- Proton removes restrictions on simultaneous use of features in Windows
- Users can now fully use Split Tunneling, Kill Switch and NetShield
- Split tunneling is currently in beta for Mac and Linux users.
If you’ve been using Proton VPN on Windows, you’ve probably encountered a frustrating “pick two” scenario. For a long time, the app forced users to make a compromise: if you wanted to use split tunneling to route specific apps out of the VPN, you often had to disable other critical security features.
According to an X publication from the company, that friction finally disappeared. Proton has just released an update for its Windows app that allows users to enable Split tunnelhe off switchand network shield simultaneously.
“The latest update to Proton VPN for Windows lets you benefit from all three at once, so you can feel relieved while browsing the Internet safely,” the company tweeted.
Split Tunnel ✅Kill-Switch ✅NetShield ✅The latest update of Proton VPN on Windows allows you to benefit from all three at once, so you can feel relieved while browsing the Internet safely. pic.twitter.com/Gy4ibwjqHHFebruary 7, 2026
For the uninitiated, this is a significant quality-of-life improvement that brings one of the best VPNs for privacy in line with its more versatile competitors.
Previously, enabling split tunneling, which allows you to keep your banking app on your normal connection while routing your torrent client through the VPN, meant you might have to sacrifice the kill switch’s network security or NetShield’s malware protection and ad blocking.
Now you can use split tunneling to customize your traffic without compromising your security posture. You can stream local Netflix content in your browser (outside the tunnel) while securely downloading files (inside the tunnel), all while NetShield blocks trackers and the kill switch ensures no data is leaked if the connection is dropped.
Why this trio is important
Basically, this update unlocks the “Holy Grail” of VPN setups: maximum security with maximum convenience.
- Split tunnel: This is the ultimate comfort feature. It solves the problem of websites blocking VPNs (such as some banking portals) or local services requiring your real IP address. Instead of turning the If the virtual private network (VPN) is disabled completely, simply exclude those specific apps.
- Power off switch: This is your insurance against failure. If your VPN server goes offline for even a second, Kill Switch cuts off your Internet access instantly to prevent your real IP address from being exposed to prying eyes.
- Network shield: Proton’s DNS filtering feature that blocks malware, ads, and online trackers before they even load.
By allowing these three to run in tandem, Proton has eliminated the need for users to constantly change settings depending on what they are doing. Transform the application from a tool you have to manage to a “set it and forget it” security layer.
What about Mac and Linux?
While Windows users can celebrate today, the situation for other platforms is catching up. Split tunneling is currently available for Mac and Linux users through beta versions of the app.
However, it remains to be seen if the specific ability to run all three functions simultaneously is fully operational in these beta versions. TechRadar has reached out to Proton to confirm when Mac and Linux users can expect full parity with the Windows experience, and we’ll update this story when we hear back.
For now, Windows users should check for updates to their apps to ensure they are running the latest version. If you haven’t tried the service yet, you can read our full Proton VPN review to see why it remains one of our highest-rated options for privacy enthusiasts.
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