Did you know Microsoft 365 included a VPN? If you didn’t, you’re not alone. And unfortunately, now that you do, it’s already on its way out. We’ll cover why Microsoft is removing its built-in VPN as we sit down and sync up with Rocket IT’s weekly technology update.

In this episode, you’ll hear more about:

• Microsoft 365’s previously hidden VPN.
• Why Microsoft is removing its VPN feature.
• What a VPN does and why it matters.
• The limitations of Microsoft’s VPN.
• What to do if you need a VPN now.

Video Transcript

Before we get into why Microsoft is ditching its VPN, let’s take a second to cover what a VPN actually does and why it matters.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet connection, keeping your online activity private and secure. It hides your IP address, making it harder for hackers, advertisers, or even your internet provider to track what you’re doing.

For businesses, VPNs are critical for remote workers, helping them securely access company networks without exposing sensitive data. They’re also used to bypass geo-restrictions and ensure safe browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Microsoft’s VPN was built into Windows Defender and was mainly positioned as a privacy feature, especially for those using public networks.

But here’s the catch, it wasn’t exactly a full-fledged VPN. It had a 50GB monthly limit and automatically connected to local servers, meaning you couldn’t use it to change locations or bypass region-locked content. Still, for basic security, it was a nice bonus.

Regardless of its limited benefits, Microsoft is removing the VPN from Microsoft Defender on February 28, 2025. According to the company, it’s re-evaluating features and shifting resources toward areas that better align with customer privacy needs. Translation? Not enough people were using it.

Instead of keeping the VPN, Microsoft 365 subscribers in the U.S. will still get identity theft and credit monitoring services, but that’s not a direct replacement for online privacy.

If you were using Microsoft’s VPN, or are just now realizing it was included in your subscription, you’ll need to find an alternative before the feature disappears. That said, VPNs are not one-size-fits-all. Some focus on speed, others on security, and businesses often require custom solutions that work with their existing IT infrastructure.

This is where an IT partner, like Rocket IT, can help. Whether you need help choosing, configuring, or maintaining a VPN, the right solution can keep your team secure, productive, and connected without the headaches. If you’re looking for a better VPN solution for your business, click the link in the video description to connect with our team. And to stay up to date on trending technology news, hit that subscribe button and the bell to catch us on next week’s episode of Sync Up with Rocket IT.