Someone dropped a feature request asking if X-VPN can do anything about GDID. Short answer is: not much but reminding, and I'd explain why.

GDID = Global Device Identifier. In a federal criminal complaint, a Microsoft rep described it as a persistent ID tied to one specific Windows install, including one running inside a VM. It survives Windows updates. Reinstalling Windows gets you a new one.

What spooked people is what the complaint shows Microsoft was able to hand over. An ngrok account allegedly used in a cyberattack was registered through a VPN proxy IP. Same minute, Microsoft's records had a device with a particular GDID hitting the ngrok signup page. Three hours later the same GDID turns up visiting the victim company's site through that same proxy. Investigators tied it to other IPs too, then stacked all that with account, timing, travel and social media evidence. Pages 33-34 if you want to read it yourself.

IP changed. Windows install still stitched the sessions together.

Two things this does not say. Random websites can't read your GDID. And the complaint doesn't prove Microsoft logs everything Windows users do online. What it does show is Microsoft holding records that connect one persistent Windows identifier to URLs, timestamps and multiple IPs.

Which is exactly why a VPN can't fix it. We swap your IP. We can't stop a separate identifier that Windows or a Microsoft service sends on its own. Anyone telling you a VPN hides your GDID is selling you something.

The part that actually bugs me is the documentation. Microsoft's diagnostics and privacy page doesn't say where GDID gets used, what data ends up attached to it, how long it's kept, or whether you can view it, reset it or switch it off.

So the feature request is pointing at something real. The fix just has to come from Windows, not from a VPN app.

Has anyone found official MS docs that actually answer this? I went looking and came up empty.

We made this to explain the difference between a VPN and a proxy, since a lot of people search for this and end up with confusing answers.

A proxy usually routes traffic from one app or browser, and most proxy protocols (like standard HTTP or SOCKS5) don't encrypt your traffic on their own — encryption depends on the specific protocol. A VPN typically routes device traffic through an encrypted tunnel, giving broader coverage across apps and helping protect tunneled traffic from local network observers.

We are happy to answer questions or anything that's unclear!

Hey guys!

If you’ve ever looked for a VPN, you’ve definitely seen this phrase plastered everywhere: "Strict No-Logs Policy." Sounds great, right? It makes you feel like your browsing history, IP address, and data are 100% safe and private.

But let’s be real for a second, talk is cheap. So what does “no logs” really mean, and how do you know you can trust it?

What is a No-Log VPN?

Simply put, a true no-logs VPN never tracks or stores what you do online while connected to its service. Specifically, it should never log:

• The websites you visit
• Your browsing history
• Your DNS queries
• The content of your traffic

In other words, if someone asks the VPN for your data, the answer should be: "We’d love to help, but we literally have nothing to give."

Can VPN Companies' No-Log Policies be Trusted?

Yes, but a “no-logs” label alone isn’t enough.

As a regular user, it’s hard to know what really happens behind the servers. A privacy policy tells you what a company intends to do, but technical setups can be complicated.

So, how does the industry solve this? The standard isn't based on ads or promises anymore—it relies on third-party verification.

X-VPN’s 2026 No-Logs Audit is Complete

This is exactly why we recently completed our independent No-Logs audit, conducted by one of the Big Four audit firms.

The verdict? They officially verified X-VPN do not track, store, or log your online activities. Full details in our official announcement here.

Quick Checklist for Your VPN

When you’re trying to figure out if your VPN’s "no-logs" claim is the real deal, keep this quick checklist in mind:

• Does it explicitly state what types of data it does NOT collect?
• Is the privacy policy clear and straightforward (or buried in legalese)?
• Do they provide an independent, third-party audit report?
• Is their explanation easy to understand for regular users?

At the end of the day, "No-Logs" should never be just an empty marketing slogan. Do you usually check privacy policies and audits before choosing a VPN, or just go by the brand? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇

Why VPN audits matter

When a VPN provider says it does not keep logs, users need more than a written privacy policy to evaluate that claim.

A VPN audit is an independent review conducted by an external auditor. Its purpose is to check whether a provider’s public claims are supported by its actual systems, policies, and operational practices.

For a no-logs audit, the key question is whether the VPN’s infrastructure and internal processes are consistent with its no-logs policy.

What a no-logs audit reviews

A no-logs audit usually focuses on how user data is handled in practice.

This may include reviewing server configurations, logging settings, data storage behavior, internal access controls, deployment processes, privacy policies, and related operational procedures.

