Microsoft 365 is dumping its VPN – try these alternatives instead

Microsoft 365 users who take advantage of the free VPN will soon have to find another way to secure their internet connections. In a new support document, Microsoft announced that the VPN included with the plan’s Microsoft Defender will be retired as of February 28, granting it just a few more weeks of life.

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Gradually added in 2023 and 2024, the VPN was part of the version of Defender exclusive to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions. Available in the US, UK, Canada, and Germany, the feature currently works not just in Windows but in MacOS, Android, and iOS.

Despite certain limitations, the VPN offers 50GB of monthly data, alerts you if your Wi-Fi connection is unsafe, and lets you add trusted networks. For a freebie, it wasn’t a bad option.

So why is Microsoft giving it the heave-ho? As usual, the company provided little in the way of an explanation.

“Our goal is to ensure you, and your family remain safer online,” Microsoft said on its support page. “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.”

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On the positive side, Microsoft Defender will continue to provide data and device protection as well as identity theft and credit monitoring, at least in the US. You’ll still be able to monitor your credit for more than 60 types of personal information and get 24/7 support if your identity is stolen. Plus, the plan offers up to $1 million in identity insurance coverage to help with legal and expert fees and as much as $100,000 to help you recover lost funds.

Windows, iOS, and MacOS users don’t need to do anything when the VPN coverage expires, but Android users should remove the VPN profile from their devices. To do that, head to the Settings screen on your phone and search for VPN. You should see Microsoft Defender VPN among the list of profiles. If so, tap the Info icon and then remove it.

Microsoft 365 subscribers who’ll need a replacement VPN can check out the following ZDNET stories and guides for help:

The death of Microsoft 365’s VPN comes at a time of higher prices for the suite.

Also: The Microsoft 365 Copilot launch was a total disaster

Microsoft recently added Copilot to both its Personal and Family plans as it aggressively pushes its AI to more customers. This means that Copilot now pops up in Word, Excel, and other programs in the suite. But you’ll pay for the privilege; Do nothing, and you’ll automatically be charged a higher fee at your next renewal period.

US subscribers of Microsoft 365 Personal will pay $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month, up from $69.99 per year or $6.99 per month. Subscribers to Microsoft 365 Family would have to cough up $129.99 per year or $12.99 per month, up from $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month. 

To jettison Copilot and avoid the increased price tag, you’ll have to switch your plan to the older, classic option before your subscription renews.