Connecting to company VPN from home

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Connecting to company VPN from home. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Problem

You need to access company resources (files, applications, email) from home but don't know how to connect to the VPN.

Why Do You Need a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure connection to the company network, allowing you to:

• Access shared drives and files
• Use internal applications
• Access sensitive company systems
• Work as if you were in the office

For more information on remote network access, see Connecting to company network remotely.

Prerequisites

• A company‑issued laptop (recommended) or an approved personal device
• VPN client installed on your computer
• Active company credentials
• Stable internet connection at home

Solutions

Step 1: Identify Your VPN Client

Your company may provide one of the following VPN clients:

• Cisco AnyConnect – Look for “AnyConnect” in your programmes.
• Palo Alto GlobalProtect – Look for “GlobalProtect”.
• Fortinet FortiClient – Look for “FortiClient”.
• Windows built‑in VPN – Use the native Windows VPN client.
• macOS built‑in VPN – Use the native macOS VPN client.

Search for the client: press Win + S (Windows) or use Spotlight (macOS) and type “VPN”, “AnyConnect”, or “GlobalProtect”.

Step 2: Connect to the VPN

1. Open the VPN client application.
2. Enter the server address (e.g., vpn.company.com). This information is provided by IT.
3. Enter your domain credentials:
   • Username: DOMAIN\username or simply username
   • Password: your company password
4. When prompted, complete Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA).
5. Click Connect (or “Connect VPN”).
6. Wait for the connection to establish (30–60 seconds).
7. Verify you see a “Connected” message.

Step 3: Verify the Connection

1. Look for the VPN icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (macOS).
2. Confirm you have:
   • Internet access (try loading a website).
   • Access to company resources such as shared drives.

Step 4: Access Company Resources

Once connected, you can:

• Open shared drives: \\servername\share or mapped drives. See Cannot access shared network drives for troubleshooting.
• Access email: Open Outlook – it will connect automatically.
• Use internal applications: Launch as usual.
• Access file servers: Use the server names provided by the office.

Step 5: Disconnect When Finished

1. Right‑click the VPN icon in the system tray or menu bar.
2. Select Disconnect (or “Disconnect VPN”).
3. Wait for confirmation that the connection has ended.
4. Close the VPN application if desired.

Troubleshooting VPN Connection

• Check that your home internet connection is working.
• Verify the VPN server address is correct.
• Restart the VPN client.
• Ensure no firewall or router is blocking the VPN ports.

• Confirm your username and password are correct.
• If your password has expired, reset it via the self‑service portal.
• Complete the MFA prompt.
• Contact IT if you are locked out.

• Retry – the server may be busy.
• Check that your firewall or antivirus is not blocking the VPN.
• If the problem persists, Open a Ticket.

• Flush DNS to ensure correct name resolution:
  • Windows: ipconfig /flushdns
  • macOS: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
• Test internet connectivity; some VPNs use split‑tunnelling.
• Check for certificate errors – ensure the company root certificate is installed.
• Restart your computer and reconnect.
• Verify your VPN account has permission to access the required resources.

VPN Best Practices

• Always connect to the VPN when accessing company resources remotely.
• Never share VPN credentials with anyone.
• Disconnect when you are finished working.
• Avoid using public Wi‑Fi without an active VPN connection when handling sensitive data.
• Keep your VPN client and operating system up to date.

Need More Help?

If you continue to experience issues, please Open a Ticket and include:

• The VPN client you are using.
• The exact error message displayed.
• Steps you have already tried.

Still Having Issues?