Microsoft Sets End Date for Defender VPN

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NEWS BRIEF

Microsoft is notifying users that it will no longer support the Privacy Protection VPN feature within the Microsoft Defender app. The feature will be removed on Feb. 28.

Microsoft Defender checks files or apps downloaded and installed on a device for any malicious software, as well as runs scans of files already on a system. It works alongside third-party anti-malware solutions and is included as part of a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription.

Microsoft plans to eliminate only the VPN feature and will still provide device protection, identity theft monitoring, and credit monitoring in the US.

The support update document announcing the change did not have a lot of detail but stated that removing the privacy protection benefit will allow the company to “invest in new areas that will better align to customer needs.” The document also notes the company routinely evaluates the effectiveness of its features.

Though Windows, iOS, and macOS users won’t have to take any action, Microsoft provided instructions for Android users to follow because the VPN profile must be removed from devices manually.

“Not removing the Defender VPN profile on your Android device will not cause any impact to your device but it’s recommended to remove it as it won’t be used by Defender to provide protection,” Microsoft stated.

Android users can follow the steps below to remove their Defender VPN profiles:

3. Users should see a “Microsoft Defender” VPN profile in the list of VPN profiles if they’ve onboarded to privacy protection.

4. Click on the “Info” icon and remove the profile.

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