- Proton VPN is removing support for old manual OpenVPN configuration files
- Users must download new configurations or switch to WireGuard by February 28
- Proton VPN confirms that support for OpenVPN on its servers will remain
Proton VPN has announced that it is retiring old manual OpenVPN configuration files for security reasons, setting a strict cutoff date of February 28, 2026.
The change affects all users who rely on configuration files downloaded before September 2023. While users on the official Proton VPN apps will remain unaffected, those running manual setups on routers, Linux terminals or third-party clients will lose connection if they don’t update their credentials.
In a blog post announcing the move, the company explained that the update is necessary to transition users to more modern, secure encryption standards that older configuration files didn’t support.
Why is this happening?
The old configuration files are retired to enforce the use of AES-256-GCM encryption, replacing the legacy CBC mode.
According to Proton, the switch to GCM offers “built-in integrity, support for parallel processing and other efficiency improvements”, meaning it’s faster and drains less battery on mobile devices.
Additionally, the new configurations implement TLS-Crypt, a feature that encrypts the control channel and packet headers. This hides the TLS handshake and metadata, making it much harder for firewalls and censors to identify that you’re using a VPN.
What you should do
If you are using a manual OpenVPN setup, check when you last downloaded your configuration files. If it was before September 2023, or if you’re not sure, the safest bet is to update them now.
Failure to update these files by the February deadline will result in a sudden loss of connectivity, potentially leaving your traffic exposed or your internet access completely blocked.
Here is the step-by-step process to ensure uninterrupted service:
- Log in to your Proton VPN dashboard via the web browser.
- Navigate to Downloads tab in the left sidebar and select OpenVPN configuration files.
- Download and upload the new files to your router’s firmware (such as AsusWRT, DD-WRT or OPNsense) or your third-party network administrator.
But if your router or hardware supports it, we highly recommend switch to WireGuard instead of reinstalling OpenVPN.
WireGuard uses modern cryptography that is faster to execute, meaning you’ll likely see a boost in connection speeds and lower latency, essential for gaming or router-level 4K streaming.
Furthermore, Proton’s custom implementation of WireGuard includes specific “Stealth” obfuscation features, making it much harder for ISPs or strict firewalls to detect and block your VPN tunnel compared to a standard OpenVPN connection.
Mole vs. Proton: A different approach
This news comes just days after Mullvad VPN took a much more drastic step. On January 15, Mullvad completely shut down support for OpenVPN across its entire server network, forcing all users to the newer WireGuard protocol.
Proton’s approach is softer. While the company admits it is looking to phase out OpenVPN from its appsconfirmed to TechRadar that server-side support isn’t going anywhere.
Speaking to TechRadar, David Peterson, General Manager at Proton VPN, explained that while WireGuard is taking over, legacy support remains a priority.
“With the higher performance of WireGuard, especially on mobile devices, and our extension of WireGuard for Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol, we have seen the rate at which OpenVPN is used drop to a small minority of our user base,” said Peterson. “As such, over time we will begin phasing out OpenVPN support in our client apps – especially for mobile devices where speed and battery performance are important.”
However, Peterson drew a clear line between apps and servers: “We will continue to support OpenVPN on Proton VPN’s servers for the foreseeable future to support legacy routers and other legacy devices that are unable to support WireGuard.”
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