VPN from a Windows PC

Set Up Your Home PC

NOTE: Steps 1 & 2 of this section are not required if you are on UF campus

On device you are remoting from:

  1. Install Cisco AnyConnect VPN
    1. Navigate to vpn.ufl.edu on your web browser
    2. Log in using your GatorLink username and password
    3. The following page will appear. Click “AnyConnect VPN”
Screen capture of UF's GatorLink VPN Service page showing Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client
    1. Click on the downloaded file
    2. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the program.
  2. Connect to the VPN
    1. Open “Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client”
      b. Ensure you are connected to the internet
      c. Type “vpn.ufl.edu” in the box and click “Connect”
Screen Capture of the Cisco AnyConnect dialog box indicating the VPN is ready to connect
    1. Enter your GatorLink email plus “/campus” (e.g. username@ufl.edu/campus) for the username to reduce traffic through the VPN system. Then enter your GatorLink password and click “OK”. If you need to look at UF Library Journals do not use the @ufl.edu/campus option. Instead, use just your GatorLink username.
Screen capture of the Cisco AnyConnect login dialog box where you enter your GatorLink username and password

Note: If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you will receive a push notification. If you do not have the DUO Mobile App, please get the app. If you need further instructions, go to UF’s Two-Factor Authentication page.

    1. The dialog box should disappear when successfully connected and the following icon will appear in the system tray.
Screen capture of the AnyConnect icon with a lock symbol on it
  1. Connect to remote computer
    1. Open “Remote Desktop Connection” by searching for the program
Screen capture of the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box
    1. Type the “Full Computer Name” obtained in step 3.C of “On device being remoted into” into the “Computer” field
      1. i.e. w-12qwer3.ad.ufl.edu
    2. Click connect
    3. Enter GatorLink credentials
    4. Click “yes” or “accept” to all certificate notifications and prompts
  2. Optional: Create an .rdp file for repeated connections
    1. Open “Remote Desktop Connection” by searching for the program
Screen capture of the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box
    1. Click “Show Options”
    2. Type the “Full Computer Name” obtained in step 3.C of “On device being remoted into” into the “Computer” field
    3. Type UFAD\yourgatorlink in the “Username” field
    4. Check “Allow me to save my credentials”
    5. Click “Save As…”
    6. Save your .rdp file

Opening this file will automatically conduct step 3. Step 2: connecting to the VPN, is still required.

Close the Remote Desktop

To disconnect from your office desktop, click the X on the right side of the Remote Desktop toolbar at the top of your screen.

Screen capture showing a PC desktop and the X circled in the Remote Desktop toolbar

Note: If you shut down your office desktop, someone will need to physically turn it back on before you can connect to it again.

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