How to share a VPN connection over Ethernet on Windows

The Windows' 'Internet Connection Sharing' function (ICS) allows to use an encrypted VPN connection to the Internet with different devices in your local network - even though those devices usually don't support VPN connections. 

The host computer works as a common component by establishing a VPN connection on one side and communicating with a separate local network on the other side. A second physical network card or a wireless stick to connect to the local network is of course a mandatory prerequisite. Once activated, the ICS function will turn your Windows PC into a router and allow other devices to properly and safely connect to the Internet. 

Step 1

The first settings have to be made on the host computer, that is the Windows PC, whose encrypted Internet connection should be used by other devices:

1. Click on ‚Start‘ > Control Panel > ‚Network and Connection Sharing‘.
2. Click on ‚Adapter Settings‘ or ‚Show Network Connections‘ (depending on your Windows version).
3. Search for a ‚LAN Connection‘ related to the ‚TAP-Windows Adapter V9‘. Click on it with your right mouse button and choose the entry ‚Properties‘.
4. Activate the tab ‚Sharing‘ and then the option ‚Allow other users [...]‘.
5. Choose the fitting ‚Home Network Connection‘ (a WLAN stick or the second physical network card).
6. Click on 'OK‘ and note the IP address shown.

Step 2

Now configure your device. Usually the needed options can be found in menu entries like ‚Network‘ or ‚Internet‘. Once found, deactivate the automatic search for networks and enter the noted IP address as the gateway. For more details please consult your device's documentation.