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Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Feinberg Information Technology

Duo Desktop

Feinberg uses Duo Desktop (formerly Duo Device Health/DDH) to verify that desktop and laptop computers have supported operating systems, encryption, and anti-virus software before allowing access to multi-factor authentication-enabled university resources, including email. 

For more information and to learn about what you can do to prepare for the change, please review our Frequently Asked Questions below. If you have additional questions about Duo Desktop, please submit a ticket using our Service Request Form or email us at fsmhelp@northwestern.edu. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 What is the Duo Desktop application?

The Duo Desktop application is a compliance tool installed on your desktop or laptop. It checks your device for disk encryption and anti-malware whenever you access certain university resources protected by multi-factor authentication, ensuring that your device meets basic security hygiene.  

 Why is the Duo Desktop application important?

The Duo Desktop application reduces risk to the university by checking your device for disk encryption and the presence of anti-malware that prevents unwanted access to university data and resources. 

 Who is impacted?

Feinberg faculty, staff, students and individuals affiliated with Feinberg who may receive NetIDs for accessing university resources will require the Duo Desktop application.  

 What to expect?

Feinberg-managed device: The Duo Desktop application is installed automatically on your device with compatible operating system versions, including Windows 10, macOS 11, or later.  

Personally-owned device: You will be prompted to install the application on your device the first time you access a university resource. Your device must have a compatible operating system, disk encryption, and anti-malware software.  

 What operating systems are compatible with the Duo Desktop application?

Supported operating systems include: 

  • Windows 10 and above
    • Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions only

  • macOS 11 and above 

 Please note:

  • Duo Desktop is not compatible with the Linux operating system
  • NUworkspace is a virtual desktop suitable for accessing NU services without the requirement for Duo Desktop application.

 Which anti-virus software are compatible with the Duo Desktop application?

All Feinberg-managed devices have CrowdStrike Falcon installed automatically. Other supported anti-malware software for personally-owned devices include:  

 What if I use a personally-owned computer?

You will need to enable full disk encryption on your macOS (version 11 and above) using FileVault or BitLocker on a Windows 10 computer. You will also need to install a compatible anti-malware application and the Duo Desktop application.

To install the Duo Desktop application: 


To remove the Big-IP Edge/F5 client:  

  • Windows  
    • Select Start  
    • Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features  
    • Select BIG-IP Edge Client  
    • Select Uninstall  
  • macOS  
    • Make sure the Big IP client is not running  
    • Move the F5 VPN icon to the trash in the Applications folder 

 What if I use a phone or tablet to access Duo-fronted resources?

The Duo Desktop application is required on desktops and laptops and does not apply to phones or tablets.

 What if I use an NM, Lurie, or Shirley Ryan computer?

Desktop and laptop computers owned by Northwestern Memorial Healthcare (NMHC), Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens' Hospital (LCH), or Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (SRA): Duo Desktop will be required to access certain university and Feinberg resources.
  • Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: Your institution already uses Duo Desktop on SRA-managed devices.
  • Lurie Children's: You will be prompted to install Duo Desktop on your LCH-managed devices.
  • NMHC: If you require access to Northwestern University email, or Northwestern University OneDrive or SharePoint, Duo Desktop must be installed on your NMHC device. Impacted individuals will have Duo Desktop automatically installed on their NMHC devices in advance of January 9. If on or after January 9 you experience difficulty accessing university systems or resources, please contact 6-HELP for technical support. Duo Desktop is not required for university systems including MyHR, InfoEd, and Egencia.

 What if I am unable to access MFA-enabled applications from my computer?

You will still have full access to these applications from your mobile device and tablet.  

 How do I know the Duo Desktop application is installed and running on my computer?

When the Duo Desktop app is installed, an icon will appear in the status bar or menu bar of your computer. For Feinberg-owned devices, you will be prompted to install the application (if you don’t have it installed) when attempting to access NU resources.  

  • Windows: (Search your computer for “Duo Desktop”). 
    Duo HealthWindows-360-200.jpg
  • macOS
       macOS

 What policies are associated with the Duo Device Health Application?

Yes, Feinberg devices are subject to university policies, specifically: 

Questions? 

If you have additional questions about Duo Device Health, please submit a ticket using our Service Request Form or email us at fsmhelp@northwestern.edu.