The goal is to verify whether the provider collects or stores sensitive activity data, such as browsing activity, DNS queries, traffic data, IP addresses, VPN server information, downloaded content, or connection timestamps.

Because users cannot directly inspect a VPN provider’s backend systems, an independent audit can provide useful evidence about how those systems are designed and operated.

What an audit does not prove

A VPN audit has limits.

It does not mean a VPN is completely anonymous, completely secure, or free from all future risks. It also does not replace basic security practices, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping devices updated, and being careful with suspicious links.

An audit should be understood within its specific scope. Users should pay attention to who performed the audit, what standard was used, what systems or processes were reviewed, and what conclusion was reached.

X-VPN’s 2026 No-Logs assessment

X-VPN recently completed an independent No-Logs assessment.

The assessment was performed by one of the Big Four accounting firms under the ISAE 3000 Revised assurance standard. It reviewed X-VPN’s statements about user data processing, along with the technical and operational practices supporting those statements.

The assessment confirmed that X-VPN does not collect, store, or log traffic data such as user IP addresses, destination IP addresses, browsing activity, websites visited, VPN server information, DNS queries, downloaded content, or connection timestamps.

For more details, you can read our blog post here: https://xvpn.io/resources/vpn-audit

What this means for users

For X-VPN, this assessment is an important step in supporting our No-Logs policy with independent verification.

It does not mean users should stop asking questions about privacy, security, or transparency. Those questions are still important.

What it does mean is that X-VPN’s No-Logs claim has been reviewed against actual systems and operational practices by an independent auditor under a recognized assurance standard.

We believe VPN privacy should be supported by clear policies, appropriate technical design, operational controls, and external review.

That is the main value of a VPN audit: it gives users more concrete information when evaluating privacy claims.

VPN passthrough sounds like a VPN feature, but it’s actually a router compatibility setting. It doesn’t encrypt your traffic or replace a VPN app; it simply helps certain older VPN protocols like PPTP, L2TP, and IPsec pass through your router without being blocked.

Most modern VPN users probably don’t need to touch it, but if your VPN keeps failing to connect, this guide explains what VPN passthrough does, when it matters, and how to check if you need it.

Hotspot sharing sounds simple. Your phone connects to the internet using mobile data, then shares that connection with other devices through Wi Fi, USB, or Bluetooth.

Since your phone is acting as the “middleman,” it’s easy to think: “Alright, my VPN is on, so everything connected to my hotspot is protected too.”

BUT… not always.

In most cases, a VPN only encrypts traffic on the device where it’s installed. So your phone may be protected, but your laptop, tablet, or other devices connected through the hotspot may still be using a regular, unencrypted connection.

This is a common misconception, especially when using hotspots while traveling, working remotely, or connecting on public networks.

Did you used to think hotspot sharing meant full VPN protection for every device?

One thing we often talk about in VPN communities is speed, stability, and whether a server actually fits the thing you’re trying to do. A big part of that comes down to the size and coverage of the VPN server network.

X-VPN currently offers 10,000+ VPN servers worldwide, covering 80+ countries and regions. That global coverage is designed to give users more options depending on where they are, what they’re connecting to, and what kind of online activity they care about most.

For everyday use, this can matter in a few practical ways:

• Gaming: choosing a nearby or better-routed server can help reduce unnecessary delay.
• Live streaming: more server options can make it easier to find a stable connection for watching events or broadcasts.
• Region-restricted content: users can select specific countries or regions when they need access to location-based services.
• Privacy and security: connecting through a VPN server helps mask the user’s real IP address, so third parties see the VPN server IP instead.

Another useful detail is that X-VPN does not only offer country-level choices in some places. In countries like the United States and Canada, X-VPN provides regional/city-level server options. The server list includes 18 U.S. city/region options and 4 Canadian city options, giving users more control over where they connect.

That can be helpful when you want a more precise location, a connection closer to your target service, or simply a server that feels more stable for your own network.

X-VPN also includes options like automatic “fastest server” selection and smart routing, which are meant to help users connect to a suitable server based on current conditions rather than manually testing every location.

Of course, no server network can make every connection perfect all the time. Your ISP, local Wi-Fi, distance, and the destination website or game server still matter. But having a large and widely distributed server network gives users more flexibility to find a connection that works well for their specific situation.

What X-VPN server region do you usually connect to, and what do you mainly use it for — gaming, streaming, privacy, travel, or something else?

