Signing in Remotely with a University Laptop

Owned by Chris Watson
Last updated: Oct 29, 2024
2 min read

Your University laptop can function remotely just as if it were on-campus, when it is connected to the VPN. This requires connecting to the VPN and signing into Windows in the proper order. It is possible to sign into Windows without connecting to the VPN, but this signs you in in an off-line mode. Your network drives and printers will not be available until you connect to the VPN. Even then, connections that normally occur automatically at sign-in will not happen after the VPN is connected, and you will need to make these connections manually.

By connecting to the VPN before signing into Windows, your computer will make all the automatic connections when you sign in, just like when it is on-campus.

At the Windows sign on screen, click the Network Connection icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

This will bring up the Cisco AnyConnect application.

Click the Connect button to enter your VPN credentials.

Sign in using your UW user name and password. The user name should not include “nexus\” or “@uwaterloo.ca”.

The “Second Password” field is for DUO 2FA authentication. In this field, enter one of the following:

  • the word ‘push’ to receive a push notification on your phone

  • the passcode from your DUO FOB, the DUO Mobile app, or provided by an administrator

Once the VPN is connected, you will be directed back to the Windows sign-in screen. Sign in to Windows as you normally would.