Installing and Using WireGuard
- 08 Feb 2023
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Installing and Using WireGuard
- Updated on 08 Feb 2023
- 1 Minute to read
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- DarkLight
Article summary
This guide provides instructions for downloading and launching WireGuard on different operating systems. For Windows, users need to import a .conf file and can edit the configuration using the software. Troubleshooting can be done through the "Log" tab. On Debian 10, users must set up the buster backports repo and install Wireguard and resolvconf. CentOS 7 requires the installation of the epel repo and wireguard tools. macOS users can download the official WireGuard VPN Client from the app store or use homebrew for the command line version. Importing the file and granting network settings access will activate the VPN. Advanced users can use homebrew for additional command line configuration.
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This guide is designed to assist you with downloading and launching WireGuard.
Windows
1. Download the installer from: https://www.wireguard.com/install/
2. When launched, you will initially be prompted to import from a file. Use the .conf file previously provided to you.
3. Once imported, the software will show similar to the following.
4. To connect to the VPN simply click ‘Activate’.
You can edit the config using ‘edit’ in the bottom right corner. This will also show you the full config including public and private keys.
You can add more tunnels using the ‘Add Tunnel’ button in the bottom left corner.
Use the “Log” tab to troubleshoot. A successful connection will look like this:
Debian 10
For Debian 10, you will need to first set up the buster-backports repo, then install both Wireguard, and resolvconf.
echo 'deb http://deb.debian.org/debian buster-backports main contrib non-free' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/buster-backports.list sudo apt update sudo apt install wireguard resolvconf -yCentOS 7
For CentOS7, you will need to install the epel repo and also wireguard-tools.
sudo yum install -y epel-release sudo yum install -y wireguard-toolsThere is an extensive list of instructions for various Linux distros on the Wireguard install page: https://www.wireguard.com/install/
macOS
WireGuard can be utilised from a macOS device by using the official WireGuard VPN Client. Navigate to the app store and search “WireGuard”, or follow this link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wireguard/id1451685025 Alternatively, use brew for the command-line version which is mentioned below.
1. Press Get, then Install to download the App.
2. Once downloaded, open the application. When prompted, select the file you received, and import.
3. It may prompt for additional access on the mac, to install network settings. Proceed and you should see a screen similar to below:
4. When ready to use the VPN, select Activate. The status should change to “Active”.
Using homebrew
Alternatively, advanced users can use homebrew instead of the App Store client. To start:
brew install wireguard-toolsAdditional command-line configuration is available through official documentation.
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