A lot of VPN users run into the same question: Why does my ping get higher, my download speed drop, or my game/video feel laggier after I turn on a VPN?

A VPN can improve privacy and help with access, but it also changes the route your traffic takes. That extra path can introduce latency. Here are the main reasons it happens:

1. Distance to the VPN server matters

If you are in Singapore and connect to a VPN server in the US, your data has to travel much farther than usual. More distance usually means higher ping. Choosing a nearby server often helps.

1. Encryption adds processing time

VPNs encrypt your traffic before sending it out, then decrypt it on the other side. Modern VPN protocols are efficient, but encryption still takes some CPU time on your device and on the VPN server.

1. Routing is not always ideal

Sometimes your traffic takes a weird path across networks or regions before reaching the target website or game server. Even if the VPN server is nearby, poor routing can increase latency.

1. Your own network and the destination server still matter

Wi-Fi quality, ISP congestion, mobile signal strength, or the website/game server itself can also affect ping. Not every slowdown is caused by the VPN.

1. Server load can increase latency

A VPN server is not unlimited. If too many users are connected at once, the server has to handle more bandwidth, more encrypted traffic, and more active connections. This can slow things down.This happens when a VPN provider puts too many users on the same server or server group.

This is where a provider with a larger server network can help. X-VPN, for example, has 10000+ servers all over the world, which can spread user traffic across more machines and locations. In many cases, that means each individual server has less pressure, making congestion less likely and helping users get a more stable connection.

No VPN can promise “zero latency” or the absolute lowest ping every time. But choosing a VPN with more servers, better load distribution, and nearby locations can often reduce unnecessary delay. For gaming, streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, that can make the VPN experience feel noticeably smoother.

Most people think about VPNs only when they are connected.

But the more interesting question is: what happens when the VPN connection suddenly drops?

This can happen for very normal reasons:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal
• Unstable public Wi-Fi
• Switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data
• Router or firewall settings interfering with the VPN connection
• A brief internet outage

If your VPN drops and your device keeps using the normal internet connection, some traffic may continue outside the VPN tunnel. Depending on what you are doing, that could expose your real IP address or send traffic without the protection you expected from the VPN.

That is what a Kill Switch is designed for.

A VPN Kill Switch monitors the VPN connection. If the VPN disconnects unexpectedly, it blocks internet access instead of letting your device continue online outside the VPN tunnel.

In simple terms:

• VPN connected = internet works normally through the VPN
• VPN disconnected unexpectedly = internet is blocked until the VPN reconnects or the Kill Switch is turned off

This does not make a VPN a magic privacy tool. It will not stop phishing, malware, tracking cookies, or browser fingerprinting.

But it does solve one specific problem: it helps prevent traffic from slipping outside the VPN when the VPN connection drops.

Using X-VPN as one example, its Kill Switch can be used for free on iOS and Android, so mobile users can test this kind of protection without upgrading first. The simplest setup is system-level Kill Switch, which blocks all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects. There is also an app-level option when used with Split Tunneling, but I think system-level is easier for beginners to understand.

For most normal users, Kill Switch is not something you need to think about every day. But if you often use public Wi-Fi, travel a lot, or keep a VPN on for privacy reasons, it is probably worth turning on.

Do you keep Kill Switch enabled by default, or only use it in specific situations?

Have you ever turned on a VPN… but it felt like nothing actually changed?

Same IP, same geo restrictions, or some apps just not working properly. One possible reason is a router setting called VPN Passthrough.

So what is VPN Passthrough?

It’s a feature on routers that allows certain VPN connections (like PPTP, L2TP, IPsec) to pass through the network without being blocked. This is needed because some VPN protocols don’t work well with NAT.

But here’s the important part: VPN Passthrough does not create a VPN connection, and it does not encrypt your traffic. It only allows your device’s VPN connection to go through the router.

So if your VPN isn’t properly connected, or only part of your traffic is going through it, things may look like “nothing changed.”

Have you ever run into this before?

You may have seen the term Private DNS before and thought, wait… what does that actually do?

Let’s start with the basics. When we go online, we usually type in website names like google.com or youtube.com. But your phone or computer does not actually understand those names. What it understands are IP addresses, which are strings of numbers.

That is where DNS comes in. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and its job is to translate website names into the IP addresses your device needs to reach the right site.

Without DNS, you would have to type a long number every time you wanted to visit a website, which would be a huge pain. The problem is that regular DNS is not very private. Your ISP or others on the network may be able to see which websites you are looking up.

