Cisco VPN, Start Before Logon, How to connect before Windows login

A feature of the Cisco Secure Client is the ability to connect to the VPN before signing in to a Windows computer. For remote and hybrid staff and faculty signing in to a new computer for the first time, it is necessary to first connect to the campus VPN so the computer recognizes the NetID and password.

If you are not connected to the VPN before the first sign in, you will see this message

Error message that reads We can't sign you in with this credential because your domain isn't available. This verbiage may be slightly different in other versions of Windows.

Before you start

Make sure you have internet connection available and have set up DUO Push as two-factor authentication. For details on setting up DUO Push, see 2FA/MFA, Enroll Smartphone in Duo Mobile.

Connect the computer to the internet at the sign in screen

Based on your Windows version, select the icon below to show the list of available Wi-Fi networks. Select a network, enter its password to connect to the internet.

Alternatively, plug in an Ethernet cable from your router to set up a wired connection to the internet.

Windows 10

Windows 11

Open the Cisco Secure Client - Start Before Logon window

Based on your Windows version, select the icon below to open the connection window.

Windows 10

Windows 11

Connect to the VPN

In the Cisco Secure Client window, open the drop down selection box and select profile "4 Computer Login".

In the pop up window, type in your NetID and password in the top two boxes.

Type in the word "push" in the last box, labeled "Second Password".

Press Enter or select "OK" to connect.

You will receive a push notification from the DUO app on your smartphone. Approve the push notification to finalize the connection.

Sign in to Windows

Select "Other user" in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Use your NetID and password to sign in to Windows.

Notes on the use of Cisco Secure Client VPN for remote employees

After the first time sign in as explained above, it's not necessary to connect to Cisco VPN every time before signing in to Windows.

It is required to connect to Cisco VPN at least once a month while off campus, so that Windows and other licenses are kept up to date.

It is required to connect to Cisco VPN to access certain campus resources.

It is recommended to connect to Cisco VPN for work while off campus, especially when using public Wi-Fi.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact IT Partners @ Gies - helpdesk@business.illinois.edu, 217-244-0812.


Keywords:
"Sign In", "work from home", "first sign in", domain, "domain isn't", "domain is not", laptop, hybrid, remote, "Secure Client" 
Doc ID:
122810
Owned by:
Allison P. in UI Gies College of Business
Created:
2022-12-02
Updated:
2025-03-17
Sites:
UI Gies College of Business