Launching Mullvad VPN loader

Today we're launching Mullvad VPN loader - a new application for installing the Mullvad VPN desktop app on Windows and macOS which is both fast and secure.

Mullvad VPN loader downloads and starts the latest Mullvad VPN app installer. It automatically verifies the integrity and authenticity of the downloaded app, ensuring only software from Mullvad is installed. We have always provided PGP signatures for the software we release, but it has been up to the end user to verify it themselves. Mullvad VPN loader may be re-used for upgrading your app installation to the latest available version.

Previously the Mullvad VPN desktop app was only hosted by Mullvad on servers located in Sweden, and we linked to GitHub as a backup. This has now been expanded to a global network of third-party content delivery networks (CDNs). Mullvad VPN loader enables faster downloads than was previously possible because it may download the Mullvad VPN app from CDNs closer to our customers.

Independently audited

The correctness of this type of application is paramount. There are many potential attack vectors against software that downloads and runs other software from the internet. Due to the sensitive nature, we had the protocol and source code independently audited by security experts at Assured. You can read more about the audit here. The overall conclusion states: "Based on our review of the source code, the new downloader installer solution seems to be well thought out and implemented."

Installing Mullvad VPN loader

Mullvad VPN loader will be the primary way for our users to get the Mullvad VPN app going forward. Mullvad VPN loader is available for Windows and macOS on the Mullvad VPN app download page .

Note: If you want to verify the integrity and authenticity of Mullvad VPN loader, you can! This is good practice if you care about your security. The new application is signed with the same PGP key as we sign all our app releases with. See this guide: Verifying signatures