How to Install OpenVPN Server with Autoinstaller Script

Setting up a VPN used to take hours, lots of typing, and maybe a few sighs. But now, thanks to autoinstaller scripts, it’s much easier. In this post, I’ll show you how I installed OpenVPN on a server using a handy script. You’ll save time, avoid typing mistakes, and still learn what’s going on under the hood.

If you’re new to all this, no worries. I’ll explain each step so it doesn’t feel like trying to read a phone book in a different language.

What Is OpenVPN and What’s an Autoinstaller?

Let’s break this down first:

• OpenVPN is a tool that creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. It keeps your connection private and your data hidden.
• VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It’s like your own personal internet bubble.
• An autoinstaller script is a simple program that sets everything up for you—automatically. Think of it like a cooking robot that preps all the ingredients and serves the meal.

So instead of typing dozens of commands by hand, the script does the hard work. All you need to do is answer a few questions.

Why Use a Script?

Here are three good reasons why I use an OpenVPN autoinstaller:

• Saves time – Takes just a few minutes.
• Avoids mistakes – No typos, no broken config files.
• Good for beginners – No deep Linux knowledge needed.

When I first installed OpenVPN the manual way, I got stuck for hours trying to fix certificate errors. With the script? It just worked. Like magic. Except it’s real.

What You’ll Need

Before we start, make sure you have:

• A fresh Ubuntu server (I used Ubuntu 22.04)
• Root access (or sudo)
• An internet connection
• About 10–15 minutes of time
• A sense of humor (optional but helps)

If you’re using a cloud provider like DigitalOcean or Hetzner, a $5/month server will work fine.

Step 1: Log in to Your Server

Use SSH to connect to your server. In your terminal, type:

ssh root@your-server-ip

Replace your-server-ip with your actual server’s IP address. If you’re not using root, use sudo in front of commands.

Step 2: Download the Autoinstaller Script

There are a few good scripts out there. I personally use this one by Nyr. It’s popular and works well.

To download it:

curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Nyr/openvpn-install/master/openvpn-install.sh

This command fetches the script and saves it as openvpn-install.sh.

Give it permission to run:

chmod +x openvpn-install.sh

Want to see what it does? You can open it with nano openvpn-install.sh and read the code. No secrets—just plain bash.

Step 3: Run the Script

Now, let’s start the script:

./openvpn-install.sh

The script will ask you a few questions. Just press Enter to accept the defaults if you’re not sure.

Questions include:

• IP address of your server (usually correct already)
• Which protocol (UDP is faster, TCP is safer)
• Port (default 1194 is fine)
• DNS provider (you can choose Cloudflare or Google)
• Name for the first client (can be anything like “myvpn”)

When it’s done, it’ll create a .ovpn file in the current directory. This is your client configuration file.

Step 4: Transfer the Client File

Your .ovpn file is the key to connecting your device to the VPN.

You can download it from the server using scp:

scp root@your-server-ip:/root/myvpn.ovpn .

Or use SFTP, WinSCP, or FileZilla if you prefer a graphical method.

Save it somewhere safe. It’s like your VPN passport.

Step 5: Connect to the VPN

Now, you need an OpenVPN client on your computer or phone.

Here are some options:

• Windows/Mac: Use OpenVPN GUI
• Linux: Use openvpn --config myvpn.ovpn
• Android/iOS: Install the OpenVPN Connect app from the app store

Then import the .ovpn file and hit connect.

Boom—you’re surfing the web through your own private tunnel. No one (not even your ISP) can peek.

Need More Clients?

Want to add a second device? Just run the script again:

./openvpn-install.sh

This time it’ll ask if you want to add or remove a client. Choose add, give it a new name, and it’ll make another .ovpn file.

How to Stop or Remove the VPN

Need to take a break or delete it completely?

Run the script again:

./openvpn-install.sh

Choose “remove OpenVPN” and it’ll clean up everything.

No broken leftovers. No drama. Just a neat uninstall.

Three Quick Tips

Here are some small but useful things I learned:

• Keep a backup of your .ovpn file. If you lose it, you’ll need to make a new one.
• Check your IP after connecting. Visit https://whatismyipaddress.com to confirm it changed.
• Use strong passwords if you’re exposing your server to the internet. Don’t name your server “openvpn-for-hackers.”

Why VPNs Matter

Here’s how I like to think about it:

Without a VPN, your internet traffic is like a postcard—anyone can read it on the way. With a VPN, it’s like sending a locked box.

Some real-world benefits:

• Hide your IP from websites
• Use public Wi-Fi more safely
• Bypass blocks (if your school or work is over-controlling)
• Avoid tracking from your ISP

It’s not a perfect tool, but it’s a solid step toward privacy. Better safe than data-mined, right?

Common Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Here are some issues I’ve hit and how I solved them:

• Can’t connect? Check if port 1194 is open with ufw or your cloud firewall.
• DNS not working? Try choosing a different DNS provider during setup.
• Slow speed? Switch protocol from TCP to UDP. UDP is quicker, like a rabbit with Wi-Fi.

Compared to Manual Setup

Let’s be honest: doing it by hand teaches more, but takes time.

I’ve done both. For fast setups, the script wins. For learning, do it manually once—then use the script forever after.

Wrapping It All Up (No Tunnels Were Harmed)

Using an autoinstaller script to set up OpenVPN on Ubuntu is fast, easy, and honestly kind of fun. You answer a few questions, get your .ovpn file, and boom—you’re in the VPN club.

I use it on my laptop when I travel, or when I’m on sketchy hotel Wi-Fi. You never know what’s lurking on public networks. With OpenVPN, it’s like walking into a sketchy café but bringing your own private booth.

Hope this guide helped. If it didn’t, I owe you a virtual cookie.