How to Set Up Norton 360 with NordVPN: Step-by-Step

With online threats evolving and privacy becoming a growing concern, using both antivirus protection and a virtual private network (VPN) has never been more important. Norton 360 is one of the most trusted antivirus suites on the market, while NordVPN is a leading name in the VPN space. Setting up both tools together can significantly enhance your online safety and anonymity. This guide walks you through the steps of setting up Norton 360 with NordVPN on the same device without conflicts, confusion, or headaches.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

Using Norton 360 and NordVPN together ensures both your device security and your online privacy. This article walks you through installing and configuring both tools so they work in harmony. The key steps involve disabling conflicting features, setting up VPN preferences, and creating exclusions where necessary. Pairing these tools doesn’t have to be complicated, and you can be secured and anonymous in under 30 minutes.

Why Combine Norton 360 with NordVPN?

Many users ask whether it’s necessary to have both an antivirus and a VPN. The answer is a resounding yes. Each serves a different purpose:

• Norton 360: Protects your device from malware, viruses, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
• NordVPN: Encrypts your internet traffic for enhanced privacy and allows you to browse content anonymously or access geo-restricted websites.

While Norton 360 does offer a built-in VPN, many users prefer NordVPN for its advanced features, faster speeds, larger server network, and stricter no-logs policy.

Pre-Setup Considerations

Before jumping into the installation process, here are a few things you should be aware of:

• Make sure you have valid subscriptions to both Norton 360 and NordVPN.
• Disable Norton’s own VPN if you plan to use NordVPN exclusively.
• Ensure your operating system is up to date to avoid compatibility issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Norton 360 with NordVPN

Step 1: Install Norton 360

1. Download the installer from the official Norton website.
2. Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
3. Sign in with your Norton account credentials.
4. Allow Norton to perform an initial scan and apply any critical updates.

Once installed, Norton 360 will begin monitoring your system for threats in real-time. Let it complete the setup before proceeding to the VPN installation.

Step 2: Disable Norton Secure VPN (Optional)

If you’re using the version of Norton 360 that includes Norton Secure VPN and you want NordVPN to handle all VPN-related tasks, it’s best to disable Secure VPN to avoid conflicts:

1. Open Norton 360.
2. Click on the My Norton dashboard.
3. Locate Secure VPN and click the dropdown menu.
4. Toggle the VPN to Off.

Step 3: Install NordVPN

Next, we install NordVPN on your device:

1. Download the NordVPN installer from the official website.
2. Open the downloaded file and accept installation permissions when prompted.
3. Log in with your NordVPN credentials.
4. Choose your preferred server or enable the Quick Connect option for automatic connection.

Step 4: Adjust Firewall Settings

Sometimes, Norton’s firewall may interfere with NordVPN’s connection. To avoid this, you may need to add NordVPN to Norton’s firewall exceptions:

1. Open Norton 360.
2. Click on Settings > Firewall.
3. Select the Program Control tab.
4. Find NordVPN or add it manually if it’s not listed.
5. Set access to Allow.

This will prevent any accidental blocking of VPN tunnels established by NordVPN.

Step 5: Test the Setup

After both programs are installed and configured:

1. Restart your computer.
2. Launch both Norton 360 and NordVPN to make sure they start correctly.
3. Connect to a NordVPN server.
4. Visit a site like WhatIsMyIPAddress to check that your IP address is masked.
5. Run a Norton Full System Scan to confirm that antivirus is functioning properly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

VPN Not Connecting?

If NordVPN isn’t able to establish a connection, try the following:

• Ensure NordVPN is updated to the latest version.
• Temporarily disable Norton Smart Firewall to isolate the source of the issue.
• Switch to a different NordVPN protocol (OpenVPN, NordLynx, IKEv2).

System Performance Slowing Down?

Running two security programs can be resource-intensive. Minimize background scans during your heavy browsing or streaming sessions. You can also:

• Configure Norton’s scan schedule to run during off-peak hours.
• Enable NordVPN’s split tunneling to allow less-sensitive apps to bypass the VPN tunnel.

Extra Tips for a Seamless Experience

• Use Split Tunneling in NordVPN: Ideal for gaming or accessing local services while still maintaining VPN protection for your browser.
• Enable Kill Switch in NordVPN: This will block internet access if the VPN connection drops, keeping your IP secure at all times.
• Use Identity Theft Protection Features in Norton 360: For full digital protection beyond viruses and malware.

Final Thoughts

Combining Norton 360 and NordVPN creates a secure digital fortress that protects both your device and your privacy. While there might be a small learning curve when configuring both tools to work without conflict, the payoff is a far more robust and flexible security setup. Whether you’re working from home, banking online, streaming while abroad, or just staying safe from cyber threats, this dynamic duo can handle it all.

Taking a few minutes now to install and properly configure Norton 360 with NordVPN is a small investment that offers substantial peace of mind.