LogMeIn Hamachi 2.4.0.23 for Windows

Hamachi 2.4.0.23 is a virtual private network (VPN) application for Windows that links computers over the internet as if they sat on the same local network. You can download Hamachi for Windows free of charge from the official website vpn.net; the program has existed since 2004 and is developed by GoTo (listed in the catalogue as LogMeIn Inc).

What Hamachi does

Most VPN services send your traffic to a remote server to hide your location. Hamachi solves a different problem. It creates a private network between specific computers, wherever they are, so that they can see each other directly. This peer-to-peer approach is why it became popular with gamers: many older games only support multiplayer over a local network, and Hamachi lets friends in different cities play them together as if their PCs were in one room. The same idea helps with small tasks at work or at home, such as opening a shared folder on a friend's computer, reaching a home server or testing network software. Everyone installs the client, one person creates a network, and the others join it with its name and password. Hamachi is also available for macOS and Linux, including Ubuntu and CentOS, so mixed groups can use it too.

Key facts

How to install and set up a network

1. Download the client from vpn.net and install it; Windows will ask to add a virtual network adapter.
2. Start Hamachi and switch it on; sign in with an account if the program asks.
3. One person creates a network with a name and password.
4. Friends choose to join an existing network and enter the same details.
5. In the game or file manager, use the Hamachi addresses shown in the list of members.

Security

Members of a Hamachi network can reach each other's computers directly, so only join networks of people you trust. Keep Windows Firewall enabled, share only the folders you need and protect them with passwords. Download the client only from vpn.net: modified installers of networking tools are a known way to install backdoors.

If friends cannot connect

Check that everyone is online in the network list, that Windows Firewall allows the game or program on the Hamachi adapter, and that all members run a current client version.

Price

Hamachi is distributed as freeware. Check vpn.net for the current terms of use before you plan a large network.

Pros and cons

• Pro: turns remote PCs into one local network.
• Pro: simple setup for small groups.
• Pro: clients for Windows, macOS and Linux.
• Con: members can reach each other's PCs.
• Con: latency depends on the internet connection.

Alternatives

Our listings include Radmin VPN, a similar tool for virtual local networks, and Tailscale for private networks between devices.