GlobalProtect VPN - FAQ
VPN service is available now and will be required to use remote desktop. Please note that GlobalProtect is a product of the company PaloAlto and you may see both names used.
I've never used the remote desktop/VPN service/connected to the office before, should I install this?
If you have never connected to the office remotely, you may disregard this article. It is for staff who must remotely connect to an on-campus computer or server in order to complete their work.
How do I load the software for the VPN/Remote Desktop Service?
To install the software, click the link for your operating system below:
How do I get to the remote desktop connection once I load the software?
If you currently use Remote Desktop, you must first make sure you install the VPN service software, successfully log in, and then access the remote desktop functionality. Click below for more information:
How To Use Remote Desktop for Windows
How To Use Remote Desktop for Macs
I've loaded the software and cannot connect to the needed computer or server, what do I do?
Contact the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or click https://uwm.edu/technology/request-support/ and enter a support incident. The UWM Help Desk team will route your incident to the appropriate team for review and support.
Why did the VPN change?
In order to meet the requirements of the new UW System Information Security Policies, an upgrade was required for our VPN service.
To view the policy in full, click below:
What services are available through the new VPN?
The following services are available when using the VPN:
- Key Servers
- Active Directory (AD)
- Domain Name Server (DNS)
- Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, formerly known as System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)
- JAMF
- PAWS
- UFiles
Any department that wishes to request extended access for their employees will need to have a departmental OU added to the VPN, in which they will control user additions and deletions. Network Engineering will create the requested specific set of rules at the current hourly rate. Configuration times, depending on difficulty, are estimated at 5-15 hours. Please contact the Help Desk via webform if you are interested in pursuing this option.
Where is the VPN Website for UWM?
The UWM Network Operations VPN Website houses information related to the VPN and other Network related items.
Can the VPN be installed on a personal machine?
Yes. No special permissions are required for the VPN to be installed on a personal machine and used to connect to remote-access.uwm.edu.
Why is MFA a requirement to connect to VPN?
Yes. MFA has been added to VPN to ensure Information Security at UWM.
How do I connect to VPN using MFA?
You connect to the VPN as you normally would for your other devices. The only difference will be the extra step of authenticating with your preferred multi-factor authentication method. For more informaiton on connecting to the UWM VPN, please reference the appropriate instructions linked below for your specific device.