Ever since Microsoft revamped Edge to be based on Chromium, the native Windows browser has become a compelling choice for users. Not only does it support all Chrome extensions, but it also offers additional features not found in the Google browser, including a built-in VPN.
While Google and Apple provide paid VPN services to their users through iCloud+ and Google One, these offerings are rather basic and lack advanced capabilities like server location customization found in more complex VPN solutions. These services primarily focus on providing a security layer by encrypting connections leaving the user’s device to ensure safe transmission to the destination.
Although Edge still has room for improvement, Microsoft is actively working to make it the preferred browser for users. In the Canary version, they are currently testing a feature called Microsoft Edge Secure Network, which allows users to browse securely with up to 5 GB of free service per month. To utilize this feature, users simply need to use the browser while signed in with a Microsoft account.
How Edge VPN works
Enabling and disabling the new VPN feature is not something we have control over; it is the browser itself that automatically activates it when it detects that we are accessing an unsecured website (without HTTPS) or when we connect to a public Wi-Fi network. Once it detects either of these situations, Edge’s VPN kicks in and encrypts all outgoing data from our computer until it reaches its destination.
Cloudflare’s servers power this feature, ensuring that users’ identities remain private. This added layer of privacy is particularly valuable for a free VPN. However, it’s important to note that this VPN is not suitable for accessing streaming video platforms from other countries due to the limited traffic capacity of 5 GB and the inability to activate or deactivate it at will.
It’s worth mentioning that this feature is currently only available in the canary version of Edge and is not accessible to all users. If you’re interested in trying out this VPN to enhance your security when browsing from public places or visiting unsafe websites, you can visit the Edge website and download the corresponding version.