How to install softether vpn server on ubuntu 24.10

Installing SoftEther VPN Server on Ubuntu 24.10 is a great way to run a powerful multi-protocol VPN. Here’s exactly how to get it working.

Step 1: Update Your System

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install build-essential -y

Step 2: Download SoftEther VPN Server

Go to the official SoftEther download page and copy the latest Linux server download link.

Then, use wget to download:

wget https://github.com/SoftEtherVPN/SoftEtherVPN_Stable/releases/download/v4.43-9799-beta/softether-vpnserver-v4.43-9799-beta-2023.10.30-linux-x64-64bit.tar.gz

(Replace the URL if a newer version is available.)

Step 3: Extract and Compile

tar xzf softether-vpnserver-*.tar.gz
cd vpnserver
make

You’ll be prompted to type 1 three times to agree to the license.

Step 4: Move and Set Permissions

cd ..
sudo mv vpnserver /usr/local
cd /usr/local/vpnserver
sudo chmod 600 *
sudo chmod +x vpnserver vpncmd

Step 5: Create a Systemd Service

Create the service file:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/vpnserver.service

Paste:

[Unit]
Description=SoftEther VPN Server
After=network.target

[Service]
Type=forking
ExecStart=/usr/local/vpnserver/vpnserver start
ExecStop=/usr/local/vpnserver/vpnserver stop
ExecReload=/usr/local/vpnserver/vpnserver restart
RemainAfterExit=yes

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Then reload systemd and enable the service:

sudo systemctl daemon-reexec
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable vpnserver
sudo systemctl start vpnserver

Check status:

sudo systemctl status vpnserver

Step 6: Configure VPN Server

Run the command-line tool:

cd /usr/local/vpnserver
sudo ./vpncmd

Choose 1 to connect to the server, then start configuring it (set admin password, create hub, users, etc.).

Example to set password:

ServerPasswordSet

You can now access the server remotely using the SoftEther VPN Server Manager GUI on Windows, or continue with CLI.