Installing Cisco Secure Client 5.x (Anyconnect) on Microsoft Windows

This guide explains how to install Cisco Secure Client 5.1 (formerly Cisco AnyConnect) on a Windows computer.

1. Check for Existing Cisco AnyConnect 4.x Installation

Before installing Cisco Secure Client 5.1, you must check whether an older version of Cisco AnyConnect 4.x is already installed on your system.

Steps:

1. Open the Control Panel → Programs and Features.

2. Look for the following entries:

   • Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client

   • Cisco AnyConnect Start Before Login Module

3. Select each item and click Uninstall.

4. After uninstalling, restart your computer before continuing.

If you do not have Cisco AnyConnect installed, you can proceed directly to the next step.

2. Download the Cisco Secure Client Installer

The installation files for Cisco Secure Client 5.1 can be downloaded from the Webvault secure download site:

Standard installer (for cloud VPN users):
https://downloads.webvault.com.au/cisco/secureclient/CiscoSecureClient.zip

⚠️ Important:
The standard installer is only for connecting to Webvault cloud services.

Custom installer (for site to site VPN users):
⚠️ Important:

If you have a customised site to site VPN solution then you will require a the installer that includes your company’s VPN connection profile. Using the wrong installer will prevent the VPN from connecting properly.  Please use the link supplied by our helpdesk, for example:

https://downloads.webvault.com.au/cisco/secureclient/CiscoSecureClient-<ClientName>.zip

3. Extract and Run the Installer

1. Locate the downloaded ZIP file (usually in your Downloads folder).

2. Right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract All… to unpack it into a folder.

3. Open the extracted folder and find the file named Install-VPN.cmd.

4. Right-click this file and select Run as Administrator.

   • Administrator rights are required for the installation to complete successfully.

5. Wait for the installation to finish and confirm there are no error messages.

6. Once complete, Cisco Secure Client will appear in the Start Menu under Cisco Secure Client.

After installation, you may also see the Cisco Secure Client icon in the Windows Taskbar (bottom-right corner of the screen).

4. Connecting to the VPN

1. Launch Cisco Secure Client from the Start Menu.

2. In the connection window, click the drop-down menu and select the relevant VPN Server.

3. Press Connect.

4. Enter your username and password when prompted.

5. Once connected, the Cisco Secure Client icon in the taskbar will display a padlock symbol, indicating an active VPN connection.

5. Verifying and Troubleshooting

If you need to verify the installation or gather details for troubleshooting:

• Click the information (i) icon at the bottom of the Cisco Secure Client window to view version details.

• Click the settings (gear) icon next to it for advanced connection information.  When connected, select the AnyConnect VPN tab on the left-hand side to view Remote VPN network and server details as well as VPN routing information and connection statistics.