How to connect to the University VPN


The Virtual Private Network (VPN) service provides remote access to specialist services only available on the campus network, including some software that requires access to a licence server.

Overview:

What is a VPN?

The VPN is a type of secure network connection, enabling your computer to access the University network when working remotely. The Virtual Private Network (VPN) service provides remote access to specialist services only available on the campus network, including some software that requires access to a licence server.

Before you connect to the VPN

Important: In order to follow these instructions, you need to have Pulse Secure already installed. If you find that you don't have Pulse Secure VPN installed, please visit the I don't have Pulse Secure installed, what can I do? for guidance on how to install it.

If you do want to connect to the VPN, there are different methods depending on your hardware and operating system. Please follow the appropriate guidance below:

How to connect to the VPN on a Windows computer

Finding Pulse Secure on Windows 10

If you are using Windows 10, you can find the Pulse Secure VPN by pressing the magnifying glass at the bottom left of your screen and typing 'Pulse Secure'.

Screenshot, Searching for Pulse Secure in Windows 10 via the Start Menu

Finding Pulse Secure on Windows 7

If you are using Windows 7, you can find Pulse Secure by clicking the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen, opening the Start Menu and clicking 'All Programs'.

Screenshot, Windows 7 Start Menu showing All Programs button

After clicking 'All Programs' you should now be able to see the 'Pulse Secure' folder, please open this and click the Pulse Secure software to open.

Screenshot, Pulse Secure software via Windows 7 start menu

Alternatively, you will also be able to find the software inside your taskbar by clicking the up arrow and clicking the Pulse Secure icon.

Screenshot, Pulse Secure icon via the taskbar on Windows 7

Using Pulse Secure on Windows to connect to the VPN

Important: Make sure you are using Pulse Secure version 9.1 or above. You can check the version number by opening Pulse and clicking Help > About. If you have version 5 installed, you will need to upgrade. If you are on a University managed please log a request to IT.  If you are on a personal device, you can download Pulse Secure for Windows under the ‘Attachments’ section of this page.

Important: do not download Pulse secure from the Windows Store, as this is NOT compatible.

Open up Pulse, and click ‘+’ to add a new connection.  Enter the following details, then click ‘Add’:
Name: UOLVPN
Server URL: https://uolvpn.leeds.ac.uk/connect

Important: the following guidance refers to DUO, the University's two-factor authentication system. For more information on DUO, please refer to: Duo two-factor authentication.

Click ‘Connect’. Enter the password for your University account and complete the Duo prompt. Please note that some users on University managed Windows devices may not be prompted to enter their credentials or complete the Duo prompt.  This is only temporary until all users are moved to cloud authentication.

Once you have entered your details correctly, Pulse Secure will attempt to connect you to the University VPN.

Screenshot, Pulse Secure dialog box detailing available connections and (disconnected/connected) statuses.

When your status changes to 'Connected', you are using the University VPN.

Please remember to disconnect from the VPN if you're not using it by clicking the disconnect button.

How to connect to the VPN on macOS

Choosing the correct version

There are 2 installers for macOS attached to this article and you need to ensure the correct version (see this article for help confirming version) for your operating system is installed:

If you are on a University Mac device and have an older version of Pulse Secure installed (9.1.r8 or below), please upgrade via the option in the Jamf Self Service app. If your University-owned Mac is not yet enrolled with Jamf, it must be so. Please log a request to the IT Service Desk for enrolment.

Finding Pulse Secure on a MacBook

On a macOS device, you can find Pulse secure located in the menu bar or the top right which will display the Pulse Secure icon.

Screenshot, macOS Menu bar top right showing the Pulse Secure icon

Alternatively, you can press CMD + SPACE on your keyboard and search for 'Pulse Secure' and press enter OR go to Finder > Applications > Pulse Secure and double click to start.

Using Pulse Secure on macOS to connect to the VPN

Open Pulse and click '+' to add a new connection. Enter the following details, then click 'Add': 

Name: UOLVPN
Server URL: https://uolvpn.leeds.ac.uk/connect

Screenshot of the dialog box with the name and server URL

Click 'Connect'. Enter the password for your University account and complete the Duo prompt. 

Once you have entered your details correctly, Pulse Secure will attempt to connect you to the University VPN. 

Screenshot, Pulse Secure software open on Mac showing current connection status as connected

When your status changes to 'Connected' you are using the University VPN. Please remember to disconnect from the VPN if you are not using it by clicking the disconnect button. 

How to connect to the VPN on Linux

Choosing the correct version

If you are on a University Linux device and have an older version of Pulse Secure installed, please log a request to IT Service Desk for a client upgrade.

Finding Pulse Secure on Linux

To find Pulse Secure on Linux, you can search for 'Pulse Secure' in your applications and then open it to show the client interface.

Using Pulse Secure on Linux to connect to the VPN

  1. Open Pulse, and click '+' to add a new connection. Enter the following details, the click 'Add':
    1. Name: UOLVPN
    2. Server URL: https://uolvpn.leeds.ac.uk/connect
  2. Click 'Connect'. If this is the first time you have run Pulse Secure, you will be prompted to download and install the Chromium Embedded Browser (CEF). Enter the password for your University account and complete the DUO prompt. 
  3. Once you have entered your details correctly, Pulse Secure will attempt to connect you to the University VPN. 
  4. When your status changes to 'Connected', you are using the University VPN. 

Important: Please remember to disconnect from the VPN if you're not using it by clicking the disconnect button.

How to connect to the VPN on iOS and Android

Finding Pulse Secure on iOS

Finding Pulse Secure on Android

I have a VPN certificate warning, what should I do?

If you're being warned about the VPN certificate, you can download and install a new certificate which is located under the 'Attachments' section of this page.

I don't have Pulse Secure installed, what can I do?

If you're using a personal device

You can download the VPN installation files under the 'Attachments' section of this page under Windows VPN Client (both 32 & 64-bit versions available) and install them.

Important: Windows 11 users can only install the 64-bit version, the 32-bit version will not work.

macOS

Linux

RPM file installation:

             or unzip ~/Downloads/RPMLinux-PulseSecure-Installer64bit_RHEL8.zip

DEB file installation:

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