All products and promotions are independently selected by our experts. To help us provide free impartial advice, we will earn an affiliate commission if you buy something. Click here to learn more
Microsoft has ditched the built-in VPN feature from its Microsoft 365 subscription — weeks after hiking prices for the first time in 12 years. The tool allowed subscribers to encryptall of their internet traffic and mask IP addresses, blocking cybercriminals, governments, and advertisers from keeping tabs on their data.
The VPN feature, baked into Microsoft Defender, was culled on February 28.
Unlike the best VPN deals, the Virtual Private Network functionality included with Microsoft Defender was mainly designed to offer secure browsing, rather some accessing geo-blocked streaming content.
For those who don't know, VPNs work by encrypting everything sent from your device — shielding critical data from hackers and prying eyes. It prevents man-in-the-middle attacks on public Wi-Fi and masks your IP, keeping your browsing private from advertisers and internet providers. If your favourite show, sports fixture, or service is restricted to a specific location globally, a VPN lets you stream like a local from anywhere.
VPNs work by encrypting all of your online traffic before it's sent over the internet. This prevents your ISP, advertisers, hackers, and fraudsters from tracking your online activity, stealing your personal data, or placing restrictions on you SURFSHARK PRESS OFFICE Since everything beamed between your device and the online service you're actively using is encrypted, VPNs can prevent censorship and speed throttling based on certain use cases. Whether securing data or unlocking content, a VPN is your digital invisibility cloak — privacy, security, and freedom with a single click.
It's the reason anyone who works remotely will experience the almighty wroth of the IT department whenever they forget to switch on the company VPN while working on public Wi-Fi networks.
Microsoft used to offer its VPN functionality to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers in the UK and United States of America.
It imposed a 50GB monthly data limit, preventing subscribers from routing too much internet traffic via Microsoft's secure server locations. It automatically connected to a nearby server, preventing its users from manually spoofing their IP address to another country — unlocking new streaming opportunities.
Users affected by the decision to strip out the VPN functionality will need to find an alternative.
The good news? Award-winning VPN providers like NordVPN are offering half a year of its service for free. If you're looking for an alternative, there's never been a better time to sign up.
Unlock 6 months of ExpressVPN for FREE when you sign-up today
For a limited time, NordVPN has slashed a whopping 72% off the cost of its monthly subscription. But that's not the best bit — the award-winning VPN service will also bundle 6 months for free. This generous giveaway is only available on the two-year plan, which comes with a no-quibble money-back guarantee for the first 30-days so you've got plenty of time to test the service on all of your devices like a free trial
For a limited time, NordVPN is offering six months of its subscription free — with a generous 72% off the remaining months in your contract.
NordVPN offers a 30-day no-quibbles, money-back guarantee with all of its longer contracts. That's good because its these longer contracts that offer the best discounts, so you can use the money-back period as a free trial to ensure the service is right for you — while enjoying six months of free access.
NordVPN isn't the only supplier offering free access. Rival brand Surfshark is also offering three months at no cost. Surfshark is cheaper than NordVPN, with monthly fees starting from just £1.69 a month.
Sign-up today and unlock 4 months of ExpressVPN for FREE
Sign-up for an annual plan with ExpressVPN and unlock an additional four months of its award-winning service for free. ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, Apple TV, routers, and even gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. It offers 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, which acts like a free trial when signing up to a longer contract to unlock the best VPN deal
Likewise, ExpressVPN — one of the most well-reviewed brands, with accolades from Tom's Guide, Techradar, and CNET — will bundle four months of access to its subscription freefree when you sign-up to a new contract.
Like NordVPN, newbies shouldn't worry about committing to a longer contract length with ExpressVPN, thanks to the generous 30-day money-back guarantee included with every contract.
While the VPN service has been ditched, Microsoft 365 subscribers will retain other security features bundled as part of the service. In the US, that also includes identity theft monitoring and credit monitoring.
Microsoft explained the removal by stating: "We routinely evaluate the usage and effectiveness of our features. As such, we are removing the privacy protection feature and will invest in new areas that will better align to customer needs."
No action is required for Windows, iOS, and macOS users following the VPN removal. However, those who relied on the Microsoft VPN on their Android devices must manually remove the Microsoft Defender VPN profile from their devices.
This can be done by going to Settings, searching for 'VPN', and removing the Microsoft Defender profile from the list. According to Microsoft, leaving the profile in place won't harm your device, but recommends removal as it will no longer provide protection.
The removal comes as Microsoft raised the price of its 365 Personal plan from £5.99 to £8.49 per month. Those who pay annually will see costs increase from £59.99 to £84.99. If you subscribe for a Family plan, monthly subscription costs increase from £7.99 to £10.49, or from £79.99to £104.99 annually.
Microsoft describes its Defender app as "an easy-to-use security app for individuals and families that helps protect personal data and devices from online threats"
MICROSOFT PRESS OFFICE
Microsoft attributed these price increases to the inclusion of new Artificial Intelligence (AI) features, such as Copilot and Designer.
Interest in VPNs has skyrocketed across the UK in recent months, with searches increasing by an incredible 1566% according to recent data. This surge comes as the UK prepares to implement strict age-verification laws for adult websites this summer.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- Stream Sky TV and Netflix for £1
- New update could make YOUR iPhone unrecognisable
- Amazon lets you download and read millions of Kindle books for £0
- Best Sky Stream deals
VPNs have become essential privacy tools, allowing users to bypass country-specific blocks by re-routing internet traffic through various servers. Data suggests similar trends in the US, where states implementing age-verification saw VPN usage spike dramatically.
