Microsoft has officially confirmed that it will be removing the Virtual Private Network (VPN) feature from its Microsoft 365 subscriptions by the end of February 2025. The company issued a statement on its support page, clarifying that the privacy protection feature, which was initially integrated into the Microsoft Defender app, will no longer be available after February 28.
In the update, Microsoft explained its decision, 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." This marks the end of the VPN service that was introduced to Microsoft 365 subscribers in 2023.
The decision to phase out the VPN feature follows a broader trend in tech, where companies continuously reassess the viability of their offerings. The VPN feature, while innovative, is being replaced as Microsoft shifts focus to other security features that are more aligned with current consumer demands.
Launched in 2023, the privacy protection (VPN) feature within the Microsoft Defender app was initially available to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers in the US, UK, Canada, and Germany. The VPN offered essential privacy protections for online activity by securing Wi-Fi connections and providing users with 50GB of monthly data.
Key Features:
Alerts users if their Wi-Fi connection is unsafe.
Enables users to add trusted networks.
Available across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
While the feature worked to enhance security by masking users' IP addresses and encrypting data, Microsoft has decided to shift its focus to newer services that are better aligned with customer needs.
Despite the removal of the VPN feature, Microsoft assures its customers that other important security features will remain available with Microsoft Defender. These include:
Identity theft protection
Credit monitoring (available only in the US)
Theft alerts
These features will continue to be part of Microsoft 365 subscriptions, ensuring that subscribers retain robust security tools.
Microsoft’s decision to remove its VPN feature isn't unique to the company. In 2024, Google made a similar move when it discontinued the “Google One VPN” service. Previously offered as part of the Google One subscription, this service was also included in the Pixel 8 series smartphones. Google’s withdrawal of VPN services aligns with the industry's larger trend of re-evaluating subscription-based security tools.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between a user's device and a remote server. This connection safeguards sensitive user data from potential hackers and eavesdroppers. VPNs also provide privacy by masking the user’s actual IP address, making it appear as though they are accessing the internet from a different location.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s decision to remove the VPN feature from its Microsoft 365 subscriptions by the end of February 2025 marks a significant shift in its security offerings. While the VPN was initially introduced to enhance privacy protection for subscribers, the company has decided to focus on other features that align better with customer needs.
Microsoft assures its users that essential security services such as identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and theft alerts will continue to be available. This move is part of a broader industry trend, as seen with Google’s recent discontinuation of its VPN service. As Microsoft adapts its product lineup, it’s clear that the company is committed to refining its services to better meet the evolving demands of its users.
For Microsoft 365 subscribers, this change highlights the importance of staying updated with the latest security offerings and adjusting to shifting industry priorities.