---
type: source
title: "VPN Setup for Windows"
tags: [vpn, windows, network-access, urz]
related: [vpn-zugang, openvpn-connect]
created: 2026-06-30
updated: 2026-06-30
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_technische_infrastruktur_vpn_windows.md"]
---

# VPN Setup for Windows

This source provides a detailed step-by-step guide for configuring VPN access to the Universität Greifswald network on Windows devices.

## Key Requirements
To establish a connection, users must possess:
1. The **OpenVPN Connect** application.
2. A valid **Nutzerzertifikat** (User Certificate) in `.p12` format.
3. A specific **VPN Profile** configuration file.
4. Valid **URZ-Account** credentials (username and password).

## Setup Workflow
The installation follows a linear sequence:
1. **Installation**: Download and install the OpenVPN Connect app.
2. **Cleanup**: Remove any existing VPN configurations via the "My Profiles" menu.
3. **Certificate Import**: Import the `.p12` user certificate through the "Certificates & Tokens" menu.
4. **Profile Import**: Upload the VPN profile file and configure it by linking the imported certificate and entering URZ account credentials.
5. **Connection**: Use the "Connect" button to establish the encrypted tunnel.

## Critical Technical Note
The source identifies a manufacturer bug in OpenVPN Connect: the import of user certificates will fail if the file path to the `.p12` file contains **special characters, spaces, or umlauts**. Users must ensure the file is located in a path consisting only of standard alphanumeric characters.

## Support
Technical issues are handled by the [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]] via the [[groupware]] ticket system or the URZ hotline (ext. 1420).