Overview

A VPN (virtual private network) creates a secure tunnel from your laptop to your company network. Use it when you need to reach internal apps, file shares, or systems that are not available on the public internet.

Before You Begin

• Your Windows 11 work laptop, signed in with your work account.
• Your company's VPN client installed. If it is not already there, ask IT to install it before you leave the office.
• The VPN settings document IT provided when you were onboarded. It lists the server address, your username, and any required certificates or tokens.
• An active internet connection (home Wi-Fi, hotspot, or hotel Wi-Fi).

Steps

1. Confirm your laptop has internet by opening a browser and loading any website.
2. Open your company's VPN client. Common clients include Cisco AnyConnect, Fortinet FortiClient, WatchGuard, SonicWall NetExtender, and the built-in Windows VPN.
3. If this is your first time, follow the BMIT-provided settings doc to add the connection. Use the server address and connection name exactly as written.
4. Enter your username and password when prompted. These usually match your Microsoft 365 sign-in unless IT told you otherwise.
5. Approve the multi-factor authentication prompt on your phone, if required.
6. Wait for the client to show Connected. The icon in your taskbar will indicate an active VPN session.
7. Try opening an internal resource (a file share, intranet site, or internal app) to confirm the tunnel is working.
8. When you finish working, click Disconnect to close the tunnel.

Connecting From a Mac

The same VPN clients are available for macOS, and the steps above are the same once the client is installed. The first time you connect on a Mac:

1. When macOS asks to Add VPN Configurations, click Allow.
2. If you see System Extension Blocked, open System Settings, then Privacy & Security, scroll down, and click Allow next to the VPN app. You may need to restart the Mac.
3. Connect again and approve the multi-factor prompt.

If your Mac does not have the VPN client yet, open a ticket and we will install it remotely.

Troubleshooting

• If the client says "Authentication failed": double-check your username and password. If you recently changed your Microsoft 365 password, the VPN may need the new one too.
• If you do not receive the MFA prompt: open the Microsoft Authenticator app directly. Pending approvals appear at the top. Make sure your phone has signal.
• If the connection times out: switch from Wi-Fi to a hotspot, or vice versa. Some public networks block VPN traffic.
• If internal apps still will not load after you connect: disconnect, reconnect, and try again. If it still fails, submit a ticket at support.bostonmit.com.
• If you do not have the VPN settings doc: ask your manager or open a ticket. Do not guess at server addresses.

Related Articles

• Connect to Your Office Network From Home
• Use Remote Desktop to Connect to Your Office PC
• Set Up a Home Office That Actually Works
• Fix Wi-Fi Connection Issues on Windows
• Connect to Your Office NAS or Network Drive

Need More Help?

Submit a ticket at support.bostonmit.com or email support@bostonmit.com.