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Start Before Logon - Authenticating to the VPN Prior to Windows Logon

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10.0 - Last modified on 2025-12-02 Revised by Todd Kerstetter

9.0 - Last modified on 2024-10-15 Revised by Darrick Bremner

8.0 - Last modified on 2024-05-16 Revised by Darrick Bremner

2.0 - Last modified on 2021-09-02 Revised by Todd Kerstetter

1.0 - Created on 2020-03-26 Authored by Todd Kerstetter

Overview

The Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client provided by OIT has the ability to create a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection prior to logging in to Windows with the "Start Before Logon" (SBL) feature. The SBL feature is used when a connection to the university network is required prior to logging onto the computer. This step is especially important if you have changed your Unity ID password while working remotely and want to make sure it synchronizes with the remote machine. 

Steps to Authenticate to the VPN prior to the Windows logon

1) Power on or restart your laptop/computer.

2) Make sure you have an active network connection (wired or wireless) by verifying in the lower right hand corner of the screen as shown in this below screenshot.

3) Select the "Network Sign-in" icon to establish the VPN connection.

4) Complete by logging into the NC State VPN