Microsoft Free Built-in VPN in Edge Browser

Microsoft Edge is one of the few browsers that offers a built-in VPN feature, a powerful utility for secure internet browsing. However, VPN usually don’t mesh well with security protocols in managed environments where network visibility is a clear priority.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/features/edge-secure-network-vpn?form=MT0160

Microsoft Edge Secure Network offers a simple, integrated VPN solution designed to enhance user privacy directly within Microsoft’s native browser. It’s an excellent starter kit for users who frequently browse on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks but do not have access to premium VPN services.

On the other hand, Edge VPN’s application in managed environments tends to be more aligned with existing internet browsing policies and security protocols. After all, the free VPN service is inherently designed for individual users, as mirrored in its monthly bandwidth allocation and website restrictions.

What It is

The Edge Secure Network is a built-in VPN feature in the Microsoft Edge browser that helps protect your online activities by encrypting your internet connection and obscuring your IP address through a collarboration with Cloudflare. This feature is particularly useful when using public Wi-Fi networks or accessing unsecured websites.

Risks	Potential Consequences	Reversals
Edge VPN may be disabled in managed environments.	Microsoft Edge Secure Network is not available in browser settings for the endpoint user	Check edge://policy; consult IT if the feature is business-required
Limited application to the Microsoft Edge browser	Leaving the app allows succeeding traffic to be exposed	Use a full-device VPN if broader protection is needed
Limited monthly VPN bandwidth	Bandwidth usage varies per user	Monitor data usage or switch to a third-party premium VPN service provider

Edge VPN is free and supported by Cloudflare. The terms and conditions, including availability, vary depending on Cloudflare’s policies.

Data Limit: Users receive 5 GB of free VPN data each month when signed in with a Microsoft account. This limit is sufficient for casual browsing but may not be enough for heavy streaming or downloading.

Enable Microsoft Edge Secure Network Steps

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the "Settings and more" button from the top right corner and choose the "Settings" option from drop down menu.
3. Click on Privacy, search, and services from the left navigation side.
4. You will see "Use Microsoft Edge Secure Network", but the option might not available because your browser might be managed by your account's policy. 
   

5. If it is not, you will be able to turn on the "Use Microsoft Edge Secure Network" toggle switch to enable the VPN feature under the "Security" section.
6. Choose the VPN mode, including "Optimized" or "Select Sites." 

Use Secure Network For Visited Websites

 Even your browser is managed by your account which the settings will not be able to turn on "Use Microsoft Edge Secure Network", you will be still able to use this built-in vpn feature for the websites you are planning to visit.

Here is how. 

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the "Settings and more" button from the top right corner and choose the "More tools" option from drop down menu.
3. Choose "Secure Network" option

4. You can change how VPN can be used for your this specific websites:

Videos

 

References

• https://www.ninjaone.com/blog/enable-or-disable-microsoft-edge-secure-network-vpn-service/