This article provides step-by-step instructions to connect to the Virtual Private Network (VPN) client Cisco AnyConnect using a Windows 10 computer. If you need to download the client, visit our Downloads & Guides page to download the client and find installation instructions.
Certain Departmental Pools, Full Tunnel VPN, and Split Tunnel VPN Pools require Multi-Factor Authentication through Duo Security to connect. Using Duo and VPN is outlined in Using Duo Append Mode with Cisco AnyConnect. For assistance in connecting, including Login Failed messages, contact Technology Help for assistance.
Connecting to VPN with AnyConnect
- Navigate to Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client from the Start menu.
> All apps > Cisco > Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client
- Select your connection preference from the drop-down menu.
- UMN - Split Tunnel - General Access VPN Pool: For most UMN VPN needs, including shared drive access.
- UofM Full Tunnel: Uses a UMN IP address for entirety of connection.
- Departmental Pools: Your department may require use of their VPN Pool.
- Select your specific departmental pool after clicking 'Connect'.
- If you can't see ANY options here, uninstall the client completely and download and install the newest version from our Downloads & Guides page, making sure to extract the ENTIRE AnyConnect folder, not just the installer file.
- Click Connect.
- Enter your Internet ID and password in the sign-in window.
- Click OK. A Duo Security push will automatically be sent to your default Duo device.
- To use any other method (e.g., call me, passcode) for Multi Factor Authentication, use Duo Append Mode.
- Approve the Login Request.
Using AnyConnect
Where did the client go?
The AnyConnect Client window may close once the connection is established.
- Select the up-arrow in the lower-right hand corner of the taskbar (
) to find AnyConnect. - Hover your mouse over the Cisco AnyConnect logo to see a "tooltip" showing the status of the VPN connection.
- If you can't find the icon, hovering over different icons will tell you the name of the program each icon opens.
View general connectivity information
- Open the Cisco AnyConnect Client by clicking the logo in the taskbar on the bottom right.
- Click the Settings Icon.
- Select the Statistics tab.
Disconnect from VPN
- Open the Cisco AnyConnect Client by clicking the logo in the taskbar on the bottom right.
- Click Disconnect.