Microsoft Shuts Down Microsoft 365 VPN Defender: Here's Why

Microsoft is retiring its Microsoft Defender VPN, a service similar to Cloudflare WARP, citing low user engagement. The company plans to redirect resources to features that might attract more users. Microsoft attributed the decision to the VPN’s “usage” and “effectiveness.”

News of the Microsoft Defender VPN retirement, bundled with Microsoft 365 in certain regions, surfaced on February 1st. The announcement surprised many, not because the feature was particularly beloved, but because most users were unaware of its existence within the Microsoft Defender ecosystem.

Microsoft offering a VPN? Many users didn’t realize the company even had one. There’s a separate Microsoft Defender app for Microsoft 365 subscribers, distinct from the built-in Windows Security, requiring manual installation, and including a VPN feature.

As of February 28, 2025, Microsoft Defender VPN will no longer function on Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Microsoft stated that “Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscribers who have downloaded and enabled the privacy protection (VPN) feature in the Defender app will no longer have access to the feature on February 28, 2025,” as noted on their support page.

Microsoft officials clarified they “routinely evaluate the usage and effectiveness of its features to invest in new areas that will better align to customer needs, and the company remains committed to defending its customer’s online safety”, explaining the VPN service’s termination.

“Microsoft Defender for individuals continues to provide data and device protection, identity theft and credit monitoring (US only), plus threat alerts for customers with a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription,” Microsoft added.

Microsoft anticipates users will switch to Microsoft Edge Secure Network, a VPN similar to Microsoft Defender VPN. However, like Defender VPN, Edge’s Secure Network is only available in specific regions, and it’s powered by Cloudflare rather than Microsoft’s infrastructure.

Understanding the Demise of Microsoft Defender VPN

Microsoft Defender VPN wasn’t a traditional “VPN,” closely resembling Cloudflare WARP by routing traffic through nearby servers.

Microsoft Defender VPN operates similarly. It enhances browsing privacy by routing traffic through Microsoft servers, automatically assigning locations.

Built on the OpenVPN Protocol, Microsoft Defender VPN offered a monthly data allowance of 50GB per user within a Microsoft 365 personal or family subscription.

The primary reason for shutting down this VPN service is attributed to low user engagement. However, Microsoft bears responsibility for a slow and disorganized rollout.

Initially launched on April 22, 2024, Microsoft 365 VPN was restricted to the United Kingdom, United States, and US territories. Even within these regions, some users reported the privacy protection (VPN) toggle was missing due to Microsoft’s gradual feature deployment strategy.

The combination of a phased rollout, limited expansion, and inadequate marketing ultimately led to the demise of Microsoft Defender VPN, scheduled for February 28, 2025.

As of February 8, the VPN service remains unavailable to most Microsoft 365 subscribers.


Due to low usage and a limited rollout, Microsoft Defender VPN is being discontinued, prompting users to seek alternative solutions for online privacy.