How to Install and Use ProtonVPN on Desktop Linux

Tolkem

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I tried the desktop client; In Debian it didn't work, and in endeavour it works with some issues, like I have to kill the app because it won't restore from minimized, then re-launch it to disconnect. The CLI version works flawlessly.
 
I tried the desktop client; In Debian it didn't work, and in endeavour it works with some issues, like I have to kill the app because it won't restore from minimized, then re-launch it to disconnect. The CLI version works flawlessly.
Same here, I have tried the desktop client multiple times. Most of the time it kills my wifi. Whereas the CLI version works perfectly, I even have it set to start at boot so I don't have to mess with it.
 
You probably did this, but the install instructions for the new desktop app say to completely remove an old install and stop the killswitch before installing a new version.

I wrote to them when I got their announcement:

I use Debian 10. I have the previous protonvpn-cli terminal client installed.

Would there be any problem having both the terminal client and the Linux app installed? The app does seem to have more functionality, unless protonvpn-cli ? doesn't really show all the options.


They replied

Kindly note that we recommend using the Linux application in order to connect to our servers. The official ProtonVPN Linux app lets you protect your Linux devices with ProtonVPN while controlling the VPN via an intuitive and easy-to-use graphical interface.
You can find the dedicated guide here: https://protonvpn.com/support/official-linux-vpn-debian/.

You can find a detailed guide for our Linux-supported methods here: https://protonvpn.com/support/linux-vpn-setup/.

Please note that we do not recommend having both connection methods installed as they may interfere.
 
Nope. I followed the instructions. I think it is because I am on Raspberry PI OS arm64 that is upgraded to Debian Sid. And the Protonvpn guide is for Debian stable.
Just installing network-manager messes with my wireless.
Until they make the CLI stop working I will stick with it.
 
You probably did this, but the install instructions for the new desktop app say to completely remove an old install and stop the killswitch before installing a new version.
Yeah, I followed those instructions to the letter too, but still the GUI didn't work in Debian. In endeavour I installed from AUR, using yay, it "works" with some issues. I think I'll remove it and install the CLI instead, as that works fine in both Neon and Debian.
 
I just installed ProtonVPN GUI using Q4OS easy-to-use provided installer, and can confirm that it installs and works just fine! One thing that should be noted, is that users need to have at hand their OpenVPN password, since the app will ask for it when trying to connect to a server, which they can get by going to proton site, logging in, going to dashboard, click on account, then click on OpenVPN username, click the copy button, then past it to the password dialog, click ok and that's it. :)
 

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