Microsoft Edge’s VPN may protect less than you think—change this setting | usagoldmines.com

Microsoft’s Edge browser comes with its own VPN, allowing users to protect their internet traffic from eavesdropping by routing it through an encrypted tunnel. However, US security researcher Sooraj Sathyanarayanan has highlighted the limitations of this protection.

Essentially, Edge only encrypts traffic generated by the browser. Everything else, such as emails sent through an email client, DNS queries from Window, or operating system updates, remains unencrypted.

Sathyanarayanan also explains that, by default, Edge’s VPN only activates when you connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi network or visit an unencrypted HTTP website. Fortunately, this can be changed. First, click on the cog icon in the bottom right-hand corner of Edge and open Settings.

Next, go to Privacy, Search, and Services > Security and scroll down on the page. Make sure the toggle next to Use Secure Microsoft Edge Network is flipped to On, then select the All Websites option below it.

Keep in mind that Edge’s free VPN includes a monthly data allowance of 5GB. If you route downloads and video streaming through the VPN, you’ll use up that allowance quickly.

For most people, however, a VPN isn’t necessary when browsing from a trusted home network.

If you do need full-device protection, consider a paid VPN from a provider such as CyberGhost or NordVPN. Those will protect all of your PC’s data traffic.