Overview
Purpose of the VPN Client
The VPN (Virtual Private Network) client enables secure access to MSUM resources from off campus using your university computer.
A VPN establishes an encrypted tunnel between your device and the university network, protecting sensitive data from interception. This technology is commonly used by institutions to allow secure remote access to internal systems that may otherwise be blocked by firewalls or vulnerable over unsecured connections.
Currently, the VPN client is available only on university-provided Windows computers. It comes pre-installed and configured with the profile name ‘MnState User Tunnel.’ This VPN connection is set to automatically activate when you access MSU Moorhead or Minnesota State services.
To verify or manually control the VPN connection:
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Click the Network/Wi-Fi icon in the system toolbar (similar to connecting to Wi-Fi).
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Look for a connection named ‘MnState User Tunnel.’
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If you're using Windows 11, a new VPN widget may appear—click the arrow next to VPN and select MnState User Tunnel to connect or disconnect as needed.
For university apple devices we do have another method available for you to access some services while off site. Please visit our remote applications knowledgebase.
If more assistance is needed
Incident Request: If you still need help with something not working as it should or have questions, please contact the IT Help Desk or create a ticket using the "Incident Request" button on this page, or if there isn't one included then you can initiate it from the home page.
Service Request: A formal request from a user for something to be provided, information, advice, a standard change or access to an IT service, navigate to the Service Catalog to find the service you specifically would like to request.