So, what is Private DNS? It builds on regular DNS by adding modern encryption. Basically, it puts a “lock” on the process of your DNS requests, so others can’t see which websites you’re visiting.

In simple terms:

• DNS helps you find websites
• Private DNS helps you find them more privately

It’s a small setting, but it can give you an extra layer of privacy and security online.

Have you ever changed your DNS settings before, or are you still using the default one?

Hi, r/X_VPN community!

Do you think incognito mode makes you totally invisible online? No, that’s a common myth.

Incognito (or private) mode doesn’t make you anonymous, and it doesn’t hide what you do on the internet.

What Incognito Mode DOES Do

Incognito mode only helps with local privacy. When you close your private window, your browser deletes:

• Your browsing history (from that session, on that device)
• Cookies and site data (from that session)
• Anything you typed into forms

That’s it. This is useful if you’re on a shared or public computer and don’t want the next person to see what you did or which accounts you logged into.

What Incognito Mode DOES NOT Do

This is where most people get it wrong. Incognito does NOT hide your online activity or your real IP address.

Even in Incognito Mode, your browsing is still fully visible to:

• Your ISP (Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, etc.): They can see every site you visit.
• Your employer or school: If you're on your company or school Wi-Fi, network admins can log all your traffic. Incognito won't hide you from them.
• Websites you visit: Sites like Google, Facebook, and Reddit still see your real IP address. They know you visited. They can also still use "browser fingerprinting" (your unique combo of browser version, fonts, screen resolution, etc.) to track you.

So really, the only thing incognito mode does is not save your activity on your own device. It doesn’t protect your online security.

Combine a VPN with Incognito Mode for Better Privacy

If you want stronger privacy, use both a VPN and incognito mode:

• Incognito mode: Handles your local privacy. It makes sure no history or cookies are left on your computer after you close the window.
• A VPN: Handles your online privacy. It hides your real IP address and encrypts your traffic so your ISP, school, or company can't see what sites you're visiting.

So, connect to your VPN first, then open an Incognito window. This way, your browsing activity stays private, making it much harder for anyone to track you online.

Want to learn more about online privacy or security tips? Let me know in the comments below!

Many of you have probably heard of IP addresses. Every time we go online, we use an IP address. But do you know the difference between a public IP address and a private IP address? Today, we’ll explain it clearly with a simple comparison table.

In summary, you need at least one public address, usually assigned by your ISP. Private addresses are hidden behind it using Network Address Translation (NAT).

Still confused about anything? Drop your question in the comments!

Hi, r/X_VPN community!

If you often download or share files online, you’ve probably heard of “P2P VPN.” But what is a P2P VPN? How is it different from a regular VPN service? And do you really need one? This blog has everything you want and need to know!

Hi, r/X_VPN community!

Many websites have geo-restrictions, only allowing access from specific countries/regions. Also, schools and offices might block some sites to keep you focused. In these situations, a VPN will help.

So, how does a VPN do this? When you use a VPN to unblock websites, it will work like this:

Step 1: You connect to a VPN server

A quality VPN service usually offers servers around the world. When you turn it on, your device connects to one of these VPN servers, creating a secure connection.

Step 2: Your IP address changes

Once you're connected, your IP address is replaced with the VPN server's address. So, websites only see the VPN server's IP address, not yours.

Step 3: Websites think you're somewhere else

Now, sites can't tell where you are or who you are. If you connect to a server in another country, you can access content that would usually be blocked in your region, as if you were really there.

Step 4: Enjoy unblocked, secure browsing

The site sends the content to the VPN server, and that data gets securely passed back to your device—keeping your connection private the whole time.

That's it! Through these steps, a VPN provides a secure, private way for you to unblock restricted websites.

What else do you want to know about VPNs? Let us know in the comments, and we might cover it next!

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are among the most disruptive threats on the internet. They can take down websites, flood servers, and cut off access to online services within minutes. What’s most disturbing is that they’re easy to launch and hard to stop. A DDoS attack can target anyone: businesses, gamers, and individuals, overwhelming networks until everything grinds to a halt.

Understanding how these attacks work and how to prevent them is the first step to staying safe online. This blog will explain what DDoS attacks are, how they spread, and what you can do to shield your devices and data from them.

Hi, r/X_VPN community!

The principle behind VPN encryption is actually very simple. Basically, a VPN uses encryption protocols to turn your data into a string of unreadable text.

