v2rayN Download & Setup Guide with Screenshots: Windows, Linux & macOS (2025)

v2rayN is the most popular multi-platform client for V2Ray/Xray protocols (VLESS, VMess, Trojan, Shadowsocks, Hysteria, etc.). Works on Windows, Linux, and macOS. This complete guide shows you how to download the right version for your OS, install, configure, and troubleshoot.

5 min setup time
No cost - Free software
Beginner-friendly

📋 Quick Navigation

Step 1: Download v2rayN → Step 2: Extract & Launch → Step 3: Import Servers → Step 4: Enable Proxy → Step 5: Configure Routing → FAQs & Troubleshooting →

What Is v2rayN?

v2rayN is a user-friendly Windows GUI client for managing advanced proxy protocols like VLESS, VMess, Shadowsocks, and Trojan. It's powered by V2Ray/Xray cores and offers powerful features including:

💡 Why v2rayN? Unlike simpler proxies, v2rayN supports cutting-edge protocols that offer better performance, stronger encryption, and improved censorship resistance. It's the go-to choice for users needing reliable access to restricted content.

1

Download v2rayN from Official GitHub Releases

Always download v2rayN from the official GitHub Releases page to ensure security and integrity. We don't host installers—v2rayN is only available from the official repository: 📥 Open Official v2rayN Releases (GitHub) →

Choose your platform below:

🖥️ Windows

  • SelfContained — includes runtime, easiest to start (recommended)
  • Lightweight — smaller download, requires .NET Desktop Runtime
  • Alternative UI — Avalonia UI variant
  • Notes: ARM64 builds available on the Releases page
v2rayN GitHub Releases for Windows
Windows: choose SelfContained for simplest setup

⚠️ Antivirus / Security Scanner Warning: Some antivirus tools may flag v2rayN binaries (false positive).

Always download from the official GitHub Releases page. If your antivirus blocks it, whitelist the v2rayN executable or folder.

2

Install, Open, and Prepare v2rayN

  1. Extract or install v2rayN for your platform, then open the app. On first launch, it may request permissions to manage system proxy.
  2. Look for v2rayN’s icon in your system tray or application launcher. Use it to access settings and server management.
  3. Keep default Core settings unless you have specific protocol needs. Xray core works well for modern VLESS/Reality.
  4. Optionally enable Auto Update GeoIP/GeoSite in Subscription settings to keep routing lists fresh.

💡 Pro Tip: If you use multiple protocols (VMess, VLESS, Shadowsocks), Xray core handles them all. Stick with Xray unless troubleshooting requires otherwise.

3

How Do I Import Proxy Servers Into v2rayN? (Clipboard, QR, Subscription)

v2rayN offers multiple ways to add servers. Choose the method that works best for your configuration source. For proxy sources, explore GetFreeProxy free proxy lists.

1. Import from Clipboard (Screenshots)

Best for single server links (vmess://, vless://, trojan://, ss://).

  1. Copy the server link/URL to your clipboard.
  2. In v2rayN, click Servers > Import from Clipboard (or press Ctrl+V).
  3. The server will appear in your list immediately.

Tip: If you have a raw proxy config/link and want a clipboard-ready format, use Proxy Protocol Parser to convert it, then copy and import.

v2rayN Import from Clipboard
Figure 3.1: v2rayN main interface - Use 'Import from Clipboard' or press Ctrl+V

2. Scan Screen QR

Useful if you have a QR code displayed on a website or another window.

  1. Ensure the QR code is visible on your screen.
  2. In v2rayN, click Servers > Scan Screen QR.
  3. The app will detect the code and add the server automatically.

Tip: To generate a scannable QR code on screen from a proxy link/config, use Proxy Protocol Parser and show the QR code, then scan it here.

v2rayN Scan Screen QR
Figure 3.2: Scan a QR code currently displayed on your screen

3. Scan Image QR

Use this if you have a saved QR code image file.

  1. In v2rayN, click Servers > Scan Image QR.
  2. Select the QR code image file from your computer.
  3. The server configuration will be imported.
v2rayN Scan Image QR
Figure 3.3: Import a server by scanning a saved QR code image

4. Import Subscription

Recommended: Keeps your server list automatically updated.

