In a move that has sent ripples through the tech and cybersecurity community, Microsoft has decided to end the VPN service embedded in the Microsoft Defender app for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers. Starting February 28, 2025, this change will remove what was formerly known as the Privacy Protection VPN, a tool aimed at providing encrypted and secure web browsing. If you're a subscriber, you might be wondering: "Why axe a VPN when online privacy is so critical in 2025?" Let's dive into the details and see what this means for users moving forward.
Here's what the now-former VPN offered:
The removal of a feature comes just weeks after Microsoft increased the price of its 365 plans—for the first time in over a decade! That's not exactly the kind of one-two punch subscribers want.
Context 2: Privacy and VPN Expansion
With cybercrime on the rise, VPNs are no longer a luxury—they're a necessity for many users. The demand for VPN services has grown exponentially, particularly with concerns over data harvesting, surveillance, and rising security threats. While Microsoft's VPN wasn't a market leader, its removal leaves subscribers more vulnerable unless they find a replacement.
Are you sad to see this feature go, or was it never really a game-changer for you? Let us know your take on this update in the comments below!
Source: PCMag https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-365-to-remove-vpn-protection-from-defender-app
What’s Happening?
The Privacy Protection VPN in Microsoft Defender, initially introduced as an added layer of cybersecurity for Microsoft 365 users, is getting the shutoff treatment. According to Microsoft's statement, the company is realigning its focus toward "areas that will better align to customer needs." Sounds vague, right? But there's more to unpack here.Here's what the now-former VPN offered:
- Encryption: A more secure browsing experience by encrypting internet traffic—essentially making you less vulnerable on public Wi-Fi and untrusted networks.
- IP Address Protection: Masking your actual geographic location to safeguard your privacy.
- Data Cap: Limited to 50GB per month. If exceeded, speeds would drop to a frustratingly slow 256kbps.
- Limitations: You couldn’t pick a specific region for your IP address, and it didn’t support video streaming, music apps, or robust social media use. This made the VPN strictly a tool for secure browsing—not entertainment or bypassing geo-restrictions.
Why is Microsoft Removing the VPN Feature?
Microsoft has been somewhat tight-lipped about the exact reasoning, but a few potential factors stand out:- Low Adoption Rates: Compared to more robust commercial VPN solutions like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, Microsoft's tool had limited features, which may have left it underutilized by subscribers.
- Cost-Benefit Shift: Operating a VPN service isn't cheap. Maintaining secure servers, scaling globally for network performance, and ensuring uptime is a significant investment. By removing the feature, Microsoft might be choosing to redirect resources toward features that drive more value for the majority of its users.
- Strategic Innovation: This could signal that Microsoft is planning a stronger play in the broader cybersecurity space—perhaps introducing or enhancing services like advanced identity theft monitoring, encrypted communication tools, or expanded device protection.
Who is Affected and What Should They Do?
While the removal is platform-wide, the impact differs slightly depending on your device:- Windows, iOS, and macOS Users: You won’t notice much change in functionality. Nothing needs to be done on your end.
- Android Users: Android devices require manual removal of the VPN profile. Go to:
- Settings > VPN and delete the Defender VPN profile.
- Ignoring this won’t hurt your device, but leaving it there provides no active protection.
What Subscribers Still Get
Even with the VPN gone, Microsoft isn’t leaving you completely unarmed. Here’s what else the Defender app and 365 subscription include:- Device Protection: Keeping malware, ransomware, and other threats at bay on your devices.
- Identity Theft Monitoring: Helping users keep their personal information safe from breaches or leaks.
- Credit Monitoring Services: Monitoring credit reports and guarding against identity fraud.
Notable Exception - iOS Users
Interestingly, web protection (anti-phishing defense) on iOS relies on a localized VPN for detecting harmful sites. Microsoft has clarified this feature remains active and distinct from the Privacy Protection feature being axed. Think of it as an invisible, loop-back VPN that works under the hood to block dangerous URLs.Why This Move Matters: A Broader Context
Context 1: Microsoft 365 Price HikeThe removal of a feature comes just weeks after Microsoft increased the price of its 365 plans—for the first time in over a decade! That's not exactly the kind of one-two punch subscribers want.
Context 2: Privacy and VPN Expansion
With cybercrime on the rise, VPNs are no longer a luxury—they're a necessity for many users. The demand for VPN services has grown exponentially, particularly with concerns over data harvesting, surveillance, and rising security threats. While Microsoft's VPN wasn't a market leader, its removal leaves subscribers more vulnerable unless they find a replacement.
What Are Windows Users’ Options?
If you were relying on Microsoft Defender’s VPN and now feel left in the lurch, don’t worry—there are plenty of excellent VPN alternatives that offer far more robust capabilities. Here's a quick rundown of some strong candidates for life after Defender:- ProtonVPN: Known for offering a free tier with no data caps—perfect for lighter users.
- NordVPN: A premium choice with great speeds, global servers, streaming support, and strong anonymity features.
- ExpressVPN: An all-around powerhouse regularly topping VPN recommendations for security, reliability, and performance.
- Surfshark: Affordable, unlimited device connections, and packed with extra features like split-tunneling and CleanWeb to block malicious sites.
A Future Without Built-In Microsoft VPNs
Some of you may already be shrugging at this announcement, having chosen third-party VPNs long ago. However, for users who preferred Microsoft’s one-stop-shop simplicity (or didn’t want the added subscriptions), this update means reconsidering your workflow and cybersecurity stack. Microsoft’s rationale to invest in other “important areas” leaves us curious—will we see new tools in Defender, or does this signal a retreat from competing in the crowded VPN space?Takeaways
- Starting February 2025, the Privacy Protection VPN feature will disappear from Microsoft Defender apps.
- Android users need to remove the VPN profile manually, while other OS users won’t need to act.
- The move follows an evaluation of the VPN’s usefulness and Microsoft’s pivot toward new customer-focused areas (details remain unclear).
- Users dependent on the Defender VPN should begin exploring alternatives.
Are you sad to see this feature go, or was it never really a game-changer for you? Let us know your take on this update in the comments below!
Source: PCMag https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-365-to-remove-vpn-protection-from-defender-app
