How to enable free VPN on Microsoft Edge

• To enable VPN mode on Microsoft Edge, open Settings > Privacy, search, and services, turn on “Microsoft Edge Secure Network,” and choose “Optimized.”
• You can also turn on the VPN mode only on specific websites with the “Manage Secure Network sites” option. 

Microsoft Edge includes a built-in virtual private network (VPN) that adds an extra layer of protection when you browse the web. If you’re running Windows 11 or Windows 10, you can enable this feature directly from the browser without installing third-party solutions.

A VPN works by routing your internet traffic through a secure, remote server instead of connecting directly from your device. This process masks your real IP address and encrypts the data traveling between your PC and the destination website. The result is improved privacy on public Wi-Fi networks, reduced exposure to network-based attacks, and an additional barrier to certain types of tracking.

Microsoft offers this capability as a free Secure Network service, powered by Cloudflare. The service includes up to 5GB of free data per month within each 30-day cycle. While it’s not intended to replace a premium VPN, it provides enough protection for everyday browsing, especially on unsecured networks.

Edge provides two configuration modes, including Optimized, which automatically enables a secure connection when you connect to public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks or when visiting websites that lack a valid security certificate. This option requires no manual configuration and is ideal for general protection.

On the other hand, Select sites lets you choose specific websites that always use the secure network. This setting is useful when accessing region-restricted content or services that benefit from added privacy controls.

It’s important to note that there’s also an All Sites option that forces all sites to pass through the VPN.

In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to enable and configure the built-in VPN feature available on Microsoft Edge.

• Enable VPN on Microsoft Edge
• Configure VPN on Microsoft Edge

Enable VPN on Microsoft Edge

To enable the VPN feature on Microsoft Edge, use these steps:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.

2. Click on Settings and more (three-dots) button and click on Settings.

3. Click on Privacy, search, and services.

4. Click the Security setting.

   Quick note: You must be signed in with your Microsoft account within the browser for the feature to work.

5. Turn on the “Use Microsoft Edge Secure Network” toggle switch.

   

6. Choose the “Optimized” option to enable VPN on a public network. (Streaming and video content won’t use the VPN service)

7. Choose the “Select Sites” option to enable VPN only on specified sites. (All other traffic will be routed outside the secure network.)

Once you complete the steps, the VPN will be enabled on public wireless or unsecured networks or when you visit a site without a valid certificate.

You will also notice a new shield icon in the top-right corner, where you can quickly access the feature. If you’re not signed in with your Microsoft account in the browser, you can use this option to log in.

If you want to turn on the VPN feature manually, you can also open the Edge menu from the top-right, select “More tools,” and choose the “Secure Network” option.

Configure VPN on Microsoft Edge

To configure the VPN feature to enable on specific sites only, use these steps:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.

2. Click on Settings and more (three-dots) button and click on Settings.

3. Click on Privacy, search, and services.

4. Click the Security setting.

5. Choose the “Select Sites” option under the “Use Microsoft Edge Secure Network” section.

   

6. Click on “Manage Secure Network settings.”

7. Click the “Add a site” button for the “Always use Secure Network for the sites you choose” setting.

   

8. Confirm the site name.

9. Click the Add button.

   

10. Repeat steps 7 through 9 to include other websites in the list.

11. (Optional) Click the “Add a site” button for the “Never use Secure Network for the sites you choose” setting.

12. Confirm the site name.

13. Click the Add button.

14. Repeat steps 11 through 13 to include other websites in the list.

After you complete the steps, the built-in VPN feature in Microsoft Edge will only be enabled for the websites you specified in the list.