  1. Click the Subscription group icon or go to Subscription Group > Subscription Settings.
  2. Click Add and paste your subscription URL into the "Url" field. Give it a "Remarks" name.
  3. Click Confirm/OK.
  4. Back in the main window, click Subscription Group > Update Subscription to fetch servers.
v2rayN Subscription Settings
Figure 3.4: Subscription Settings - Open the subscription settings page
v2rayN Subscription Settings Add
Figure 3.5: Subscription Settings - Add your subscription URL

5. Add a Server Manually

For advanced users who need to configure specific parameters manually.

  1. Click Servers > Add [Protocol] Server (e.g., Add VMess Server).
  2. Fill in the required fields (Address, Port, UUID, etc.) provided by your admin.
  3. Click Confirm to save.
v2rayN Manual Add Server
Figure 3.6: Manually add a server by filling in fields

✅ Best Practice: Use Method 4 (Subscription) whenever possible. It ensures you always have the latest working servers without manual updates.

4

How Do I Enable System Proxy in v2rayN?

1) Select an Active Server

  1. In the "Servers" list, right-click a node and choose "Set as active server".
  2. Start the service from the tray menu.

2) Choose Your System Proxy Mode

v2rayN system tray icon right-click menu showing PAC and Global proxy mode options
Figure 4.1: System tray menu - Select PAC (Smart) mode for daily use

3) Verify Your Connection

Visit our IP check tool to confirm your IP has changed. If you see your original ISP location, double-check the active server and proxy mode settings.

💡 Pro Tip: PAC mode is ideal for daily browsing—foreign sites route through proxy while domestic sites stay fast on direct connections. Switch to Global mode only for testing or if specific apps ignore PAC rules.

5

How Do I Set Up Routing Rules in v2rayN?

v2rayN supports advanced routing and DNS configuration via Xray. Typical strategies include:

Consider importing curated rule sets or applying rules provided by your subscription. If you suspect DNS leaks, use DNS Leak Test and enable DoH in the browser when appropriate.

⚠️ Advanced: Custom routing rules can significantly improve speed and privacy. Start with subscription-provided rules before building your own unless you have specific needs.

Troubleshooting

Cannot connect after importing: Verify system time is accurate (VMess often fails with incorrect time). Ensure you installed the core-included package. Try another node if the server is down.

App closes when window is closed: v2rayN minimizes to the system tray by default. Check the tray icon to reopen the main window.

Browser traffic not proxied: Confirm “Enable system proxy” is checked. Ensure the browser is set to use system proxy. Check local firewall rules.

DNS leaks: Use PAC/smart mode with proper DNS configuration, or enable DoH in your browser. Test with DNS Leak Test.

HTTPS certificate errors: Verify system time/timezone, remove interfering MITM tools, and update root certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I import VLESS links into v2rayN?

Copy your vless:// URL, open v2rayN, and use "Import from Clipboard" or press Ctrl+V. The server will appear in your Servers list immediately.

What's the difference between PAC mode and Global mode in v2rayN?

PAC (smart) mode routes only specific foreign sites through the proxy while domestic traffic goes direct. Global mode routes all traffic through the proxy. PAC mode is recommended for most users—it's faster and more efficient.

Why can't v2rayN connect after importing servers?

Check that your system time is accurate (VMess requires time synchronization within ±90 seconds), ensure you downloaded the version with core included, and verify the server is online by trying another node from your list.

How do I update v2rayN subscription servers?

In v2rayN, go to Subscription settings, add your subscription URL, save it, then click "Update Subscription" to fetch all available servers automatically. Set up auto-refresh to keep your server list current.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cannot connect after importing:

Verify system time is accurate (VMess often fails with incorrect time). Ensure you installed the core-included package. Try another node if the server is down.

App closes when window is closed:

v2rayN minimizes to the system tray by default. Check the tray icon in the bottom-right corner to reopen the main window.

Browser traffic not proxied:

Confirm "Enable system proxy" is checked in v2rayN. Ensure your browser is set to use system proxy settings. Check local firewall rules are not blocking connections.

DNS leaks detected:

Use PAC/smart mode with proper DNS configuration, or enable DoH (DNS over HTTPS) in your browser. Test with DNS Leak Test.

HTTPS certificate errors:

Verify your system time/timezone is correct, remove any interfering MITM tools, and update root certificates via Windows Update.

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