How to use Start Before Login (SBL)

Summary

If you need access to Purdue resources before signing in to your Windows computer (for example, when off campus and your computer requires contact with Purdue services to authenticate your account), you can use the Sign-In Before Login (SBL) feature.

Body

Connect to Purdue VPN Before Signing In to Windows (Sign-In Before Login)

If you need access to Purdue resources before signing in to your Windows computer (for example, when off campus and your computer requires contact with Purdue services to authenticate your account), you can use the Sign-In Before Login (SBL) feature.

  1. At the Windows sign-in screen, select the Cisco Secure Client or Network Sign-In icon (if available).
  2. In the VPN connection field, enter webvpn.purdue.edu/sbl.
  3. Select Connect.
  4. When prompted, complete the Purdue sign-in process using your Purdue email address and Career Account password.
  5. Complete Microsoft MFA verification if prompted.
  6. After the VPN connection is established, sign in to Windows with your Purdue credentials.

Notes:

  • The Sign-In Before Login option is only available on Purdue-managed computers that have the Cisco Secure Client SBL module installed and configured.
  • If the Cisco Secure Client sign-in option does not appear on the Windows login screen, your computer may not have SBL enabled.
  • Most users should continue using webvpn.purdue.edu after logging in to Windows. Use webvpn.purdue.edu/sbl only when a VPN connection is required before Windows authentication.
  • If you need assistance enabling or troubleshooting SBL, contact your campus IT support team. 

Details

Details

Article ID: 1979
Created
Thu 12/11/25 1:37 PM
Modified
Mon 10/19/26 11:30 AM

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