
- Pre-shared key: Enter the key you set earlier in Synology VPN Server
- Type of sign-in info: Username and password
- Username and password: Enter the Synology user credentials with VPN access
Click Save once the details are entered.
Step 5: Connect to the VPN
Back in the VPN settings, select the new VPN connection you created and click Connect.
Windows will attempt to establish a secure connection to your Synology NAS. If everything is configured correctly, you will see a “Connected” status.
You can now access your NAS and network resources as if you were on the local network.
Troubleshooting Synology VPN on Windows 10
Check Basic Connectivity
Ensure your Synology NAS is reachable by pinging its IP address or domain name. If you cannot reach it, check your network and router settings.
Verify User Credentials
Incorrect username or password is a common issue. Double-check the VPN user credentials in Synology and Windows.
Review Port Forwarding
Make sure the correct ports (UDP 500, 1701, 4500) are forwarded to the NAS IP address. Without this, VPN connections won’t work.
Firewall Settings
Temporarily disable firewalls on both the Synology NAS and Windows 10 to see if they are blocking VPN traffic. If this resolves the issue, create exceptions for VPN ports.
Try Alternative VPN Protocols
If L2TP/IPSec does not work, consider using OpenVPN. Synology VPN Server supports OpenVPN, but you will need to install the OpenVPN client on Windows and import a configuration file.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use QuickConnect instead of a public IP address?
QuickConnect primarily works for Synology’s own apps and services. For VPN connections, a public IP or dynamic DNS service is usually required.
Is PPTP VPN supported?
Yes, but it is not recommended due to its weak security. Use L2TP/IPSec or OpenVPN for better protection.
What if my ISP blocks VPN ports?
Some ISPs block common VPN ports. You might try changing ports or using OpenVPN over TCP port 443, which is usually open for HTTPS traffic.
Can I connect multiple devices to the VPN simultaneously?
Yes, as long as your NAS and network bandwidth can handle it, multiple VPN clients can connect at the same time.
How do I check VPN logs on Synology?
In the VPN Server app, go to the Log tab to review connection attempts and errors.
When Nothing Works
If you have followed all steps and still cannot connect, consider the following final options:
- Restart your Synology NAS and router to clear temporary glitches.
- Update DSM and VPN Server package to the latest versions to fix known bugs.
- Consult Synology’s official support page: Synology Knowledge Base.
- Contact your ISP to check if they are blocking VPN traffic.
- Seek help on community forums like Synology’s official forum or Reddit.
Conclusion
Setting up a Synology VPN on Windows 10 can seem intimidating at first, but by following this step-by-step guide, you can create a secure connection to your NAS quickly.
Remember to enable the VPN Server on your Synology, configure router port forwarding, create appropriate user accounts, and carefully set up the Windows VPN client.
With these steps, you’ll enjoy secure remote access to your files and services with peace of mind.
If you encounter issues, use the troubleshooting tips and FAQs to identify common problems before reaching out for support.