International Travel - Travel Laptops (Employee Only)

In many cases, VPN access may not be available. When travelers need access to firewalled resources or KU-based data, KU IT must implement alternative secure methods for access.

Travel Laptop Initial Setup

IMPORTANT: DO NOT attempt to set up a travel laptop on a KU or campus network – it will fail. These laptops are designed to be logged into and configured for the first time using an off-campus network. You can set it up on any network, such as your home network, a coffee shop, or your smartphone's Wi-Fi tethering. eduRoam is permitted

This step will be completed during device check out. These instructions will guide users through the process who are unable to do this in person with a helpdesk agent.

Connect the laptop to power before turning it on for the first time.
Upon boot, you will see the initial startup, followed by Microsoft’s remote setup (Autopilot).
Once booted, the Microsoft Windows logo will appear, and you will be prompted to answer basic setup questions such as preferred language, country (always select United States for country/region, regardless of your travel destination), and other general preferences.
Connect the device to a non-KU network when prompted and enter the necessary network credentials.
When prompted to set up the device, select Set up for work or school (if not already selected) and log in using your ONLINEID@home.ku.edu credentials. This will direct you to KU’s SSO page, where you will enter your online ID, password, and authorize via Duo (as with other KU services).
- Note: If you see an error about a lost internet connection, but are still connected to Wi-Fi, it is likely caused by incorrect credentials during the SSO login.
The setup process may take 20-30 minutes to complete, during which time configuration data, applications, and settings will be downloaded. Be patient and leave the laptop connected to both power and the network.
The laptop may restart once or twice during the setup to apply updates. Once complete, you will be presented with the Windows 11 login screen. Log in using your KU credentials.

Logging in to travel laptops is different from logging into standard KU Windows devices. You must enter your username/email as onlineID@home.ku.edu, not just onlineID.
Once logged in, it may take a few minutes to build your user profile on the laptop. After this, you'll be logged into the device. You can view the installed applications by browsing the Windows 11 “Start” menu.

You are now ready for Step 2: Accessing the KU Virtual Desktop Environment.

Accessing International Virtual Desktop Environment

KU IT has created a Windows "Virtual Desktop" (also known as "Azure Virtual Desktop" or "AVD") for international travelers, providing access to many applications typically found in on-campus labs. This allows travelers to access KU services and licenses from a virtual environment without storing sensitive information on the laptop itself.

To access the International Virtual Desktop at KU:

Open the preinstalled Microsoft Windows App
Click Sign In
Log in with your onlineID@home.ku.edu credentials, then authenticate via KU’s SSO and Duo sign-on.
Once logged in, select the "AVD-INTERNATIONAL" SessionDesktop by clicking Connect.
Enter your credentials again.
Your profile will build, and you will see the Access Screen—click OK to proceed to the virtual desktop environment.
In the virtual desktop environment, you’ll find applications like OneDrive. To log out, click the X on the SessionDesktop tab or sign out using your credentials in the top-right corner of the virtual desktop environment.

Duo and General Support

For international travelers assigned a KU-provided iPhone due to security concerns, it is essential to have the Duo app installed and configure the assigned iPhone as a secondary device in your Duo account.

If KU IT is notified of your travel plans with a KU-provided iPhone, we will enroll the device in a management platform, enabling access to specific applications without linking the device to an Apple ID.
Once you have received the KU-provided iPhone, check if the Duo app is already installed. If it is not, search for the "Self Service" app and launch it.
In the "Self Service" app, you will see a list of available apps. Locate the Duo app and install it.
After installation, follow the instructions in the related article "Duo Multi-Factor - Setup & Device Management" under "Enroll Additional Devices in Duo" to temporarily add the device to your Duo account. This will ensure that any Duo pushes or approvals are sent to the assigned iPhone, rather than your personal smartphone

By default, Duo will send approval requests only to the last device you set as primary. Before leaving your personal phone at home and traveling with a KU-provided device, you must set your temporary device as the primary device in Duo. Failure to do so will prevent access to Duo-protected sites until you contact the KU IT Customer Service Center at 785-864-8080 to reassign the primary device.

To request support while traveling internationally, please use the contact information below:

Phone Support:

Standard Hours (CST/CDT) via KU IT Customer Service Center
785-864-8080 | For support related to accounts, Duo, etc.
International After-Hours Support Line (For Emergencies Only)
1-877-526-7278 | For emergencies only.

Email Support:

Laptop or AVD Issues, or AVD Application Requests
Email itcsc@ku.edu to generate a ticket
iPhone App Requests/Support
Email itcsc@ku.edu, and the team will deploy the apps via Self Service on your phone.

0 reviews

Print Article

Updating...

International Travel - Travel Laptops (Employee Only)

Travel Laptop Initial Setup

Accessing International Virtual Desktop Environment

Duo and General Support

Deleting...