How to Install OpenVPN Access Server on AlmaLinux 9 (Free for 2 Connections)

OpenVPN Access Server (AS) is the commercial, GUI-managed distribution of OpenVPN. It bundles a web-based Admin UI, a Client UI for users to download pre-configured connection profiles, and a licence-based concurrent connection model. The free tier allows two simultaneous VPN connections — enough for personal use, a home lab, or a small team.

This guide covers installation on AlmaLinux 9.x, which is RHEL-compatible but not officially supported by OpenVPN Inc. In practice, the RHEL 9 packages install and run without issues — with a few AlmaLinux-specific gotchas around SELinux and firewalld that will catch you out if you skip them.