Microsoft Ends Office 365 VPN After Price Increase

Recently, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of a free VPN service within Microsoft 365, shortly after raising its subscription prices for the first time in 12 years. This change, which involves the removal of the VPN feature that encrypted internet traffic and concealed IP addresses via the Defender app, is set to take place on February 28. Microsoft stated that this decision allows them to redirect their focus to other priorities.

The tech giant explained its reasoning by stating, “Our mission is to keep you and your family safer online. We consistently assess the usage and effectiveness of our offerings. Consequently, we are discontinuing the privacy tool to concentrate on areas that resonate more with customer needs.” Thus, the removal of this feature paves the way for new investments elsewhere.

Users in the U.S. will still benefit from protections including data and device security, identity theft safeguards, credit monitoring, and ongoing alerts for online threats. However, limitations have been imposed, such as a 50GB monthly data cap and regional restrictions on the VPN, which diminish its original purpose of providing users with unrestricted access.

With the recent $3 increase for Personal and Family plans and the elimination of the VPN, potential customers may need to reconsider their options. However, for those who are savvy about accessing Microsoft Office for free, it might be worth evaluating the value of the subscription. We say goodbye to a free VPN feature that Microsoft rolled out in 2023, aimed at providing users with secure web connections. It remains to be seen what further changes Microsoft may plan for its subscribers.