How to Enable/Disable Edge Secure Network VPN

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

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

How to Turn On or Off Microsoft Edge Secure Network VPN

Manage this useful feature in a few steps.

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

The Privacy, search, and services menu in Microsoft Edge houses the controls needed to turn on Edge Secure Network VPN. Open the main Settings page, look at the left sidebar, and click Privacy, search, and services to find the security options.

• 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

Microsoft Edge Secure Network VPN is turned on by scrolling down the Privacy, search, and services menu and clicking the switch next to Use Microsoft Edge Secure Network. Sign in with your Microsoft account if prompted to activate the protection.

• 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 for Edge Secure Network VPN automatically turns on protection only when you visit unsecured websites or sites without valid certificates. This default mode saves your monthly data allowance while keeping your connection safe on public Wi-Fi.

• 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

Edge Secure Network VPN is working when you see a small shield icon appear in the top-right corner of your browser toolbar near your profile picture. Clicking this icon shows your current data usage and whether protection is active.

• 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

Edge Secure Network VPN protects your online privacy by encrypting your web traffic and hiding your location from trackers. You can easily turn it on through the settings menu while signed in with a personal Microsoft account to get free encrypted data each month.