Windscribe updates bring anonymised accounts and server upgrades

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Privacy and performance have been addressed

Windscribe VPN app open on an iPhone. The phone is laying down on a white, flat surface
(Image credit: Future)

Windscribe has introduced anonymous accounts and upgraded its server network to offer more high-performance 10 Gbps servers.

Many of the best VPNs don't offer anonymous accounts, so Windscribe's update will be welcomed by users who value privacy above all else. No email or password is needed, with a randomly generated hash created instead.

Goodbye emails and passwords

Anonymised accounts are for VPN users who value maximum privacy and anonymity above all else. With no email or password required, your chosen VPN has even less information on you. Mullvad, Obscura VPN, and NymVPN are three privacy-focused providers who offer this.

In Windscribe's case, a 32-character hash is generated. You can randomly generate this, use your own hash, or use a file-based hash.

If you use the file-based hash option, it shouldn't be common or publicly available. If it is, others may be able to use the same hash and therefore log into your account.

Windscribe said it built this feature for those who don't want their VPN subscription tied to an email or don't want to invent another password.

With anonymous accounts, Windscribe holds less of your personal data and combats password reuse problems. There is still the option to create an account using an email and password – Windscribe simply offers users two options.

Windscribe app logo displayed on screen

(Image credit: Thomas Trutschel / Getty Images)

To create a hash, head to Windscribe's sign up page and select "Hashed." The option is available for both Windscribe Free and Pro users. It's important to note that you must securely store your hash. It's unique to you and your account and if you lose it, you can't get it back.

Windscribe said support cannot reset it or look it up, and there's no "forgot password" link. Once it's gone, it's gone, and you'll have to create a new account. Using one of the best password managers or a secure notes app is an ideal way of storing your hash.

Signing up to a VPN with a secure email and password, plus two-factor authentication, is enough security and privacy for most people. But having two options allows for a different approach should users want it.

14 new 10 Gbps server locations

Windscribe has added 14 new 10 Gbps server locations, bringing its total number of 10 Gbps servers to 118.

Five locations are brand new 10 Gbps location:

  • Germany, Berlin – Berghain
  • UK, Manchester – City
  • US, Denver – Nuggets
  • Argentina, Buenos Aires – Yerba Mate
  • India, Fake Mumbai – Mayanagri

Nine locations have been upgraded to 10 Gbps:

  • Netherlands, Amsterdam – Bicycle & Stroopwafel
  • Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur – Perdana
  • UK, London – Crumpets
  • Switzerland, Zurich – Alphorn
  • Norways, Oslo – Fjord
  • Canada, Vancouver – Stanley
  • US, New Jersey – Situation
  • US, San Francisco – Sanitation

Four new locations have been added (not 10 Gbps):

  • Thailand, Bangkok – Wat Pho
  • Taiwan, Taipei – Tamsui
  • Indonesia, Surabaya – Nasi Goreng
  • Vietnam, Hanoi – Train Street

10 Gbps servers bring improved performance and speed, resulting in smoother streaming and faster downloads. Windscribe's current total of 118 10 Gbps represents a marked improvement on its figure of 23 in 2023.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

George Phillips
George Phillips
Staff Writer

George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights and censorship, and its interplay with politics. Outside of work, George is passionate about music, Star Wars, and Karate.

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