Microsoft Defender VPN to Retire: What Users Should Know

It’s time to update those virtual whiteboards because Microsoft has decided to retire its Microsoft Defender-powered VPN service from Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Starting February 28, 2025, the VPN feature will no longer be available, leaving many users scratching their heads (or not) over its quiet disappearance. The reason? Simply put, no one was using it enough to make it worth sustaining. Here's a detailed look at why this feature flopped and what Microsoft plans to do moving forward.

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What Was Microsoft's VPN Feature All About?​

Microsoft's attempt at integrating a "complimentary" VPN (Virtual Private Network) into its Defender ecosystem was an ambitious move when it was introduced just two years ago. The idea was simple: give users a privacy boost directly tied to their Microsoft 365 subscription. Using Microsoft Defender, the VPN promised basic internet traffic encryption to enhance security. Sounds like a great idea on paper, right?
Not so fast.
The execution had some glaring limitations:

• 50GB Monthly Data Cap: A meager allowance in today's data-heavy world.
• Automatic Local Region Connection Only: Users couldn’t choose specific servers or regions, an essential feature for most VPN users who want to bypass geo-blocking (hello, Netflix libraries!) or achieve browsing privacy in restrictive regions.
• Limited Customization: Capabilities like advanced encryption protocols and kill-switches — common in other VPN products — weren’t available, making it less appealing to VPN veterans.

Essentially, Microsoft’s VPN didn’t compete well with robust market alternatives like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or even the built-in VPN functionality some browsers (cough, Opera) offer.

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Why Did It Fail?​

Here’s the brutal truth: Microsoft Defender VPN was fine for occasional convenience but not reliable enough for serious users. A 50GB limit might have sufficed a decade ago, but streaming a few episodes of "The Last of Us" or a single gaming session could eat through that quota like Pac-Man. Add to that the inability to manually choose server locations — a core appeal of VPNs — and you get a feature that felt like a lightweight, scaled-back version of its fully-fledged cousins.
For context, VPNs are a staple in the modern digital toolkit for:

• Privacy Seekers: Combatting invasive surveillance and preventing data snooping by ISPs.
• Remote Workers: Establishing secure connections to office networks.
• Stream Bingers & Gamers: Accessing geo-restricted libraries and reducing latency for online play.

By removing user control and limiting data, Microsoft essentially undercut most of the reasons people use VPNs in the first place. Combined with the fact that it was bundled with Microsoft 365 alongside features users did care about (like OneDrive sync or premium Office apps), it’s clear why the VPN feature was left collecting dust.

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What Happens Next?​

Microsoft Defender VPN will officially be removed on February 28, 2025. The company’s message to Android users is clear: uninstall the VPN profile as it will become obsolete. No further steps are needed for users on Windows, iOS, or macOS devices.
The good news? Microsoft isn’t leaving cybersecurity out to dry. While the VPN fades into the sunset, the company is doubling down on areas such as:

• Data & Device Protection: Enhance security for files, folders, and devices across the Defender platform.
• Identity Theft Monitoring (U.S.-Only): Features like credit score tracking and breach alerts remain part of the premium subscription services.
• New Initiatives: Vague promises have been made about "investing in new areas better aligned to customer needs." What this means remains unclear — will we see better-integrated privacy tools, or is this code for Copilot AI taking the reins? Only time will tell.

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The Bigger Picture: Copilot and the Price Hike​

Somewhat ironically, the VPN sunset news arrives not long after Microsoft 365 raised its subscription prices for the first time in over a decade. Personal plans now cost $9.99 monthly, while the Family/Home subscription moved to $12.99. The silver lining? The new pricing comes with access to Microsoft Copilot AI, the generative AI powerhouse being baked into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office apps.
For those who grimace at the thought of AI invading their spreadsheets, Microsoft offers a "classic" subscription tier sans-Copilot at the original pricing levels. But, of course, no VPN there either.

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What’s Missing from the Conversation?​

While Microsoft claims "low usage" as the VPN's downfall, it raises broader questions:

• Did Microsoft Market It Enough?
  People often choose VPN providers with established reputations (and star ratings). Was this feature too under-the-radar to gain traction?
• Would Enhanced Features Have Saved It?
  If Microsoft had invested in expanding server options or offered unlimited data, would users have stuck around?
• Does the Removal Reflect Broader Privacy Trends?
  In the modern era of heightened privacy concerns, users lean toward independent providers that aren't tied to major corporations. Are consumers uncomfortable intertwining their VPN usage with broader ecosystems like Microsoft?

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What Windows Enthusiasts Should Do​

For those affected, fear not — the VPN landscape is still thriving, and you’re spoiled for choice in replacing Microsoft’s outgoing service. Consider alternatives such as:

• Proven VPNs: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark for advanced features and competitive pricing.
• Free Solutions: ProtonVPN offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth (albeit with slower speeds and fewer regions).
• Built-In Tools: Certain browsers (like Opera) or operating systems now include simple VPN solutions for casual users.

For users sticking with Microsoft 365 — whether for family subscriptions, Copilot AI, or premium Office apps — this change is unlikely to cause much upheaval. After all, the "VPN feature" probably flew under most subscribers’ radars anyway.

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The Final Verdict​

It’s not every day you see a tech giant admit defeat, but Microsoft is taking the L on this one. While its attempt to make privacy accessible was admirable, it simply missed the mark in execution, leaving users to seek greener VPN pastures elsewhere. By stepping away from a half-baked feature, Microsoft might rally those resources toward something truly game-changing (or at least competitive). Here's to hoping the next move aligns better with modern needs — and with a touch of irony, it might end up being yet another AI product we didn’t ask for.
What are your thoughts on this? Did you use Microsoft Defender VPN, or were you already loyal to a third-party provider? Share your insights and recommendations with us on the forum! Let’s keep this conversation as dynamic as your precious bandwidth.

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Source: MSPoweruser https://mspoweruser.com/people-dont-really-use-microsoft-365s-vpn-so-the-company-had-to-remove-it/