Microsoft 365 Subscribers Bid Farewell to Microsoft Defender VPN: An End to an Era

In mid-2023, Microsoft announced a new privacy protection feature for Microsoft Defender called “Privacy Protection.” This feature allowed users to keep a secure VPN active on their systems, which could be used for connecting to unknown or public networks – the ones that are typically less secure. Last year, the company expanded this functionality to Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android in different countries, with promises to extend it to new regions in the following months. However, somewhat unexpectedly, Microsoft has now decided to discontinue this feature.

In an email sent to Microsoft 365 users, the company confirmed that it will be discontinuing Defender Privacy starting from February 28, 2025. Unfortunately, Microsoft didn’t provide specific details about the reason behind this decision, especially considering that the feature was well-received by the community.

The message simply stated that Microsoft constantly evaluates new ways to protect users and intends to invest its efforts in new areas that can provide the necessary security and meet consumer needs. While it’s disappointing to see a useful feature being discontinued, it’s also exciting to think about what new developments Microsoft has in store for us.

If you’ve used the Privacy Protection feature in the past, you don’t need to take any action. However, by the end of the month, you will lose access to it. Android users, on the other hand, may want to remove the VPN profile from their system settings.

It’s always a bummer when a feature we’ve come to rely on gets the axe. We’ve all experienced the frustration of losing a beloved app or service. But hey, technology is constantly evolving, and companies like Microsoft are always on the lookout for ways to improve our digital lives.

So, while we bid farewell to Microsoft Defender’s Privacy Protection, let’s keep an eye out for what exciting new developments the tech giant has in store for us. Who knows, maybe they’re cooking up something even better to keep our online experiences safe and secure.

Background Information

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About Microsoft:

Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 in Redmond, Washington, USA, is a technology giant known for its wide range of software products, including the Windows operating system, Office productivity suite, and cloud services like Azure. Microsoft also manufactures hardware, such as the Surface line of laptops and tablets, Xbox gaming consoles, and accessories.

  

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Technology Explained

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VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that allows users to securely access a private network and share data remotely through public networks. It is commonly used in the computer industry to provide secure remote access to corporate networks, allowing employees to access their work files and applications from any location. VPNs also provide a secure connection for online banking, shopping, and other activities that require a secure connection. Additionally, VPNs can be used to bypass geographic restrictions and censorship, allowing users to access websites and services that may be blocked in their country.

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