Connect to VPN before Windows 7 starts

Question

I am building a laptop with Windows 7 SP1 x64 which will be used by a remote user. The laptop needs to be locked down so they can only do their work and nothing else. It will have a VPN connection created in Windows which will connect them into the domain.

Is it possible to automatically connect to the VPN as Windows is loading (before the logon screen)? Ideally I'd like it to connect to the VPN before it attempts to load Group Policy so that as soon as it does connect, Group Policy is then processed.

Solution

Yes.

You need to make sure the VPN connection has been created first, and make it possible for all users to use the connection. You do not need to store the credentials.

Now, once the computer is connected to a domain, an additional icon will appear on the login screen on the bottom right which will allow anyone to login using a VPN connection.

Comments

[Mikael Dúi Bolinder]

Possible duplicate of How to connect to a VPN at startup?

[Reado]

OK, so by using the option I take it that would ask them for their domain credentials and use them to establish the VPN connection, then login to Windows?

[LPChip]

Exactly. Its common practice actually.