Microsoft Secure Network
Microsoft Edge Secure Network is a built-in VPN service available on the Canary Channel. Meant to be an additional layer of security for browsing the internet, it encrypts your data as you browse. To start using the built-in VPN you will first need to have a copy of “Edge Canary” one of the free insider builds available from Microsoft.
How To Download Edge Canary
- Open your current browser and enter [edge canary] in the search area.
- The first result should be Microsoft Edge Canary. Click on [Go to Download]
- Download the Canary Channel for your operating system. It is available for Windows, macOS 01.12 and above, mobile, and Linux
- Select [Accept and download]
- Open the file as you would any download
Stable vs Canary
- Edge Stable – This is the standard browser released with Windows and is updated every six weeks. It is the most stable of all the channels and is recommended for all users
- Edge Canary – The Canary Channel is updated daily with the latest features and fixes. It is the most unstable version of Edge
I have had Canary installed for about three years and have never experienced a problem with it crashing. It allows me to experience new features that may or may not become fixed features in the Stable version. Downloading Edge Canary should have no effect on your OS. If you ever experience an issue, simply switch back to Stable and wait for the next release.
Installing Microsoft Secure Network
Once you have a copy of Edge Canary, you can access the VPN feature by doing the following:
- Open Edge Settings and select Secure Network in the menu
- Click on Get VPN for free
- Ensure the VPN toggle switch is turned ON
Checking The VPN Feature
One quick way to check the effectiveness of your VPN settings is to use Edge Stable and visit “What Is My IP Address” and then repeat it using Edge Canary. I am not sure which location will show up in your browser, but it should not be your actual location. Clicking on Secure Network in the menu after the installation will show the Protected traffic.
Summary
As of right now, this is still a test by Microsoft, and picking a virtual location is not yet supported. All your information is encrypted so you remain secure and overall is a safe way to browse. Your data remains on Microsoft Cloudflare servers for 25 hours, then is fully deleted. This is obviously not the same as a professional VPN where you pay for the service but perhaps if successful, Microsoft will expand the features.
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In my edge browser under settings there is no secure network.
Hi Robert did you download the edge canary browser? It has not been released on the regular version of edge