### Microsoft Eliminates VPN Capability from Microsoft Defender During Microsoft 365 Price Increase
In a decision that has generated varying opinions among users, Microsoft has announced the elimination of the “privacy protection” VPN capability from its Microsoft Defender application available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This update follows the company’s first price rise for consumer Microsoft 365 subscriptions in more than ten years, prompting discussions about the value of the subscription service.
#### Price Increase and New AI Features
Microsoft’s adjustment of Microsoft 365 subscription prices, which adds $3 a month or $30 annually for both individual and family plans, is being rationalized by the launch of new Copilot-branded generative AI capabilities. These features are designed to boost productivity by utilizing artificial intelligence, a trend that’s been expanding within the technology sector. Nonetheless, the concurrent removal of the VPN feature has led some users to question the legitimacy of the price increase.
#### The Conclusion of the Privacy Protection VPN
A support article from Microsoft indicates that the privacy protection VPN feature will stop operating as of February 28. While other Defender functionalities like identity theft safeguards and anti-malware solutions will continue to be available, the VPN service is being phased out due to minimal usage. Microsoft remarked, “We regularly assess the effectiveness and utilization of our features. Consequently, we are retiring the privacy protection feature and will allocate resources to new areas that will better serve customer needs.”
The Defender VPN service was already somewhat restricted in comparison to specialized VPN products. It imposed a 50GB data limit per user, per month, and excluded “content heavy traffic from reputable sites” such as YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. These constraints diminished its attractiveness for users who depend on VPNs for extensive data encryption and unfettered internet access.
#### Options for Users
For those who depended on the Defender VPN for basic internet protection in public spaces, there are alternative options to consider. One possibility is to establish a personal VPN server at home using resources like the [PiVPN project](https://www.pivpn.io/), which utilizes the WireGuard protocol. This method requires some technical expertise and hardware, like a Raspberry Pi, but it offers a cost-effective and customizable solution for individuals wishing to avoid an additional subscription expense.
Standalone VPN services such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark continue to be popular selections, offering strong features like global server availability, lightning-fast connections, and sophisticated encryption standards. While these services necessitate a subscription payment, they deliver a more comprehensive VPN experience compared to the now-defunct Defender capability.
#### Necessary Actions for Users
Microsoft has informed that no steps are needed from users of the Microsoft Defender app on Windows, macOS, or iOS. However, Android users who have utilized the VPN functionality will have to manually delete the VPN profile from their devices. Guidance for this process can be found on Microsoft’s support site.
#### Larger Trends
The discontinuation of the VPN feature reflects a wider pattern in the tech sector: companies are increasingly concentrating on features and services that correspond with their strategic goals and user demands. Although this paves the way for innovation and the debut of new tools like Microsoft’s Copilot AI, it can also leave some users feeling disappointed, particularly when they lose features they valued.
For Microsoft, the choice to eliminate the VPN feature while increasing prices is a considered risk. The company is banking on new AI-integrated features to validate the higher pricing and draw in additional users, even as it retires less favored offerings. However, this strategy also highlights the need for openness and communication in maintaining user trust, especially when alterations affect essential functionalities.
#### Final Thoughts
As Microsoft redirects its emphasis toward AI and other emerging technologies, the withdrawal of the Defender VPN capability serves as a reminder of the trade-offs associated with subscription-based services. While the increased pricing for Microsoft 365 plans might be deemed reasonable due to the integration of advanced AI tools, users will have to evaluate the advantages against the elimination of features such as the privacy protection VPN. For those in search of alternatives, solutions like personal VPN configurations or dedicated services provide feasible ways forward, ensuring that data privacy and security remain a priority in a continuously changing digital environment.
