Configure VPN Connection on Windows (OpenVPN)
Requirement!
To set up the VPN, you need a second factor (abbreviation: 2FA or MFA). This is an additional security layer in addition to your HTW account password. You can set up the second factor using the following guide:
Multi-Factor Authentication
It is strongly recommended not to run any additional VPN clients in parallel!
Step 1: Download OpenVPN and the configuration file
Download the OpenVPN client and the certificate from our download portal (you need to log in with your HTW account). Then return to this guide.
To download the OpenVPN client and the VPN profile
Step 2: Install the VPN client
Run the setup file you downloaded in Step 1 and click "Next" to continue.
Step 3: Confirm the EULA
Accept the license agreement (EULA) and click "Next" to proceed with the installation.
Step 4:
Click "Install" to start the installation.
Confirm any prompts that may appear in this step.
Step 5: Complete the installation
Complete the installation by clicking "Finish."
Step 6: Confirm the EULA
The OpenVPN program should start automatically after installation.
After setup, the OpenVPN license agreement (EULA) will be displayed. Click "AGREE" to confirm it.
Step 7: Load the configuration file
Select the "UPLOAD FILE" tab and upload the configuration file from Step 1 either by clicking "BROWSE" or by dragging and dropping it into the window.
Step 8: Login
In the view, enter your HTW account username & password (without @htw-berlin.de; e.g. s0000001 or amuster) in the “Username” field and click on “CONNECT”.
Step 9: Second Factor
Enter the one-time password (numeric code) generated by your authenticator app in this view. You set up this app using our guide. Then click "SEND."
Step 10: Successfully Connected
If everything was entered correctly, you will see the following view:
The VPN connection has been successfully established.
When the window is closed, the application continues to run in the background. You can find it in the bottom right of the taskbar (an icon showing a screen with a lock) and reopen it with a double-click.
NO openVPN possible in eduroam or the HTW network!
In the entire HTW Berlin network (including the eduroam WLAN), an OpenVPN connection cannot be established (a timeout is displayed in the OpenVPN client).
Its use is mainly intended for outside the university.
Uninstallation of old VPN clients
After completing the installation, we recommend uninstalling any old installations of the Cisco AnyConnect program (if you used our old VPN client).