Hello @Napoleon
~ fwiw ~
I asked Norton Chat support:
Chat wrote:
Norton VPN Standard is a standalone VPN service focused solely on securing your internet connection. It doesn’t include antivirus or system protection features, so it does not register with Windows Security or turn off any of its components. It works alongside Windows Security without interfering.
Norton VPN Plus and Ultimate plans offer enhanced privacy tools like malware protection, phishing defense, and even parental controls in the Ultimate tier. However, despite these added features, they are still VPN-focused solutions, not full-fledged antivirus suites like Norton 360.
That means they do not register with Windows Security in the same way Norton 360 does. They won’t disable or override Windows Defender or other built-in protections. Instead, they run alongside Windows Security, adding an extra layer of privacy without interfering.
Chat wrote:
Norton VPN Plus/Ultimate are specialists in online privacy, focusing on encryption, IP masking, and blocking web-based threats. They’re designed to complement, not compete with, broader security suites.
Norton 360, on the other hand, is like the full security command center—handling antivirus, firewall, device security, backup, and more. It registers with Windows Security and often disables duplicate functions to prevent interference.
So yes—Norton VPN Plus/Ultimate take a secondary role to Norton 360, working alongside it rather than replacing any of its protections. You get privacy handled by the VPN and comprehensive system protection through Norton 360. That way, your digital shield has no weak spots.
Chat wrote:
Norton 360 is your main shield, while VPN Plus/Ultimate is the privacy sidekick. They’re not interchangeable, but they work well together.
Basically, VPN allows advanced security focusing on encryption, IP masking, and blocking web-based threats.
=======================================
AI Overview
Norton VPN Plus/Ultimate does offer an “Auto-Protect” feature, specifically in the context of automatically turning on the VPN connection. This feature can be configured to activate the VPN automatically when connecting to public networks or when you connect to the internet.
-
Auto-Connect
Norton VPN Plus/Ultimate’s “Auto-Protect” feature is primarily about automatic VPN connection activation. It’s designed to enhance your online security by ensuring the VPN is active when you’re likely to be on an unsecured network. -
Customizable Settings:
You can customize when the VPN automatically connects. You can choose to have it always on, or only activate it when connecting to public networks, or set up specific profiles for different networks. -
Real-time Protection:
Norton VPN also provides real-time protection against malware and other online threats, which is another layer of protection that works alongside the automatic VPN activation. -
Kill Switch
Norton VPN also includes a kill switch feature, which automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, further enhancing your online security and privacy. -
Other Features:
Besides Auto-Protect, Norton VPN Plus/Ultimate also includes features like dark web monitoring, password manager, and secure cloud backup.
AI responses may include mistakes.
============================================
AI Overview
Norton VPN Plus/Ultimate does not inherently conflict with Norton 360. However, having both a standalone Norton VPN app and the VPN feature within Norton 360 can lead to potential conflicts and is generally not recommended.
Here’s why:
-
Different Teams, No Communication:
The standalone Norton VPN app and the VPN feature within Norton 360 are managed by different teams within Norton and do not communicate with each other. -
Potential for Conflicts:
Having both installed can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior or conflicts, making troubleshooting difficult. -
Redundancy:
If you already have the VPN feature within your Norton 360 plan, the standalone app is redundant. -
Cost and Complexity:
Using both apps unnecessarily increases the complexity of your setup and potentially adds to the cost of your Norton subscription.
Recommendations:
If you have Norton 360 with a VPN:
It’s generally recommended to stick with the VPN feature included in your Norton 360 plan and uninstall the standalone Norton VPN app.
If you have a separate Norton VPN subscription:
If you have a standalone Norton VPN subscription and are experiencing issues, it’s still recommended to uninstall the Norton VPN first to see if it resolves the problem, according to the Norton Community.
In essence, you should choose one or the other, not both, for optimal performance and ease of use.
AI responses may include mistakes.
======================================
~ fwiw ~ my understanding as per Norton Chat support:
Norton VPN Plus/Ultimate AI-powered scam detection and real-time protection against malware and ransomware…does not conflict with Norton 360 real-time threat protection.
Norton VPN Plus/Ultimate AI-powered scam detection and real-time protection against malware and ransomware…does not conflict with Windows Security/Defender real-time threat protection.
=====================================
Hello @Napoleon
Norton VPN Standard/Plus/Ultimate do not register with Windows Security in the same way Norton 360 does. They won’t disable or override Windows Defender or other built-in protections. Instead, they run alongside Windows Security, adding an extra layer of privacy without interfering.
So, on your machine with Norton VPN Ultimate → Windows Security/Defender is running real-time protections?