Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Connecting to company VPN from home. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Connecting to Company VPN from Home - Business User Guide

Problem

You need to access company resources (files, applications, email) from home but don't know how to connect to the VPN.

Why Do You Need a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure connection to the company network, allowing you to:

• Access shared drives and files
• Use internal applications
• Access sensitive company systems
• Work as if you were in the office

Prerequisites

• A company-issued laptop (recommended) or approved personal device
• VPN client installed on your computer
• Active company credentials
• Stable internet connection at home

Solutions

Step 1: Find Your VPN Client

Your company likely uses one of these VPN clients:

• Cisco AnyConnect — Look for "AnyConnect" in your programs
• Palo Alto GlobalProtect — Look for "GlobalProtect"
• Fortinet FortiClient — Look for "FortiClient"
• Microsoft Intune or company portal

Search for the client: Press Win + S and type "VPN", "AnyConnect", or "GlobalProtect"

Step 2: Connect to the VPN

1. Open the VPN client application

2. Enter the server address:

• This is provided by IT (e.g., vpn.company.com)
• Check your welcome email or IT documentation

3. Enter your domain credentials:

• Username: DOMAIN\username or just username
• Password: Your company password

4. Click "Connect" or "Connect VPN"

5. Wait for the connection to establish (30-60 seconds)

6. You should see a "Connected" or "Connected to..." message

Step 3: Verify the Connection

1. Look for the VPN icon in your system tray (bottom right)

• Usually a lock icon or the VPN client's logo

2. Check that you have:

• Internet access (try loading a website)
• Access to company resources

Step 4: Access Company Resources

Once connected to VPN, you can:

• Open shared drives: \\servername\share or mapped drives
• Access email: Open Outlook (works automatically)
• Use internal apps: Launch as usual
• Access file servers: Use the server names from the office

Step 5: Disconnect When Done

1. Right-click the VPN icon in the system tray

2. Select "Disconnect" or "Disconnect VPN"

3. Wait for confirmation

4. Close the VPN application if desired

Troubleshooting VPN Connection

"Cannot connect to VPN server"

• Check your home internet is working
• Verify you're using the correct VPN server address
• Try restarting the VPN client

"Authentication failed"

• Verify your username and password are correct
• Your password may have expired — reset it
• Contact IT if locked out

"Connection timed out"

• Try again — servers can be busy
• Check if firewall is blocking the VPN
• Contact IT if persistent

"VPN connected but no access"

• Ensure you're using the correct network (company Wi-Fi not available)
• Restart your computer and try again
• Check with IT that you have VPN access permissions

VPN Best Practices

• Always connect to VPN when accessing company resources remotely
• Don't share VPN credentials with others
• Disconnect when not using company resources
• Never use public Wi-Fi without VPN when working with sensitive data

Need More Help?

Contact IT Support with:

• The VPN client you're using
• The error message you're seeing
• What you've already tried

Still Having Issues?