VPN - Download & Install (Windows, Mac, & Linux)


This article shares updated step-by-step instructions for downloading and installing the Cisco Secure VPN client on desktop computers (all platforms). 

To install or use the UA VPN, you must log in with the university’s Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) via Duo Mobile.

For more information on logging into VPN, refer to the VPN - Connection Methods knowledge article.

System Requirements

Cisco Secure Client 5 supports the following operating systems:

Windows

  • Windows 11 (64-bit)
  • Windows 10 x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit)
  • For ARM64-based PCs running Microsoft-supported versions of Windows 10 or Windows 11, download the Cisco Secure Connect Client (Box hosted download).

MacOS (64-bit only)

  • macOS 14 Sonoma
  • macOS 13 Ventura
  • macOS 12 Monterey
  • macOS 11.5.1 Big Sur

Linux

  • Red Hat
    • 9.x
    • 8.x*
  • Except ISE Posture Module (which only supports 8.1 and later).
  • Ubuntu
    • 22.04
    • 20.04

For more information on supported operating systems, see Supported VPN Platforms.

Uninstall Instructions

Before you install the newest version of the Cisco VPN client, you must uninstall the old version. Make sure you have Admin access to complete the uninstall/reinstall.

Windows
These instructions are for Windows 10 OS, but the process is similar for older Windows operating systems.

  1. Click the Start menu. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Open Programs.
  3. Select Uninstall a program.
  4. Select Cisco Anyconnect VPN Secure Mobility Client from the list of programs then click Uninstall.
  5. Click Yes to complete the uninstall. This may take a few moments.

If you see an interprocess communication error, please review the VPN - Cisco Client Install Error (Windows) article article linked in the Related Articles side panel.

macOS

  1. Locate the Applications folder.
    1. While in the Finder, select Go from the links at the top of your desktop.
    2. Select Applications from the drop-down list.
  2. Look for the Cisco folder and open it.
  3. Double click on Uninstall Anyconnect to start the uninstall process.
  4. Follow the prompts to uninstall the VPN program.

If this method leaves residual Cisco application components, please review the VPN - Cisco Client Install Error (macOS) article linked in the Related Articles side panel. This article provides details on how to manually uninstall the application through terminal commands.

Installation Instructions (all desktop platforms)

Customers using ARM64-based PCs should refer to the System Requirements panel for specific instructions, as their installation process differs from other devices.

All Remaining Desktop Platforms

The process for downloading and installing the Cisco Secure Connect app on computer devices has been simplified. This applies to Windows, Mac and Linux devices.  

When navigating to the main VPN site, the site will automatically recognize the operating system of the device you are using and will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to complete the download and install process for your OS.

Instructions:

  1. In a web browser, navigate to vpn.arizona.edu. 
  2. Enter your NetID and NetID password when prompted by WebAuth.
  3. Click Login.
  4. Your computer screen directs you to check your device for a Duo push.


    Note: The system remembers the method you last used to log in and offers it as your preferred option. If you'd like to try a different method, click the Other Options button and select the correct method from the list.

      
  5. Approving the request on your phone is all it takes to utilize the Push feature when signing in.
  6. Review the Notice box and click Continue to accept the notice alert.

     
  7. Click the Instructions button to access specific steps for your operating system.

     
  8. In the step-by-step Instructions that load, you can hover over each image for a zoomed-in view or you can click on the images to open them in a new browser tab.
  9. Once you open the installed application, your experience may be different based on your system configurations. For example, you may be prompted to enter your UA credentials on the WebAuth screen. If so, you will be connected once you enter your credentials.


    Note    : This screenshot above is an example of the step-by-step instructions that you will be provided. This example is for Windows. Your list of steps may vary depending on your operating system. The final step shown in the example is not specific to the UA. Please disregard and move on to the information below.
      
  10. Once you complete the steps, you should have the latest version of the Cisco VPN client. For more information on using the client, please reference the VPN - Connection Methods in the Related Articles section in the right side of the page.