---
title: "Set up VPN on a State-Issued Computer"
canonical: "https://tech.calpoly.edu/space/CPKB/1962868737/Set%20up%20VPN%20on%20a%20State-Issued%20Computer"
format: markdown
---
Cal Poly’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) service allows faculty, staff, and students to access campus technology resources securely. 

#### Items to consider BEFORE connecting to the Global Protect VPN client on your computer:  


> ℹ️ Cal Poly state-owned computers or tech rentals typically have the** GlobalProtect VPN preinstalled**. If GlobalProtect VPN is not pre-installed please see the support page for installing software on [Windows](https://calpoly.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CPKB/pages/1738342981) or [Mac.](https://calpoly.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CPKB/pages/1683718145)

> ⚠️ - You must be enrolled in [Multi-Factor Authentication (Duo)](https://calpoly.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CPKB/pages/2425367) before setting up VPN.
> ⚠️ - The GlobalProtect **VPN app uses your default browser **for you to input your login information and to display messages related to connectivity.  *(Learn more about changing your default browser on **[Mac](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201607#:~:text=How%20to%20change%20your%20default,%E2%80%9DDefault%20web%20browser%E2%80%9D%20menu.)**, or **[Windows](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-your-default-browser-in-windows-10-020c58c6-7d77-797a-b74e-8f07946c5db6)**) *
> ⚠️ - Department email accounts will not connect to the VPN. Connect using your personal Cal Poly account.

## Connect VPN Client - (On Mac and Windows)

<details>
<summary>Mac</summary>

1. From the top screen menu bar, Click the **GlobalProtect icon,** then click **Get Started**.   
*If the icon is not showing, use **[Spotlight to search](https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/search-with-spotlight-mchlp1008/mac)** for the GlobalProtect app and run the app.*

![Globe icon outlined in red.](media://6e0c2ea5-f784-49bc-aae5-4535266d1ee2)


1. Enter **cpvpn.calpoly.edu** as the portal address, then click **Connect**. *A Cal Poly portal sign-in window will appear on your browser.*
  
2. Log in with your Cal Poly username (do not include @calpoly.edu) and password (similar to step 2) and authenticate using Multi-Factor Authentication/Duo (similar to step 3).  
*If ****GlobalProtect App**** security warnings pop up on-screen, always click**** Allow****.*
3. *You should see a Paloalto Networks logo and dialog message on your browser, and a popup box saying Open GlobalProtect App? *  
***Check the box****, then *click **Open GlobalProtect.app**.
  
4. *You are now connected to Cal Poly's VPN.*
5. Once you are done with your session, click the **GlobalProtect icon**, then click the <span style="color: #232629">**≡**</span><span style="color: #232629"> </span>**menu icon, **then select **Disconnect**.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Windows</summary>

1. If you do not see the GlobalProtect window, go to the system tray located in the bottom right section of the Windows taskbar, and click on the **globe icon**.
  
2. Click **Get Started**.

![Get Started button outlined in red.](media://f3f916dd-86a9-4cd4-a40d-7f7816b8a705)

 


1. Enter **cpvpn.calpoly.edu **as the portal address, then click **Connect**. *A Cal Poly portal sign-in window will appear on your browser.*
  
  
2. Log in with your Cal Poly username (do not include @calpoly.edu) and password (similar to step 2) and authenticate using Multi-Factor Authentication/Duo (similar to step 3).
3. *You should see a ****Paloalto Networks**** logo and dialog message on your browser, and a popup box saying This site is trying to open GlobalProtect****. ***  
***Check the box, ****then**** ***click **Open**. *You may need to click on the ****click here**** link in the browser window to launch GlobalProtect.*
  
4. You are now connected to Cal Poly's VPN. *The ****Connected**** status is displayed in the system tray located in the bottom right section of the Windows taskbar. *
  
5. *Once you are done with your session, click the ****GlobalProtect icon****, then click the *<span style="color: #232629">***≡***</span><span style="color: #232629">* *</span>***menu icon, ****then select ****Disconnect****.*
</details>

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