Discover Free VPN Services Hidden in Windows
You can access a free VPN right inside your Windows system. Learn about the hidden VPN in Microsoft Defender and other reputable free VPNs like Hotspot Shield, Windscribe, and Proton VPN. Understand their features, benefits, and limitations to protect your data from cybercriminals and data brokers.
What You’ll Learn
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What Is the Free VPN in Windows and How Do You Access It?
There’s a free VPN bundled inside Windows thanks to Microsoft Defender. This feature is accessible if you have a Microsoft 365 personal subscription plan. Simply activate the feature via Microsoft Defender, and you’ll gain access to a VPN offering 50 GB of data per day. However, keep in mind that it’s only available in the US, UK, Canada, and Germany.
The main goal of this VPN is to maintain privacy on open Wi-Fi networks, not to bypass regional content restrictions. But you can still watch Netflix with it because high-traffic applications are excluded from this VPN.
How Reliable Is Hotspot Shield’s Free VPN Service?
Hotspot Shield offers a free version of its VPN, acclaimed for its privacy-first, no-log policy. It readily works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Chrome, offering fast servers and up to 1 gigabit per second speeds. However, free users are subjected to ads unless they upgrade to a premium tier, which also unlocks streaming and gaming modes.
Testing reveals that you can browse and watch YouTube with ease using this VPN. Netflix, however, requires the premium version, aligning with Hotspot Shield’s clear disclosure on its features.
Is Windscribe a Good Free VPN Choice?
Windscribe is another outstanding free VPN option, notable for its ‘no identifying logs’ policy. It gives users up to 10 GB of data monthly if an email is provided, with access to all app features available to paid users. Windscribe’s privacy policy stands out for its transparency and refusal to share user data with authorities.
After setup, it seamlessly supported Netflix streaming and general browsing without any throttling. Although a pop-up frequently encourages paid upgrades, the overall experience is enriched by a unique ‘Robert’ feature, which blocks ads and trackers.
Can Proton VPN Offer Free High-Speed Connections?
Proton VPN, hailed for speed and security, offers a free plan with no data limits and a robust no-logs policy. The service is rooted in Switzerland, leveraging strict Swiss privacy laws to keep your online activities private. All their apps are open-source, further demonstrating transparency.
In testing, Proton VPN delivered unbelievably high speeds, supporting seamless Netflix streaming and web browsing. It also provides additional services like Proton Mail, Drive, Calendar, and a password manager, vastly enhancing its free offering.
So in summary
While premium VPN services offer great protection, free versions from reputable providers like Hotspot Shield, Windscribe, Proton VPN, and Microsoft’s Defender VPN also allow you to shield your data. Plus, they each come with unique benefits that balance speed, privacy, and extra features like ad-blocking and open-source transparency.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to secure your data. These free options cater to everyday browsing needs, even offering streaming capabilities in some cases.
Checklist
- Explore Microsoft Defender for a built-in VPN solution.
- Verify the privacy policy of any free VPN service you choose.
- Always test the VPN speed and location change capabilities.
- To avoid limited functionality, consider upgrading to a paid VPN service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Microsoft Defender VPN?
The Microsoft Defender VPN is a feature within Windows, available to those with a Microsoft 365 subscription, providing 50 GB of data daily to secure connections over open Wi-Fi networks.
Does Hotspot Shield’s free VPN version support Netflix streaming?
No, Netflix streaming is only available in Hotspot Shield’s premium version. The free version supports browsing and YouTube but not premium streaming services.
How many gigabytes does Windscribe’s free plan offer?
Windscribe offers 10 GB per month if you provide an email address during setup. Without an email, the limit is 2 GB.
Can Proton VPN manage email as well?
Yes, Proton VPN is part of a suite that includes Proton Mail, known for its secure, encrypted email service, further enhancing its privacy-focused offerings.
Are free VPNs safe to use?
Yes, provided you choose reputable providers with a no-log policy, like Proton VPN or Windscribe, that undergo external audits to verify their claims.
Can I change locations freely with the Defender VPN?
Unfortunately, Defender VPN doesn’t allow you to manually choose geographic locations, as it aims to prevent bypassing of regional restrictions.
