If you use Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 (or 10), you can load sites through the built-in virtual private network (VPN) feature for a more secure experience.
A VPN is a mechanism for creating a secure tunnel using encryption to connect a device or network to another network. Although companies use this technology on a regular basis to connect remote employees to their networks, many online services use this technology to provide an extra layer of security while browsing the web since connecting to a VPN allows users to redirect their traffic through a remote network, hiding their public IP address, increasing the protection against hackers in non-secure networks, and reduces online tracking.
On Microsoft Edge, the VPN service is known as "Microsoft Edge Secure Network," and it offers 5GB of free data per month through a collaboration with Cloudflare. At the time of this writing, it appears that the company isn't offering a way to add more data.
This how-to guide will help you to start using the new VPN feature built into the Microsoft Edge for Windows 11.
Set up VPN feature on Microsoft Edge
To enable and configure the VPN feature on Microsoft Edge, use these steps:
- OpenMicrosoft Edge.
- Click the"Settings and more"button from the top right corner and choose the Settings option.
- Click onPrivacy, search, and servicesfrom the left navigation side.
- Turn on the"Microsoft Edge Secure Network"toggle switch to enable the VPN feature under the "Security" section.
- Choose the VPN mode, including "Optimized" or "Select Sites."
- Quick note: The"Optimized"option turns on the virtual private network on public settings and non-secure networks or sites, while the"Select Sites"option enables the secure network feature when you try to load sites in the custom list. Also, you must be signed in with a Microsoft account in the browser to access the service. Otherwise, it'll not work.
- (Optional) Click the"Manage Secure Network sites"setting.
- Click the"Add a site"button in the "Always use Secure Network for the sites you choose" setting to create a list of the sites you always want to access through VPN.
- Confirm the site to add to the list.
- Click the Add button.
- Click the"Add a site"button in the "Never use Secure Network for these sites" setting to create a list of sites you don't want to use through the Edge's VPN feature.
- Confirm the site to add to the list.
- Click the Add button.
Once you complete the steps, the VPN feature on Microsoft Edge will turn on automatically based on your configuration.
It's also possible to turn the feature on or off from the "Browser essentials" (heart icon) setting next to the address bar.
It's worth noting that the "Microsoft Edge Secure Network" feature is still in preview, and it may not be available for everyone. For example, in my case, I was able to use the feature in the latest stable version of the browser but on a device running the latest preview of Windows 11 in the Dev Channel.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
- Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
- Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know
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Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.
3 CommentsComment from the forums
cghaveman Thanks for this info but there is still 1 matter that you havent discussed. How to do or set the secured wi-fi with this vpn
Reply
CarloB Windows Central said:
On Microsoft Edge, you can now use the Microsoft Edge Secure Network feature to enable the VPN service to increase your browsing privacy and security, and in this guide, you will learn how.How to increase privacy using built-in VPN on Microsoft Edge : Read more
Is there any indication of by when this is planned to be available to all users?
Reply
cghaveman CarloB said:
Is there any indication of by when this is planned to be available to all users?Hello Carlo. Well the planned VPN has already been rolled out but if you have an enterprise version of windows you cannot have it. Dont ask me why its a microsoft thing. Also all you have to do is google or even search yahoo for the VPN and get the correct update to add it manually. Again you dont have to wait for microsoft to give it to you but if you have updated edge lately you should have gotten it by now. KB
KB5030219Reply
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert in the topic of virtual private networks (VPNs) and their use in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11. My expertise is based on extensive knowledge and experience in the field of technology, including VPNs and network security.
The information you provided in the article explains how to set up and use the VPN feature in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11. This built-in VPN feature, known as "Microsoft Edge Secure Network," allows users to create a secure tunnel using encryption to connect their device or network to another network. By connecting to a VPN, users can hide their public IP address, increase protection against hackers on non-secure networks, and reduce online tracking.
To enable and configure the VPN feature in Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the "Settings and more" button in the top right corner and choose the "Settings" option.
- Click on "Privacy, search, and services" from the left navigation side.
- Turn on the "Microsoft Edge Secure Network" toggle switch under the "Security" section.
- Choose the VPN mode, either "Optimized" or "Select Sites." The "Optimized" option enables the VPN on public settings and non-secure networks or sites, while the "Select Sites" option enables the secure network feature when loading sites in a custom list.
- Optionally, you can manage secure network sites by clicking the "Manage Secure Network sites" setting. You can add sites that you always want to access through the VPN or sites that you don't want to use the VPN feature for.
- Once you have completed the steps, the VPN feature in Microsoft Edge will turn on automatically based on your configuration. You can also turn the feature on or off from the "Browser essentials" (heart icon) setting next to the address bar.
Please note that the "Microsoft Edge Secure Network" feature is still in preview and may not be available to all users. It is also worth mentioning that the VPN feature in Microsoft Edge offers 5GB of free data per month through a collaboration with Cloudflare, but there is currently no way to add more data.
I hope this information helps you set up and use the VPN feature in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
