Connecting via the Windows Built-in VPN

Some company laptops connect to the office using the VPN that’s already built into Windows, rather than a separate app you install yourself. This guide covers that built-in version. If you were given a separate VPN application to install instead, see Connecting to the Office VPN rather than this guide — check with support if you’re not sure which one applies to your laptop. New to VPNs generally? What Is a VPN? Work VPN vs Personal VPN explains what this is actually for.

What makes this one different

This connection uses a secure, encrypted tunnel (the technical name is an SSL VPN) that’s built directly into Windows, and it’s set up to work with the same username and password you already use to sign in to your laptop each morning — there’s nothing extra to install.

Connecting

1. Click the network icon in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar (it looks like Wi-Fi bars or a small computer screen).
2. Select VPN from the menu that appears — you should see a connection already listed with a name your IT team gave it (something like “Office VPN” or your company name).
3. Click it, then click Connect.
4. If asked to sign in, use the same username and password you use to log into your laptop. Tick Remember my sign-in info if you’d rather not enter it every time.
5. Once connected, the entry will show Connected underneath its name.

Tip

Can’t find the VPN entry at all? It’s normally pre-configured by your IT team before your laptop reaches you. If it’s missing, contact support rather than trying to add one yourself.

Confirming it’s working

Once connected, you should be able to reach internal resources you couldn’t get to a moment ago — shared drives, internal tools, or line-of-business apps. If those still aren’t reachable after connecting, give it a minute (it can take a short while to fully settle), then try again before contacting support.

Disconnecting

You don’t need to stay connected all day if you don’t need internal resources — click the same network icon, select the VPN entry, and click Disconnect. Windows won’t disconnect it automatically just because you close your laptop lid, so it’s worth disconnecting manually before travelling if you’re on limited mobile data.

Troubleshooting

“We couldn’t connect” or it fails immediately Usually a sign that the network you’re on is blocking the connection. Try a different network (a mobile hotspot is a good way to test) — if that works, the problem is with that specific Wi-Fi network, not your laptop.

Keeps asking for your password even after you tick “remember” This can happen if your Windows password has recently changed. Try entering the new password again; if it still doesn’t stick, contact support.

Connected, but very slow This is often the Wi-Fi you’re on rather than the VPN itself — try moving closer to the router, or testing on a different connection.

If none of the above resolves it, contact support and mention you’re using the built-in Windows VPN (not the separate VPN app) so it’s clear which connection to look into.