Microsoft Now Offering Free VPNs To Some Users?
Microsoft made a free VPN for its Edge users, find out how to access it.
This article is more than 2 years old
Protecting one’s personal privacy has become a prevalent issue to arise in the digital space in recent years. As the public becomes more aware of how easily their data can be extrapolated from the activities they partake in online, it has caused many to evaluate how they can best safeguard themselves and their personal information. VPNs or Virtual Private Networks offer an avenue for individuals to easily secure their information. And there are many great VPN services out there that one can opt to subscribe to. However, these services, while perfect for protecting privacy, are not free. Some can cost a hefty amount. Microsoft is aiming to change that. The software giant is currently developing a VPN that would be free of charge for all of its Edge users.
Microsoft’s latest VPN endeavor falls in line with what it’s been trying to do with its Edge browser since its inception. Since Edge was released to the masses, Microsoft has been increasingly trying to position it as an attractive browser to use. They have mainly been doing this by bolstering the Edge’s add-on features. Lately, perhaps because of the current digital climate, they have put a focus on enhancing the privacy and security features of the Edge browser. A free VPN is the latest feature to emerge from this focus.
A document published by Microsoft provided more details about the Edge VPN. The VPN has been tentatively titled the Microsoft Edge Secure Network. To access the VPN Microsoft users would have to be signed into an existing Microsoft account. Once signed in the VPN will act as an encryption tunnel linking all of the user’s devices via its proprietary CloudFare service. To start, Edge users wishing to use the VPN service will have free access to up to 1GB of data usage per month. Those who want or require more can opt to upgrade their access for a fee.
While 1GB of data doesn’t seem all too generous for a free VPN, it could be a good option for some people. For instance, Microsoft’s free VPN could work for someone who usually works from home on secure wi-fi but likes to occasionally shake their routine up by working in a public space such as a Starbucks. The 1GB could serve to protect their activities on the rare occasion they use an unsecured public wi-fi. It could also work for those just wishing to test out the functionality of a VPN. For those who already frequently use the Edge blower, it’s a no-brainer to simply try out the new functionality.
Overall, Microsoft’s free VPN add-on likely won’t work for certain professionals who need a VPN fueled by a wider girth of security. However, it could prove to be a great option for the casual user looking to dabble in the VPN space and curious to see if something like a Virtual Private Network could service their personal lifestyle in some way. At the very least, Microsoft gets kudos for putting its best foot forward in terms of trying to enhance the functionality of its proprietary browser.
