Linking external Meshnet devices on Windows
Learn how to expand your Meshnet by linking other users' devices on Windows.
Linking a device of another Meshnet user allows for reciprocal access between your devices, which can be limited by setting specific permissions if needed.
Send an invitation from Windows
To add an external device to your Meshnet, invite its owner using their NordVPN account email:
In the menu that opens, click Link external device.
Enter the email address of the NordVPN user you're inviting to your Meshnet.
Select permissions for the other user's device to set the access level you're comfortable with.
Allow receiving files: keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee.
Allow traffic routing: this permission lets the external device route its internet traffic through your device, using it as a VPN server.
Allow local network access: this permission lets the external device access other devices on your local network, such as printers or smart home devices.
Allow remote access: keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.
Select Send invitation.
Wait for the recipient to accept the invitation. For details, consult the appropriate guides:
Once the invitation is accepted, your peer's device will appear in the External devices list.
Optional: Withdraw an invitation
Invitations automatically expire after 72 hours if not canceled earlier.
To withdraw a pending invitation:
Next to the invitation you want to withdraw, select Cancel.
Confirm that you want to negate the invite by clicking Cancel invitation.
Accept an invitation on Windows
To complete the device linking process, the recipient needs to accept the invitation in their NordVPN app.
Caution
Ensure that the invitation you accept is from a user you know and trust. For more information, see How to use Meshnet securely.
If you're on Windows, follow these steps to accept the invite:
Navigate to Link devices > Received invitations.
Next to the invitation you want to accept, select Respond.
Select permissions for the inviter's device to set the access level you're comfortable with.
Allow receiving files: keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee.
Allow traffic routing: this permission lets the external device route its internet traffic through your device, using it as a VPN server.
Allow local network access: this permission lets the external device access other devices on your local network, such as printers or smart home devices.
Allow remote access: keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.
Select Accept and link device.
After accepting the invitation, the peer device will appear under the External devices category.
Note
If you have Meshnet on multiple devices, you'll need to individually accept the invitation on each device to link them all.
Checklist for device linking
If the device is not showing up in your External devices list, refer to the following checklist to address common issues:
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