Authentication
Every device (computer, laptop, mobile device, wireless gaming system, etc.) that uses the William & Mary network must be authenticated before internet access. Students, staff, and faculty will use a W&M Username and password to authenticate. Guests and visitors will use a different process.
You will go through this authentication process primarily when devices are new to campus, and may have to repeat it for any device that goes offline for an extended period of time.
Don't worry - it's actually very easy to do. And to make it even easier, previously authenticated wireless devices (laptops and phones) will most likely authenticate automatically during the annual reauthentication period.
How do I authenticate?
- Log on to your computer or device as usual.
- Open a web browser (Edge, Firefox, Safari, Chrome etc.) and navigate to connect.wm.edu. You may be automatically presented with the W&M authentication page when you open the browser.
- Follow the on-screen directions to enter your W&M Username and password.
How often will I have to authenticate my cell phone/laptop?
Just once. Previously authenticated wireless devices (phones and laptops) will automatically authenticate when they connect to the network during the annual authentication process.
What happens if I can’t get online? Can I re-authenticate my computer?
If you are on campus anytime after midnight on the reauthentication date, you will not have access to the wired or wireless W&M networkuntil you follow the authentication steps mentioned above (go to connect.wm.edu and sign in with your W&M userid). Until your computer is authenticated, you will not be able to access most services (e.g., email, Internet).
What about printers on the W&M network?
Network printers and servers in W&M departments will be pre-authenticated. If a network printer is unresponsive, it may need to be rebooted before the network will recognize it. Network authentication requires that a system "talk" on its own and we have found that some printers with static IP address assignments need a reboot to start that process. In the rare case that a reboot does not fix the problem, please contact the Technology Support Center at 757-221-4357 (HELP).
How do I access the W&M network with my Xbox, Wireless Printer or other device?
Students should follow the following steps to connect a device. W&M Faculty and staff should contact the Technology Support Center for device authentication.
- Find the physical address (MAC address) of the device. We recommend visiting the manufacturer's website of your device for instructions on finding its physical address.
- Log in to connect.wm.edu/devices using your W&M Username and Password.
- Follow the prompts to complete the device authentication process.
- Once complete, wait a few minutes before trying to connect the device to the W&M network. It could take up to five minutes.
Please note that William & Mary will not provide technical support, or guarantee the functionality of the device. Contact the manufacturer if you have any technical support questions.
Does this apply to VIMS?
No. VIMS has a different authentication time and process. Contact the VIMS IT Administrator for details.
Questions? Contact the Technology Support Center (TSC)
757-221-4357 (HELP) | [[support]] | Jones 201, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
