Setting Up Your New Computer or Device – Zendesk

Getting started with your new company device

Congratulations on receiving your new computer or device! Follow this guide to get everything set up properly.

Before You Begin

Make sure you have:

Your new device and all accessories (power adapter, cables, etc.)
Your corporate login credentials (username and password)
Access to your corporate email
Your MFA device ready (if applicable)
Any setup instructions from IT Support

Initial Hardware Setup

Unboxing and Inspection

Carefully unbox your new device
Inspect for any visible damage
Verify all accessories are included (charger, cables, adapters)
Note down the asset tag or serial number for your records
Report any damage or missing items to IT Support immediately

Physical Setup

Place your computer on a stable, well-ventilated surface
Connect the power adapter and plug into a surge protector
For desktops, connect monitor, keyboard, and mouse
Connect to Ethernet cable if available (recommended for initial setup)
Ensure all cables are securely connected

First Power-On and Configuration

Initial Boot

Press the power button to turn on your device
Wait for the operating system to load
Follow the on-screen setup wizard
Select your language, region, and keyboard layout

Network Connection

Connect to your network:

For wired: Ethernet should connect automatically
For Wi-Fi: Select your company Wi-Fi network and enter credentials
You may need to accept a certificate or terms of service
Verify you have internet access before proceeding

Sign In to Your Corporate Account

When prompted, sign in with your corporate email and password
Complete multi-factor authentication if required
Accept any user agreements or policies
Wait for your profile and settings to sync (this may take several minutes)

Essential Software and Applications

System Updates

Your device may need important updates:

Check for operating system updates
Install all critical and security updates
Restart your device if prompted
This process may take 30-60 minutes

Pre-Installed Company Software

Your device likely comes with:

Antivirus/security software
VPN client
Company portal or self-service app
Communication tools (email, chat, video conferencing)
Productivity applications

Launch each application and sign in with your corporate credentials to activate them.

Installing Additional Software

If you need additional applications:

Check your company's self-service portal first
Install only approved software from authorized sources
Submit a request to IT Support for software not in the portal
Never install unauthorized or personal software on company devices

Setting Up Email and Calendar

Open your email application (Outlook, Mail, etc.)
Sign in with your corporate email address
Allow the application to sync your email and calendar
Configure your email signature if needed
Set up calendar notifications and preferences

Configuring Security Settings

Screen Lock and Password

Set up screen lock to activate after 5-10 minutes of inactivity
Use a strong device password or PIN
Enable biometric authentication if available (fingerprint, face recognition)

Encryption

Your device should have full-disk encryption enabled by default
Verify encryption status in your security settings
Contact IT Support if encryption is not enabled

Firewall and Antivirus

Ensure firewall is enabled
Verify antivirus software is active and up to date
Run an initial system scan

Personalizing Your Device

Within company policies, you can personalize:

Desktop background and screensaver
Display brightness and resolution
Sound and notification settings
Taskbar or dock layout
Browser bookmarks and homepage

Note: Some settings may be managed or restricted by your IT department.

Setting Up Printers and Peripherals

Network Printers

Go to printer settings on your device
Select "Add Printer" or "Add Device"
Your network printers should appear automatically
Select your department's printer and add it
Print a test page to verify

Other Peripherals

Webcam: Should work automatically; test in your video app
Headset: Plug in and configure audio settings
External monitor: Connect and configure display settings
Docking station: Connect all peripherals and test

Backing Up Your Device

Enable automatic cloud backup if available (OneDrive, Google Drive)
Save important files to network drives, not just local storage
Verify backup is working by checking your cloud storage
Set a regular backup schedule

Mobile Device Setup

If you received a company phone or tablet:

Insert SIM card if provided
Connect to Wi-Fi and complete initial setup
Sign in to your company account
Install required mobile apps (email, authenticator, VPN)
Configure email and calendar sync
Enable device lock with PIN or biometrics
Install device management profile if required

Testing Everything

Before starting work, verify:

✓ Internet connection is working
✓ Email is sending and receiving
✓ VPN connects successfully (if needed)
✓ You can access shared drives and resources
✓ Video and audio work in conferencing apps
✓ Printer is functional
✓ All required applications launch correctly

Device Care and Best Practices

Keep your device updated with the latest patches
Use a protective case for laptops and mobile devices
Don't eat or drink near your computer
Transport devices in padded bags
Report any issues to IT Support promptly
Never attempt unauthorized repairs or modifications

Returning Your Old Device

If you're replacing an old device:

Back up any personal data or files first
Remove personal items and accessories
Coordinate with IT Support for device return
Follow proper data wipe procedures if instructed
Return power adapter and accessories

Need Setup Help?

If you encounter issues during setup, contact IT Support with:

Your device model and asset tag number
Description of where you're stuck in the setup process
Any error messages you're seeing
Your employee ID and department