NordVPN has just pulled the rug out from under Windows users by removing the interactive world map that made server selection dead simple. The map feature allowed users to visually browse available server locations worldwide and connect with a simple click. Now, that functionality has been replaced with dropdown menus and country lists that users say are cumbersome and time-consuming to navigate.
“This is a MAJOR downgrade to the interface and I’m going to have to think about looking for a different VPN,” posted one frustrated user on Reddit, capturing the sentiment of dozens of others in the NordVPN community. The complaints have been piling up since the update began rolling out to Windows clients last week.
What particularly irks users is the loss of quick city-level visibility. Previously, the map displayed available cities within countries at a glance. The new interface forces users to either search for specific locations or dig through lengthy dropdown menus containing hundreds of server options. For users who frequently switch between regional servers or need specific geographic locations for streaming or business purposes, this represents a serious workflow disruption.
The update does retain a small map display at the top of the application window, but it’s purely decorative. This non-interactive version only shows your current connection area without offering any selection capabilities. FYI, it seems the map feature was removed for Mac users even earlier. So this change isn’t all that surprising.
Some users report the change has prompted them to reconsider their VPN subscriptions entirely. Multiple Reddit commenters mentioned looking into alternatives like ProtonVPN or ExpressVPN, particularly those with multi-year commitments who feel stuck with degraded functionality.
The removal also adds to the disappointment because NordVPN recently discontinued its meshnet feature, another popular tool among power users. The combination of removed features has some subscribers questioning the service’s direction.
NordVPN hasn’t issued a public statement explaining the reasoning behind the map removal. Customer service representatives have acknowledged the change but haven’t indicated whether the company plans to restore the functionality based on user feedback.
For now, affected users can either adapt to the new list-based interface or consider downgrading to older app versions, though I’d suggest not doing that to avoid security risks.
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Dwayne Cubbins
1317 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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