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In the year 2023, Microsoft made a significant update to its “Microsoft Defender” security application by introducing a free Virtual Private Network (VPN) feature for all subscribers of Microsoft 365, which includes both the “Personal” and “Family” plans. This addition was initially marketed as a vital privacy protection tool. According to a blog post from Windows Central, Microsoft described the feature as specifically designed to allow users to securely access sensitive information on the internet through a VPN tunnel, which would encrypt their online activity and protect their data from potential threats.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has recently announced that it will be discontinuing this VPN feature later this month. This decision comes just a couple of years after the feature was first launched, which raises questions about its long-term viability and the company’s commitment to user privacy. Unfortunately, this announcement is compounded by another piece of disheartening news: Microsoft has also raised subscription prices for Microsoft 365 across the board. Both the Personal and Family subscription plans will see an increase of three dollars per month. This price hike marks the first increase in over a decade, which many users may find frustrating, especially considering the recent removal of a feature they found beneficial.

The price increase does come with some new offerings, such as the inclusion of Microsoft 365 Copilot. This new addition aims to enhance productivity by integrating artificial intelligence into applications like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, providing users with advanced tools and features. Nevertheless, the simultaneous discontinuation of the free VPN service in Microsoft Defender is likely to leave many users feeling dissatisfied, particularly those who have found the VPN to be an invaluable resource for securing their online activities. The combination of a price increase and the loss of a useful tool may lead to increased scrutiny of Microsoft’s value proposition for its subscription services.