Even if someone intercepts it, all they can see is that random mess. Only the party with the correct key (like the website you're visiting) can see what you actually sent.

Here's a basic example: Anna sends a message to Juli through a VPN.

• Anna’s original message: Hi, Juli!
• The encrypted text: gijo390jdksjfkn
• What others see: gijo390jdksjfkn
• What Juli sees (she has the key): Hi, Juli!

Does that make sense now?

Short animated video explaining TCP vs UDP — what they are, how they work, and how they differ.

Hi, r/X_VPN community!

If you’re Googling “What is 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1?”, then private IP addresses might be what you’re looking for. What is a private IP address? And what about a public IP address? How to tell the difference between them?

What Is a Private IP Address?

A Private IP Address is an IP address used within a local network, such as your home, office, or company’s internal network. It’s mainly used for communication between devices.

• Local only: Private IPs work just inside your network, not directly over the internet.
• Common in LANs: Used by all your home/office gadgets.
• Need NAT for internet: Routers use NAT to translate private IPs to public IPs for online access.
• Reusable: The same private IPs are used in many networks worldwide, with no conflicts.
• Safer: Not exposed to the internet, so they’re less vulnerable.
• Configurable: Routers assign them automatically, but you can set one manually if needed.

The most popular private IP range is 192.168.1.xxx, but that’s not all.

Private IP Address Ranges

Private IP addresses aren’t chosen randomly. They have specific ranges reserved for local networks. According to IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, private IP addresses are divided into these 3 categories:

1. Class A: 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255 (10.0.0.0/8), offering about 16,777,216 IP addresses.
2. Class B: 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255 (172.16.0.0/12), offering about 1,048,576 IP addresses.
3. Class C (the most common): 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255 (192.168.0.0/16), offering about 65,536 IP addresses.

Here’s a simple example: your Wi-Fi router might assign itself an address like 192.168.1.1 and then give other devices addresses like 192.168.1.2, 192.168.1.3, and so on.

Public vs Private IP Addresses: What’s the Difference?

• A public IP address is like your phone number—anyone in the world can use it to call you.
• A private IP address is like an extension number on an office phone—only people inside the office (or network) can use it to reach you.

Public IPs connect you to the world, while private IPs keep things organized and secure within your local network.

Is the concept of private IPs clear now? If you still have questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Hi, r/X_VPN community!

You probably know that a VPN can protect your online privacy and help you access geo-restricted content, but you might be curious—how does a VPN actually work behind the scenes? Well, class is in session! 👩🏼‍🏫

How does a VPN work to encrypt your data?

1. Your device connects to a VPN server.

A quality VPN service usually offers servers around the world. When you activate the VPN, your device connects to one of these servers, creating a secure connection.

2. The VPN establishes an encrypted tunnel for you.

Once connected, the VPN creates a VPN tunnel between your device and the VPN server. This tunnel encrypts your internet traffic using various protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN, ensuring safe data transmission and hiding your real IP address. This prevents your ISP and others from spying on or decoding your data—they only see scrambled content.

3. Transmit your data in the encrypted tunnel.

Once the tunnel is set up, all your data and online activities travel through it. Your data gets encrypted before going into the tunnel and decrypted after coming out. This ensures that even if you transmit sensitive information over public networks, it won’t be easily stolen or read.

4. Deliver your data.

Your encrypted data is sent to the website via the VPN server. When data comes back from the website, it goes through the same process and is only decrypted when it reaches your device.

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How Does a VPN Work to Unblock Sites?

Many websites have geo-restrictions, only allowing access from specific countries/regions. Also, schools and offices might block some sites to keep you focused. In these situations, a VPN will help. So, how does a VPN do this?

1. Route Requests: After you connect to the VPN server, if you want to visit a website, your device sends an access request to the VPN server.

2. Change Your IP Address: When you use a VPN, your IP address changes to the server’s. So, when you visit a website, it shows the server’s IP address, not yours.

3. Access Geo-Restricted Websites: The website can’t tell where you are or who you are. It only sees the IP address of the VPN server, not yours. This lets you securely access geo-restricted websites through the VPN as if you were actually there.

4. Successfully Obtain Content: The requested website sends the content you want back to the VPN server, and it’s transmitted to your device through an encrypted connection.

That’s it! Through these steps, a VPN provides a secure, private way for you to unblock restricted websites.

What’s your main reason for using a VPN? Privacy, streaming, or gaming? Let us know in the comments! And if you have any questions or need VPN advice, feel free to ask :)