With over 5,000 servers across more than 50 countries, its no wonder that Panama-based NordVPN is a hugely popular VPN service.One of NordVPNs most useful features is its kill switch. A kill switch helps protect your sensitive data in case your VPN connection goes down. When enabled, the kill switch safeguards your IP address and online activity from being exposed and this helps preserve your anonymity and security online.Its also worth noting that a few different kill switch versions are used in NordVPNs applications. The kill switch in both its Windows and Mac apps terminates specific applications if the VPN connection suddenly disconnects to prevent these applications from sending unprotected traffic to the internet. The Windows app also features an internet kill switch that disables system-wide internet access if the VPN connection suddenly disconnects or a user manually disconnects from the VPN.On mobile, NordVPNs iOS app disables system-wide internet access if the VPN connection suddenly disconnects while its Android app works just like a system-wide killswitch on Android version 8.0 or higher. Older versions of Android though have “Always-on VPN” functionality which prevents leaks in case of a sudden VPN connection drop.NordVPNs Linux client disables system-wide internet access if the VPN connection suddenly disconnects or if a user manually disconnects the VPN. The Linux kill switch can be enabled by typing the nordvpn set killswitch on command and can be disabled by typing the nordvpn set killswitch off command. In order to see the current stats of the kill switch, users will need to type the nordvpn settings command.This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to activate both types of kill switch in the NordVPN Windows app. If you happen to be using the Mac app, dont worry as the menus may look a bit different but the process is essentially the same.(Image credit: NordVPN)1. Go to the NordVPN websiteOpen your web browser of choice, navigate to the NordVPN website and click the VPN Apps link at the top middle of the page. (Image credit: NordVPN)2. Download the appAt the top of the page click on the Download button to begin downloading NordVPNs Windows app. (Image credit: Microsoft)3. Open the installation fileOnce NordVPNs setup file (NordVPNSetup.exe) has finished downloading, head to the downloads file on your Windows PC and double click on the executable to begin the installation process.(Image credit: NordVPN) 4. Install the app A prompt from Windows will appear on your screen asking you if you want NordVPN to make changes to your computer, click yes to begin the installation. Choose where you want the app to install on your device and then you have the option to have a shortcut for NordVPN created on your desktop or in your Start menu. Once the installation is complete, NordVPN will launch.(Image credit: NordVPN)5. Login to your accountWhen you open NordVPNs Windows app for the first time, the app will ask you to login into your account. Type in your email and password and then click Sign In to begin using the service.(Image credit: NordVPN)6. Go to settingsIn the top right corner of NordVPNs Windows app next to the minimize button, youll find the settings button. Click on it to open the apps settings. (Image credit: NordVPN)7. Enable the Internet Kill SwitchOnce youre in NordVPNs settings, on the left side of the app youll see the Kill Switch option.(Image credit: NordVPN)Click on it and youll be able to enable or disable the apps Internet Kill Switch and App Kill Switch.(Image credit: NordVPN)8. Confirm your choiceWhen you toggle on NordVPNs Internet Kill Switch, a warning will pop up that explains what will happen if you enable it and ask if youre sure you want to turn it on. Click Yes.(Image credit: NordVPN)8. Enable the App Kill SwitchBack in NordVPNs kill switch settings under Internet Kill Switch, youll see the option to toggle the App Kill Switch on or off. However, to enable this feature, you will first have to pick which apps will be closed when you disconnect from the VPN or your connection drops.(Image credit: NordVPN)Click on Add apps and a list of the software installed on your computer will pop up. If you can't find the program you're looking for, you can also click on Browse apps to manually search for it on your Windows PC. Choose which applications you want to enable the App Kill Switch for by clicking on the ‘+ sign that appears when you hover over its name. Click on Add selected to confirm your selection and the apps youve picked will now appear under the App Kill Switch option. You can remove these apps at any time by clicking on the small ‘x next to the apps name.(Image credit: NordVPN)9. Connect to a serverNow that youve set up NordVPNs kill switch, youll need to pick a server to connect to. If youre in a hurry, you can click Quick connect at the bottom of the app and NordVPN will automatically connect you to a server. However, if you want to connect to a particular country, youll need to scroll down the column on the left side of the app and choose one. Alternatively, you can also find the country you want to connect to on the map in the middle of the app and click on the blue pin to connect. Read more: