Your first day: setting up your work accounts and devices

Welcome aboard. This checklist gets you signed in, secure and ready to work on day one. It takes about 30–45 minutes.

1. Sign in to your laptop

• Use the work email address and temporary password you've been given.
• If the laptop is new, it may set itself up automatically once it's connected to the internet. Leave it running until it finishes.
• You'll be asked to choose your own password. Make it long and unique. See Passwords and MFA: best practice.

2. Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA)

• Install the authenticator app you're asked for, such as Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator, on your phone.
• Scan the QR code shown when you first sign in.
• If you've been given a security key such as a YubiKey, register it too.

3. Set up your password manager

If your company uses one, accept the invite email and follow Getting started with a password manager.

4. Connect email, calendar and files

• Email and calendar: sign in to Outlook or Gmail with your work account.
• Files: set up OneDrive or Google Drive for desktop, and save work there rather than on your desktop.
• Chat and meetings: sign in to Teams, Google Chat or whatever your team uses.

5. Check the basics

• Make sure the screen locks automatically when you step away. Use Windows + L or Ctrl + Cmd + Q on a Mac to lock it yourself.
• Connect to the office Wi-Fi and a printer.
• Install any updates you're prompted for.

We will never ask for your password. Not by email, phone or chat. If anyone does, it's a scam. Report it using this guide.

6. Know how to get help

Save our details now, so you have them when you need them. See How to get IT help from Wicked Sick.