About Squawker VPN
What is Squawker VPN?
Squawker VPN is TryHackMe's desktop application for connecting to our network. It replaces the manual OpenVPN setup process - no configuration files to download, no terminal commands to run, no settings to manage by hand. Download Squawker, log in with your TryHackMe account, and you're connected.
Why did TryHackMe release Squawker VPN?
We heard from a lot of users who were getting stuck before they even started a room - not because of the content, but because of VPN setup.
The traditional OpenVPN approach involves several steps where things can go wrong: installing the software, downloading the correct configuration file for your region, knowing when to switch files (e.g. when changing server region or moving from a standard room into a Network room, which requires a different VPN profile), and interpreting confusing connection errors when something doesn't work.
Squawker was built to take that complexity away. It manages your configuration automatically, handles profile switching between standard and Network rooms, and surfaces the right information when something does go wrong - so you can focus on learning, not setup.
Do I need to install OpenVPN separately?
No. Squawker bundles everything it needs. You don't need to install OpenVPN, download any .ovpn configuration files, or run any terminal commands to get connected.
Can I still use OpenVPN manually if I prefer to? Yes — manual OpenVPN with downloaded configuration files still works. The OpenVPN guide covers the manual process in full.
Troubleshooting
I'm having trouble connecting. Where do I start?
Squawker has a built-in Help & Troubleshooting section that can diagnose most issues without needing to contact support. Open the app and click the help icon to access it. You'll find four tabs:
FAQ: quick introduction and answers to the most common questions about Squawker
Troubleshoot: runs automated checks on your internet connection, VPN configuration, and routing, with a clear pass/fail for each
Logs: a timestamped log of everything that happened during your connection attempt, useful for spotting exactly where things went wrong
Config: shows the VPN configuration file currently in use
Start with the Troubleshoot tab and run the Connection Troubleshooter. Follow any recommendations it surfaces.
How do I send my logs to support?
Including your logs when contacting support gives us everything we need to investigate quickly.
Open Help & Troubleshooting in Squawker
Go to the Logs tab
Click Copy to copy all log output to your clipboard
Paste into your support message
You can also click Save Bundle from the Troubleshoot tab to export a full diagnostic bundle as a file.
Which VPN server should I choose?
Squawker recommends the best server for your location at the top of the server list. In most cases you can leave this as the default. If you're experiencing slow speeds or connection drops, try switching to a different regional server - performance can vary depending on your ISP and time of day.