Global Protect VPN: Windows Connect Before Login feature

There may be a time when a VPN connection is needed before you login to your device. This document goes over the process of connecting to the UW Madison/WiscVPN and the SoE VPN through the Global Protect VPN client on Windows devices.

How do I tell what VPN I am using?

Click the lock and key symbol in the bottom right corner of the Windows login screen. 

Lock and Key Icon

The next screen will take you to the VPN login page. You can determine which VPN you are using by the portal listed. "uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu" is for the UW Madison/WiscVPN, and "soe.vpn.wisc.edu" is for the SoE VPN. 

VPN Login Page

 

UW Madison/WiscVPN Instructions

Click the lock and key symbol in the bottom right corner of the Windows login screen. 

Lock and Key Icon

You will be taken to the VPN login page. The listed portal should be "uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu". Enter your NetID username and password, the hit enter. 

VPN Login Page

The next page will prompt for DUO MFA verification. Type "1" and hit enter to send a DUO push to your phone, or enter your DUO verification code. 

DUO Page

The next page confirms you are connected to the UW Madison VPN. You can now click back and login to your device. 

Confirmation Page

 

SoE VPN Instructions

Click the lock and key symbol in the bottom right corner of the Windows login screen. 

Lock and Key Icon

You will be taken to the VPN login page. The listed portal should be "soe.vpn.wisc.edu". Enter your SoE username and password, the hit enter. If you are unsure of your SoE username or password, please contact the MERIT helpdesk or WCER Research IT helpdesk.

MERIT Helpdesk: helpdesk@education.wisc.edu | (608) 265-4773 

WCER Research IT helpdesk: support@wcer.wisc.edu | (608) 263-4333 

SoE VPN Login Page

The next page confirms you are connected to the SoE VPN. You can now click back and login to your device. 

Confirmation Page

 

 



Keywords:
Global Protect VPN soe.vpn.wisc.edu uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu pre-login windows 
Doc ID:
148789
Owned by:
Sam H. in MERIT
Created:
2025-03-04
Updated:
2025-03-04
Sites:
MERIT, School of Education