​VPN stands for Virtual Private Networking. VPN allows for a secure remote connection to UWSP network resources.  For example, off-campus access to restricted databases and systems should be accessed through a VPN connection.

IMPORTANT: to successfully set up your VPN connection make sure that you complete all steps below.

Set Up VPN on Windows 11

  1. In Windows Search type VPN and select VPN Settings from the search results.​


  2. Click Add VPN.


    3. ​In the dialog box that opens:

  3. Set VPN provider to "Windows (built-in)".

  4. Set Connection name to "UWSP VPN".

  5. Set Server name or address to "vpn.uwsp.edu".

  6. Click Save.


  7. At the right of Connect for UWSP VPN, click the arrow to expand and select Advanced options.

    8. ​

  8. Click Edit to the right of More VPN Properties.

    9. ​

  9. Select the Networking ​tab.

  10. Select Internet Protocol Version 6, then click Properties.


  11. Click Advanced.

    12. ​

  12. Uncheck “Use default gateway…” on the IP Settings tab.


  13. This step is for privately owned computers only (NOT UWSP owned computers):

    • Select the DNS tab and in the text box labeled DNS suffix for this connection: type, “uwsp.edu” (no quotes).

      • Note:Append these DNS suffixes may display here instead.

     
     

  14. Click OK, ​and OK again to return to the UWSP VPN Properties box.​​

  15. Back in ​​​the UWSP VPN Properties box select Internet Protocol Version 4 and click Properties.

    16.  

  16. Click Advanced on the Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties box.

  17. In the Advanced TCP/IP Settings box on the IP Settings tab, uncheck “Use default gateway…”.

  18. Click OK.

  19. Click OK to the Advanced box and OK to the Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties box.

  20. Finally, click OK on the UWSP VPN Properties box.  

You have now disabled the default gateway for both Internet Protocol Version 6 and version 4.

 Your UWSP VPN should be configured.


To start a UWSP VPN connection​

  1. In Windows Search type VPN and select VPN Settings from the search results.


    2. Your new VPN connection, "UWSP VPN", will display.

  2. To the right of "UWSP VPN", click Connect.


  3. Log in with your UWSP username and password. You will be asked to authenticate with MFA.


Have questions?  Please contact the Service Desk.​​