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WireSock VPN Gateway: Quick Start Guide for Windows Server Core ​

Streamline Your Secure Connection with WireGuard and WireSock

Command-Line Configuration for Robust VPN Setup ​

Start PowerShell on Windows Server Core ​

Windows Server Core is optimized for a low-touch environment without a graphical interface. To begin, connect to your server via RDP, which will start a command prompt in Administrator mode. Enter the following to launch PowerShell:

start powershell.exe

Installation Options ​

For a streamlined installation experience, we offer two package manager options:

  1. Chocolatey

    • Install using Chocolatey with:
      powershell
      choco install wiresockvpngateway

  2. Winget

    • Ensure you have the latest version of Winget.
    • Install using Winget with:
      powershell
      winget install NTKERNEL.WireSockVPNGateway

Manual Installation ​

Download and Install WireGuard Windows Client ​

The WireGuard Windows Client is essential for setting up your VPN server. To get the latest version, visit the WireGuard Windows Client MSI list page. Use the command below, adjusting it for your server’s architecture and the client’s version number:

powershell
Invoke-WebRequest "https://download.wireguard.com/windows-client/wireguard-amd64-x.x.x.msi" -OutFile "wireguard-client.msi"

For example, to download the WireGuard Windows client version 0.5.3 for AMD64, you would use:

powershell
Invoke-WebRequest "https://download.wireguard.com/windows-client/wireguard-amd64-0.5.3.msi" -OutFile "wireguard-client.msi"

After the download completes, install the client silently using:

powershell
MsiExec.exe /i wireguard-client.msi DO_NOT_LAUNCH=1 /qn

Download and Install WireSock VPN Gateway ​

To set up the WireSock VPN Gateway, execute the corresponding PowerShell command for your specific platform.

  • WireSock VPN Gateway for x64

    powershell
    Invoke-WebRequest "https://www.wiresock.net/sdc_download/921/?key=bekfpuvidq5x8ofg2u74j2lqk8zy9y" -OutFile "wiresock-gateway.msi"

  • WireSock VPN Gateway for x86

    powershell
    Invoke-WebRequest "https://www.wiresock.net/sdc_download/922/?key=hyilnmwdwh37yp3knckqrn5r53z081" -OutFile "wiresock-gateway.msi"

  • WireSock VPN Gateway for ARM64

    powershell
    Invoke-WebRequest "https://www.wiresock.net/sdc_download/923/?key=7m03u7cp7axlt2jhf62bc186gnx0s3" -OutFile "wiresock-gateway.msi"

Then, execute the installer with:

powershell
MsiExec.exe /i wiresock-gateway.msi /qn

Refresh Environment Variables and Start the WireGuard Server ​

To ensure your system recognizes the new installations, refresh the environment variables by executing the following command in PowerShell:

powershell
$env:Path = [System.Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariable("Path","Machine") + ";" + [System.Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariable("Path","User")

Next, set up your WireGuard server endpoint with the following command. Remember to note the UDP port number, as it is essential for your VPN’s functionality:

bash
wg-quick-config -add -start

Port Forwarding and Server Port Configuration ​

For external access to your VPN, you need to set up port forwarding. Follow the port forwarding guide specific to your home router or VPS provider to ensure your VPN is accessible from outside your local network.

Port Forward the WireGuard Server Port ​

It’s crucial to open and forward the WireGuard server port to enable external connections:

  • For a Home PC Setup:

    • Forward the UDP port (or your custom port) to your local PC through your router's configuration settings.

  • On a VPS:

    • Forward the designated port and ensure it is open in the firewall settings via your VPS provider's admin panel.

  • With Dynamic DNS (DDNS):

    • Reconfigure DDNS to point to the new port if your server's IP address changes dynamically.

By following these steps, you’ll establish a robust and secure VPN server using the WireSock VPN Gateway on Windows Server Core.

Troubleshooting ​

Encountering issues? If you face any challenges with your VPN after installation or updates, a system reboot can often resolve these problems. Should the difficulties persist, reach out for support by posting a message in our dedicated