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About the UWGB VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel from your device to UW-Green Bay. When you’re off campus, VPN lets you securely reach campus-only resources (for example, file shares or remote desktop) as if you were on the UWGB network.
Note: Campus Windows desktops and campus iMacs connect directly to the UWGB domain and do not use a VPN.
Before You Begin
- UWGB-owned laptops (Windows/Mac): GlobalProtect VPN is already installed.
- Personal devices: You may install GlobalProtect from our SafeConnect portal as shown below.
- Use your UW-Green Bay credentials when prompted, and approve the Okta verification if asked.
Windows (UWGB-Owned Laptops)
- Connect to the Internet (home or other trusted network).
- Open GlobalProtect (search “GlobalProtect” in the Start menu if needed).
- If prompted for a portal, enter laptopvpn.uwgb.edu and select Connect.
- If you see “Select a valid client certificate,” choose the option with your computer GB# and select OK. Choosing the option with [empty] will lead to errors.
- Sign in with your UW-Green Bay username and password and select Connect. Approve the Okta request, if prompted.
Tip: When you reconnect to a known Wi-Fi network, GlobalProtect usually reconnects automatically.
Reinstall GlobalProtect (Windows)
Use this process only if the GBIT Service Desk has asked you to reinstall GlobalProtect (for example, to resolve client issues). A Service Desk technician can walk through these steps with you.
- Open a browser and go to laptopvpn.uwgb.edu.
- Sign in with your UWGB username (without “@uwgb.edu”) and password, then select Log In.
- Download the Windows 64-bit GlobalProtect agent.
- Run the downloaded installer from your Downloads folder and select Next on each prompt to complete the install.
- When installation finishes, the GlobalProtect welcome screen appears. Select Get Started.
- When prompted for the portal, enter laptopvpn.uwgb.edu and select Connect.
- If you see “Select a valid client certificate,” choose the certificate with your computer’s GB#, then select OK (do not choose the empty option).
- Sign in with your UW-Green Bay username and password and select Connect. Approve the Okta prompt if asked.
- Verify connection: the GlobalProtect globe in the system tray shows a check mark when connected.
If something doesn’t match: confirm the portal is laptopvpn.uwgb.edu and try Sign out in GlobalProtect settings, then sign in again. If issues continue, contact the GBIT Service Desk.
Mac (UWGB-Owned MacBooks)
- Connect to the Internet.
- Select the globe icon near the top-right of the menu bar to open GlobalProtect.
- If prompted for a portal, enter laptopvpn.uwgb.edu.
- Sign in with your UW-Green Bay username and password, then approve Okta if prompted.
- GlobalProtect will show Connected when complete.
Personal Devices (Windows & Mac)
Faculty and staff personal devices may use our SafeConnect portal to install GlobalProtect for limited access to campus resources.
- From a browser, go to safeconnect.uwgb.edu and sign in with your UWGB credentials; complete Okta verification if prompted.
- Download the correct GlobalProtect installer for your device and run it.
- When prompted for a portal, enter safeconnect.uwgb.edu and select Connect.
- Sign in with your UW-Green Bay credentials and approve Okta if prompted.
Mac only (first-time install): during installation you may be asked to allow system extensions and grant folder access (Desktop, Documents, Downloads); select Allow/OK when prompted.
Verify You’re Connected
- Windows: The GlobalProtect globe in the system tray shows a check mark when connected.
- Mac: Select the globe icon in the menu bar; status reads Connected.
If You Recently Changed Your Password
If VPN sign-in still has your old password cached, open GlobalProtect Settings and Sign out, then sign in again with your new UWGB password.
Captive Portals (Hotels, Airports, etc.)
- Connect to the location’s Wi-Fi and complete any browser-based sign-in page (the “captive portal”).
- Once you have Internet access, start or reconnect GlobalProtect.
Notes on Third-Party VPNs
Third-party VPN tools (for example, commercial privacy VPNs) can interfere with access to UWGB services. If you have one running, temporarily disable it when accessing UW-Green Bay resources. GBIT does not support third-party VPNs beyond basic disable/enable checks for connectivity.
Troubleshooting & Support
- Restart your device and your home router/modem, then try again.
- Confirm your portal address (laptopvpn.uwgb.edu on UWGB-owned laptops; safeconnect.uwgb.edu on personal devices).
- Try signing out of GlobalProtect and signing back in.
- If issues persist, contact the GBIT Service Desk.