# Connecting to VPN with Global Protect

## Overview

PBR uses **Global Protect** as its VPN client. The VPN allows you to securely access PBR network resources (such as shared drives and internal systems) when working from home or off-site.

Global Protect should be installed on your PBR-issued device. If it is not installed, contact IT Helpdesk at <helpdesk@pbr.org.au>.

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## Connecting to the VPN

1. Make sure you are connected to the internet (home WiFi, mobile data, etc.)
2. Find the **Global Protect** icon in your system tray (bottom-right of the taskbar). It looks like a small globe. Click it to open
3. If you cannot find it in the tray, search **Global Protect** in the Windows Start menu and open the app
4. If this is your first time opening Global Protect, you may see a Welcome screen — click **Get Started**
5. The portal address should be pre-configured as **gp\_belg.pbr.org.au**. If it is not, type this in and click **Connect**
6. A Microsoft sign-in window will appear — sign in with your PBR email and password
7. Approve the MFA prompt on your Microsoft Authenticator app
8. Once connected, the Global Protect icon will show a tick. You can now access PBR network resources as normal

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## Disconnecting

1. Click the Global Protect icon in the system tray
2. Click **Disconnect**

Disconnect when you are finished working remotely or return to a PBR site — the VPN is not required when you are on-site.

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## Connecting Before Windows Login (Start Before Logon)

If your network drives are disconnected after logging in remotely, you can connect to the VPN *before* Windows loads your profile. This ensures your drives map correctly.

1. Shut down your computer completely and wait 10 seconds
2. Turn the computer on — **do not log in yet**
3. On the Windows login screen, click the **network sign-in icon** in the bottom-right corner
4. The Global Protect window will appear — enter the portal address **gp\_belg.pbr.org.au** if prompted and click **Connect**
5. Sign in with your PBR credentials and approve the MFA prompt
6. Once connected, proceed to log into Windows as normal

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## Troubleshooting

<table id="bkmrk-issuesolution-global"><tr><th>Issue</th><th>Solution</th></tr><tr><td>Global Protect not installed</td><td>Contact IT Helpdesk — do not attempt to install yourself</td></tr><tr><td>Cannot connect — connection timeout</td><td>Check your internet connection is working first; try disconnecting and reconnecting</td></tr><tr><td>MFA prompt not appearing</td><td>Check your phone has signal/internet; open Microsoft Authenticator manually to look for a pending approval</td></tr><tr><td>Network drives not appearing after connecting</td><td>Try the "Start Before Logon" method above, or contact IT Helpdesk</td></tr><tr><td>Prompted for a portal address</td><td>Enter: **gp\_belg.pbr.org.au**</td></tr></table>

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## Need Help?

Contact IT Helpdesk at <helpdesk@pbr.org.au> or raise a ticket at [helpdesk.pbr.org.au](https://helpdesk.pbr.org.au)