A useful feature inside your browser settings
A VPN built into your browser can make opening game guides, researching a title and reading forums simpler: you do not need another VPN extension for that browser connection. This guide follows Opera’s published instructions and adds a practical checking routine. It is not a speed benchmark or a promise of complete anonymity.
How to enable Opera GX’s free VPN
Menu wording and location can vary by version. Installing the browser and enabling its VPN are separate steps.
- Download Opera GX using this page’s button and confirm the destination offers Opera GX for your operating system. Already have GX? Keep your current installation and check for updates.
- Open Settings in GX. On Windows, Alt+P opens settings. Search settings for VPN; Opera’s help also lists Advanced → Features → VPN.
- Enable the free VPN option. Do not confuse it with a VPN Pro subscription offer: these are separate services.
- Open the VPN badge beside the address bar. Check that the connection is active and inspect its virtual location. Choose an available region if needed.
- Open an ordinary webpage inside GX and confirm it loads. Use the switch in the VPN badge to turn the connection off when you choose.
What the free VPN covers
- Page inside Opera GX
- Browser VPN connection
- Website reached through VPN
- Other apps and installed games stay outside this browser VPN
| Activity | Free VPN coverage | What to remember |
|---|---|---|
| A webpage in Opera GX | Browser traffic while VPN is active | Check its status and any configured exceptions. |
| An installed game such as Enlisted | The game connection is outside browser VPN | This is not a ping or FPS upgrade. |
| Another browser or PC application | Not covered by this browser feature | Paid VPN Pro is a separate product. |
| Signing into a website | Your account can still identify you | VPN does not remove cookies or replace secure passwords. |
Check your first connection
Start with a simple page that contains no sensitive information. Inspect the VPN badge, note the chosen region and load the page. This checks your basic browsing setup, not coverage for every application.
If a page will not load or requests extra verification, record what happened. Check your normal internet connection, browser updates and the connection state in the VPN panel. Use official support for persistent issues rather than unknown repair extensions.
Comparing the same page with VPN on and off can reveal a difference on your connection. The additional route can change response time; faster browsing is not guaranteed, and one test does not represent every website.
Questions before you start
Do I need a subscription or payment card?
Opera describes GX’s built-in VPN as free, with no subscription, login or data limit. VPN Pro is a different paid offer. Check which option you are selecting.
Does VPN make me completely anonymous?
No. Signed-in accounts and existing cookies can still identify you. Treat VPN as one privacy layer for the traffic it covers.
Do I need a separate VPN extension?
Not for the built-in GX feature. Install the browser, enable VPN and inspect the connection badge.
Continue setting up GX
Try the setup in your own browser
Download GX, open the VPN panel and check its connection before browsing. Downloading the browser alone does not enable VPN.
The button opens the Opera GX download page. Next, run the installer and open the browser to get started.
An independent Favorite Games guide. We may earn a commission from qualifying downloads through this link.
Sources & product information
- Opera GX — Free VPN
- Opera Help — Security and privacy: VPN
- Opera — GX security and browser-only VPN scope
We may earn a commission when you register or download through some links.