How to Enable/Disable Edge Secure Network VPN

Microsoft Edge Secure Network VPN adds a layer of security to your internet connection when you’re on public Wi-Fi.

This built-in VPN service encrypts your online activity, making it harder for others to see what you’re doing or steal your personal information.

Microsoft Edge's Secure Network VPN acts like a private tunnel for your data. This VPN feature is especially useful when you connect to networks at places like coffee shops or airports, which are often less secure.

Microsoft Edge Secure Network VPN, first introduced in 2023, automatically protects your browsing when the VPN service detects a potentially unsafe connection. This VPN feature encrypts your internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel to keep your online activity private from hackers.

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

Opening Microsoft Edge settings is the first step to managing its features, including the Secure Network VPN service. You can find these settings by opening the Edge browser, clicking the three dots (…) in the top right corner, and then selecting ‘Settings’ from the menu that appears.

• 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)

• 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

• 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

Microsoft Edge's Secure Network VPN feature enhances your online privacy by encrypting your connection and masking your location, particularly useful on public Wi-Fi. To activate it, go to Edge Settings, select 'Privacy, search, and services,' and toggle on 'Use Microsoft Edge Secure Network,' requiring you to be signed in with a Microsoft account; the 'Optimized' setting is generally best.