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VPN Installation Guide: Windows (3 Steps)

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  3. VPN Installation Guide: Windows (3 Steps)

Step 1: Download Pulse Secure

Requires Windows 8.1 or higher.  — What version of Windows do I have?

Download the correct version of Pulse Secure for your system. — Do I need 32-bit or 64-bit?

Download Pulse Secure v9.1.13 (Windows 32-bit)
Download Pulse Secure v9.1.13 (Windows 64-bit)

VPN Server URL: vpn.library.ucdavis.edu (step-by-step instructions below)

Please note: Pulse Secure does not currently have a client version for ARM processors as found in devices such as the Microsoft Surface Pro or HP Elite Folio.

Step 2: Install Pulse Secure on Windows

Please note that these instructions apply to multiple versions of Windows. The appearance of your own computer may differ slightly to the screenshots included below.

  1. Open the Pulse Secure installation file. It will be named PulseSecurex86.msi (34-bit) or PulseSecurex64.msi (64-bit) depending on which version you chose.
    — Note: At this point, your device should prompt you if you accidentally downloaded the wrong bit version.
  2. In the Pulse Secure Installation Wizard, select Next and Install.


  3. If you are asked if you want to make changes to your device, select Yes.


  4. When the installation is complete, select Finish to exit the Setup Wizard.


Pulse Secure is now installed! Next, let’s configure it to connect to the library VPN.

Step 3: Configure Pulse Secure to Connect to the Library VPN

Please note that these instructions apply to multiple versions of Windows. The appearance of your own computer may differ slightly to the screenshots included below.

  1. Use the Start Menu to locate and open Pulse Secure.


  2. Select the Plus symbol to add a new connection.


  3. Enter the following VPN connection information and then select Add to save the connection.

    Type: (do not change this setting)
    Name: Library VPN (or another name of your choosing)
    Server URL: vpn.library.ucdavis.edu



  4. “Library VPN” will now appear as an option in your Connections list. Select Connect to open the connection.


  5. When prompted, enter your UC Davis Kerberos (CAS) username and password, click Connect. A secondary prompt will appear requesting your Duo code/command. See our FAQ for options, enter the option you prefer, then select Connect to complete the connection. A green checkmark will appear in your Connections list once the connection is successful.


Congratulations, you are now connected to the library VPN and have access to all of the library’s online resources!

Always Connect First

Before accessing licensed library resources from off campus, you must first sign into the library VPN using your UC Davis Kerberos (CAS) credentials.

This must be done every time you want to access licensed library resources from off campus, unless a single sign-on option is available for the resource you want to access.

VPN Help / Troubleshooting

Issues accessing a licensed resource?
Trouble connecting or other problems?
HELP! It’s still not working!