Microsoft is ending their VPN part of Microsoft 365 Defender for no good reason.
At the end of February 2025, the VPN (Virtual Private Network) service in Microsoft Defender for individuals will be stopped.
Microsoft reason is a typically contradictory word salad that means nothing:
“Our goal is to ensure you, and your family remain safer online. 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”
Translation: “VPN was too expensive so we’re doing some cost cutting”
It’s not a big loss. Microsoft’s idea of a VPN wasn’t great because there’s no choice of endpoint location and there’s no options for protocol, encryption or other features.
Most people don’t even know about this VPN option. Those that do will discover it stops working at the end of this month.
For most people (Windows, Mac, iOS) nothing needs to be done. On Android devices the “Defender VPN” profile has to be removed manually.
Alternatives to Microsoft’s VPN
There are many VPN services out there, the two we like are:
Proton VPN – very secure with many features but perhaps a little too pricey for some.
PIA – Private Internet Access – good coverage and reasonable prices.
There are other reputable VPNs available.
Avoid any ‘free’ VPN offers – they make their money by selling your data to others.
