How to Enable/Disable Edge Secure Network VPN

Microsoft Edge Secure Network is a built-in virtual private network (VPN) that hides your web browsing and protects your data on public Wi-Fi 📶 networks. Launched in 2023, the feature gives you 15 gigabytes of free data each month to encrypt your internet traffic and stop snoopers from stealing your personal details at places like coffee shops and airports.

You can turn this protection on straight from the browser settings without installing 💿 extra software or extensions. Knowing how to switch the VPN on or off helps you control when your traffic runs through the private tunnel.

How to Turn On or Off Microsoft Edge Secure Network VPN

Let’s go through how you can manage this useful feature.

Step 1Open Microsoft Edge Settings

Managing the Secure Network VPN service starts right inside the browser settings.

• Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
• Look for the three dots (…) in the top-right corner of the browser window. Click on them.
• From the menu that pops up, choose “Settings.”

Step 2Go to Privacy, Search, and Services

After opening Microsoft Edge settings, you need to navigate to the Privacy, Search, and Services section to find the Secure Network option. On the main Settings page, look at the menu on the left side and click on ‘Privacy, search, and services’ to access these important controls.

• Click on “Privacy, search, and services” in the left-hand menu. This will show many options about how Edge handles your information and online actions.

Step 3Find and Turn On the Secure Network Feature

To enable the Microsoft Edge Secure Network VPN service, find the relevant option within the ‘Privacy, search, and services’ menu by scrolling down. Look for the ‘Microsoft Edge Secure Network’ heading and click the switch next to ‘Use Microsoft Edge Secure Network’ to turn it on, usually indicated by a color change.

• You will see a switch next to "Use Microsoft Edge Secure Network." Click this switch to turn it on. When it's on, the switch usually changes color, often to blue.

Step 4Understand the Optimized Setting (Recommended)

The 'Optimized' setting is enabled by default, and keeping it active works best for most users. This setting intelligently manages the VPN protection, turning it on automatically when you visit less secure websites to keep your connection private without constant manual intervention.

• Protection When Needed: The browser automatically decides when to turn on Secure Network protection. This usually happens when you visit a website that is not secure (its address starts with http:// instead of https://) or when you connect to an open, unsecured Wi-Fi network.
• Saves Data: To help you not use up your free data too fast, sites like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube usually will not use the Secure Network VPN by default. This is very helpful if you have a limited data plan.
• Scrambles Data and Hides Location: Even with the optimized setting, it still scrambles your connection and hides your location when it's active. This protects your sensitive information and makes it harder for trackers to follow you.

Step 5Check if Secure Network is Working

You can check if the Microsoft Edge Secure Network VPN is active by looking for a specific icon in your browser toolbar. After enabling the feature, a shield icon will appear in the top-right corner of the Edge window, near your profile picture, confirming that your browsing is now more secure.

• After you turn on Secure Network, look at the top-right corner of your Microsoft Edge toolbar, near your profile picture. You should see a new icon: a shield. This shield icon means your browsing is now more secure and private thanks to the Secure Network feature.

References:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/edge/use-the-microsoft-edge-secure-network-to-protect-your-browsing

Summary