Surfshark
Also called surf shark, surfshark vpn
A consumer VPN brand Nord Security also owns. The window is Surfshark.exe. It is not NordVPN.exe.
What you need to know
Surfshark.exe is one Nord Security VPN. NordVPN.exe is the other.
Surfshark is a consumer VPN owned by Nord Security. It is not NordVPN, not NordPass, and not Tailscale. Running both Surfshark and NordVPN live is a route fight.
- What is it?
- VPN brand Nord Security also owns
- Same as NordVPN?
- No. Different exe and account
- Run both?
- No. One tunnel
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a consumer VPN now under Nord Security. Surfshark.exe is the Windows client. NordVPN.exe is a different product.
If you have never used it
If you paid Surfshark, this is that VPN, not NordVPN. Download it from surfshark.com/download. Surfshark.exe is the client. Nord Security owns both brands. They remain different apps. Do not run both tunnels at once. This is not NordPass and not Tailscale.
What is it used for?
Country servers in Surfshark.exe. That is not NordVPN.exe and not a Tailscale mesh.
Surfshark markets many devices on one plan. NordVPN's plan math is a different storefront.
Optional blocking in Surfshark. That is not Windows Security and not NordPass.
Who is it for?
- People who bought Surfshark before or after the Nord deal
- Users who also have NordVPN and now have two Nord Security VPNs
- Anyone who should not open NordPass looking for Connect
Current status
Actively sold under Nord Security. This article is Surfshark on Windows, not NordVPN.
How old is it?
Surfshark launched in 2018 and later joined Nord Security. Current Windows builds still say Surfshark. A 2019 independent-startup screenshot is history. NordVPN is the older sibling brand (2012).
Versions
Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.
System requirements
Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.
Minimum
| Operating system | Windows 10 or Windows 11, per Surfshark download |
|---|---|
| RAM | Light client |
Resource profile
- CPU demand
- Tunnel encryption
- Network demand
- All traffic while connected
Installed processes
These executables belong to this product when it is installed.
| Surfshark.exe | Surfshark VPN client. Not NordVPN.exe |
|---|
Startup components
Surfshark.exe can connect at logon from its settings.
File locations
| Typical install | C:\Program Files\Surfshark\ |
|---|
Common problems
Surfshark plus NordVPN both live
Two Nord Security VPN clients. Pick one tunnel.
CleanWeb blamed on Defender
That extra is inside Surfshark. Windows Security is a different product.
Getting unstuck
Install from surfshark.com/download
nordvpn.com is the sibling VPN. nordpass.com is the vault.
Disconnect NordVPN before you test Surfshark
Two default routes will look like "the VPN is broken."
Sign in with the Surfshark account
A NordVPN token does not unlock Surfshark.exe.
Alternatives
NordVPN if you already pay that sibling. ExpressVPN or Mullvad for another vendor. Tailscale if you wanted a mesh.
Official help and downloads
Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.
| Download | surfshark.com/download Official installer or vendor page |
|---|---|
| Help | support.surfshark.com/ Vendor support |
| Official site | surfshark.com/ Start here, not a random exe host |
Related hardware
The client is light. Encryption uses CPU while connected.
Technical details
Technical details
Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.
- Surfshark official site · Vendor product page
- Surfshark help · Vendor support
- Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.
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