Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN is a secure connection that allows your computer to access The University of Manchester’s network and services when you are not on campus.

Downloading and installing VPN software

Do I need VPN to access all University services remotely?

Most of the commonly used services you use day to day are available directly via the internet with no VPN needed.

Some of the services which do not need VPN access:

  • IT Account Manager
  • IT Support Portal
  • Blackboard
  • Campus Solutions Student System
  • MyView
  • Microsoft 365
  • Zoom
  • Electronic library resources (e-books, e-journals and databases)

More detailed information can be found here:

How do I know if I need the VPN?

The quickest way to find out whether the service you want to connect to needs VPN, is to connect to the service without the VPN enabled. If you cannot connect to this service, enable the VPN and then try again.

When should I use the VPN?

Staff and Postgraduate researchers using Windows 10 computers which are managed by the University should always connect to the VPN when not working on campus. This is to ensure the computer receives security and application updates.

Windows 11 computers and Apple Macs do not need to be always connected to receive security and application updates.

What if a service I want to use is not currently available when off campus?

We have worked with various teams and academic colleagues to enable remote access to many services to support hybrid working.

As a principle, we will work to provide secure remote access when off campus. As part of the restoration of the VPN, all services must be requested to be enabled for remote access by the service owner.

If a service does not work off campus when connected to the VPN, please contact the service owner who supports that service. If you don’t know who that is (or if you are a service owner who wants to enable remote access to your service), submit a request via the IT Support Portal.

Supported Devices

When you connect to the VPN service, the security status of your device is checked against a security profile which will allow or deny access to a service.

Some services require a computer which is managed or owned by the University, however, others can be accessed via a personally owned device that meets minimum security requirements, or by specialist devices on request.

Further information