Windows 11 will soon feature a taskbar indicator to notify users when computer is connected to a VPN. This way, users who want to browse anonymously can ensure they are properly connected.
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VPNs are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to protect their data and privacy online. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that helps keep your data and online activities safe. VPNs work by routing your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, which makes it difficult for anyone to spy on your activity or steal data . A VPN encrypts your internet traffic before it leaves your device, which makes it much harder for anyone to spy on your activity or steal your data. When your traffic reaches the VPN server, it is decrypted so that it can be routed to the website or service you are trying to access.
Connecting to a Virtual Private Network server will provide you with an intermediate IP address, hiding your home IP address and providing you with anonymity online.
However, if you're using a VPN and it suddenly disconnects while you're in the middle of downloading a file or browsing a website, you may continue, unaware that your home IP address is now exposed.
Twitter user PhantomOcean3 discovered that the latest “Dev” build of Windows 11 includes a new hidden feature – a small shield icon that appears above the Network system tray icon when you’re connected to a VPN.
One downside to the new feature is that it only works for VPNs set up with Windows 11. Another is that it doesn't work with WiFi.
PhantomOcean3 tweeted about the new feature: “This *seems* to only work if you connect to a VPN from the quick setting or Network & Internet > VPN page in Settings.”
See also: Kaspersky wants to stop its VPN service in Russia
Also, the functionality is not so good when users try to connect to commercial VPN services through their apps.
Although this is an unannounced feature that is still in development, it has great potential.
However, it's important to keep in mind that Microsoft has stated that features shown in Windows Insider builds may not make it to the final release.
If you want to try out the new Windows 11 VPN feature, you can install the current version of Windows 11 by joining the Windows Insider.
You must be a member of the Windows Insider 'Dev' channel to get this build.
To enable the new Task Manager in Windows 11, follow these steps after installing the latest insider build:
- Download ViveTool to access hidden developer features in Windows 10 and Windows 11. After downloading, unzip the file.
- Open an elevated command prompt, then find and open the folder where you extracted ViveTool.
- Now, type each of these commands one by one. Some of them may not be necessary, but they are all part of this new feature.
vivetool /enable /id:38113452
Upon entering the command, you will receive confirmation from ViveTool that your feature configuration has been set.
See also: Google One VPN comes to Windows and Mac computers
When you are finished testing, disable the hidden mode by running the ViveTool commands from an elevated command prompt.
vivetool /disable /id:38113452
When enabling hidden features with ViveTool, it's best to test in a virtual machine first. This allows you to revert to a previous version if something goes wrong.
