Virtual Private Networks (VPN) have been a godsend to users who choose to browse through the internet incognito.

Reports say that Windows 11 may be on its way to adding a system tray indicator, which will let the user know if their PC is connected to a VPN. A VPN server will provide several IP addresses, which can be used to mask the home IP address of a user from websites or other online services.

The Importance of the VPN Status

The VPN status in the system tray will ensure that you will be notified when you disconnect. That way, you won't accidentally continue browsing while exposing your home IP address. This may not be a big deal for some, but it is huge for others, especially if they do the kind of work that demands anonymity. Changes can be seen in the Windows 11 25247 build. As mentioned in Bleeping Computer.

According to a tweet by @PhantomOfEarth, there will be a small shield overlay on the network icon if it is enabled. He also mentioned that it seems to work if users connect to a VPN via the Quick Settings, or the VPN page found in Network & Internet. It also doesn't work when the user is connected through WiFi, but updates are still possible.

It also doesn't work when a user is connected to commercial VPN services using its apps. It was tested using NordVPN and ProtonVPN, but so far, there were no indicators visible. It is still in its early stages, so it's shouldn't be dismissed right away. The feature might appear more prominent and work better once Microsoft officially announces it.

Activating the VPN Indicator

It's a cool and useful new feature, especially for those who have been using VPNs for a while. Plus, you might want to see the little shield with the keyhole yourself. According to Windows Report, here is how you enable it.

• First download ViveTool from GitHub. You will need to unpack the files first

• Next, search for the Command Prompt. You will also have to run the app as an administrator

• To get to the download's location, use the "CD C:\Vive" command

• Type in "vivetool/enable/id:38113452" and then press Enter

• Once type in the command, you're already good to go. All that's left is to restart your computer

• If you want to disable it, just type in "vivetool/disable/is:38113452

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The Importance of VPN

More and more threat actors emerge as people lean more into technology. Opportunities for hacking and phishing schemes have doubled since even financial transactions can be done online. We can store our private data in drives, and hackers may easily access it without proper security. VPNs provide encryption for their users to circumvent certain hacker tactics.

According to National Cybersecurity Alliance, all your activity cannot be monitored by your Internet service provider. However, it is not complete anonymity, since your VPN provider will still see some of your activities. But, VPNs provide security, and they do not aim to steal your data but protect it from those who do.

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