Note: This guide was written in 2015 for OpenVPN Access Server 2.0.24 on Ubuntu 14. The general process remains similar on newer versions, but package names, download URLs, and some commands will differ — check the OpenVPN Access Server docs for current instructions.
In this guide we’ll install OpenVPN Access Server onto a VPS and connect to it using the built-in client web portal.
Step 1: Get a VPS
You’ll need a VPS with full root access. For this guide we’re using a 512MB VPS running Ubuntu 14 64-bit. If you use a different OS, the installation commands in Step 3 will differ.
Step 2: Prepare the Server
Connect to your VPS over SSH, then verify that TUN/TAP is enabled:
cat /dev/net/tun
If you see:
/dev/net/tun: File descriptor in bad state
TUN is enabled and you’re good to go. Any other result means TUN is likely not enabled — check your VPS control panel or contact your provider.
Next, verify that iptables is available:
iptables --list
If it’s missing, install it:
apt-get install iptables
Step 3: Install OpenVPN Access Server
Download the package for Ubuntu 14:
wget https://swupdate.openvpn.org/as/openvpn-as-2.0.24-Ubuntu14.amd_64.deb
Install it:
dpkg -i openvpn-as-2.0.24-Ubuntu14.amd_64.deb
Set the admin password:
passwd openvpn
OpenVPN Access Server is now installed.
Step 4: Log Into the Admin Panel
Open the admin URL in your browser:
https://your-server-ip:943/admin
Your browser will warn about a self-signed certificate — this is expected; proceed past the warning and log in.
Go to Status Overview and turn the server on if it isn’t already running.
Step 5: Connect to Your VPN
Open the client portal in your browser:
https://your-server-ip:943/
Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the OpenVPN client for your OS, then connect using the credentials you set in Step 3.