What is Windows GDID tracking?
Microsoft assigns every Windows PC a unique 16-digit Global Device Identifier when you set it up or sign in with a Microsoft account. This code stays tied to your hardware and gets logged whenever the operating system sends background reports back to Microsoft. Unlike cookies, you cannot clear it.
Why a standard VPN falls short
A VPN hides your IP address from your ISP and the sites you visit. It cannot, however, stop Windows itself from recording the active IP address next to your GDID during local telemetry. Court records have shown Microsoft can connect changing IP addresses, including VPN ones, back to the same device over time.
How IPVanish Secure Browser closes the gap
The tool runs web sessions inside isolated cloud containers using Remote Browser Isolation. Your PC only receives an encrypted visual stream, so Windows telemetry sees no destination sites or IPs to attach to your GDID. Sessions are wiped when you close the browser.
It also blocks malware from reaching your machine and stops advertisers from building a device fingerprint.
Who this actually helps
Anyone worried about operating-system level tracking on Windows will find the extra layer useful. It works alongside a VPN rather than replacing it. You can read more about choosing the right privacy tools on our VPN hub. The browser is available on Windows and macOS through the IPVanish apps.
