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Windows 11 users will soon be able to manage and customize their VPN from their browser thanks to a new update coming to Microsoft Edge.
The Microsoft Edge Secure Network (VPN) controls, which are now appearing to some Canarian users, are now accessible in the browser for the first time, providing a quick and easy way to ensure their online activities remain private.
Spotted by Reddit user Leopeva64-2 (opens in new tab)the new settings appear under the Privacy, Search, and Services menu in Microsoft Edge and provide users with a number of ways to run their VPN.
Secure Network Control
Microsoft Edge Secure Network, announced in May 2022, is a service delivered in partnership with web infrastructure and CDN provider Cloudflare, rather than the company’s own production entirely.
The new menu offers three options when it comes to how Microsoft Edge Secure Network works for users.
The “recommended” option, which appears to be enabled by default, means that the VPN will automatically protect your traffic when you use public Wi-Fi, connect to unsecured networks, or visit a site without a valid HTTP certificate.
This setting provides 1 GB of free VPN usage per month, but also saves data by redirecting streaming and video content outside of Secure Network.
The more “advanced” setting for All Sites ensures that the VPN is used for all browsing traffic, including streaming and video content – although it advises that this will quickly consume the 1GB free monthly VPN traffic fee.
At the other end of the spectrum, users can also choose to run the service on Select Sites, where they create a custom list of sites that will activate the VPN when visited. This option also routes all other traffic outside of Secure Network, allowing users to enjoy more free VPN traffic.
Users can also set exceptions and rules to run Secure Network on certain sites, for example sites that may pose potential security vulnerabilities. The VPN can also be enabled in the browser when visiting a website, also providing the option to “always use VPN for this site”.
There’s no official confirmation from Microsoft surrounding the update, but since Edge Canary users can now access the feature, we expect a more public announcement soon.