Windows 11 Setup Guide (Direct Delivery)

Overview

The following guide is intended to set up a standard (Single User) University laptop with the new Windows 11 Autopilot process. 

If any issues arise that cannot be solved using this guide or by following the instructions in the linked articles, please submit a ticket to OIT.

Important

  • Before using this guide, ensure the computer is fully unpacked and connected to a power source. An internet connection is required to complete the steps below. If you have an Ethernet connection, please plug it in now; otherwise, the instructions below will guide you through connecting to Wi-Fi. You will be prompted to log in several times during this process.
  • Please note that the processes described in this article may take time to sync (e.g., Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, Software Center, and system updates). Depending on your internet speed, this can take anywhere from one hour to several hours. Please allow sufficient time for all data to fully download and sync to your computer.
  • OneDrive is your cloud backup solution and must be used to back up and restore your data. If you are not logged into OneDrive your computer is not being backed up. Please follow the steps below to sign in to OneDrive.

Table of Contents 

  1. Starting Up and Connecting to the Internet 
  2. Logging in
  3. Setting up Outlook
  4. Setting up OneDrive
  5. Setting up Microsoft Teams
  6. Setting up Microsoft Edge
  7. Software Center Updates
  8. Lenovo System update
  9. Additional Resources

1. Starting Up and Connecting to the Internet 

  1. Plug in your power supply and turn the unit on using the power button on the right side of the laptop (either above the keyboard or on the right end of the laptop). Before logging into the system connect to WiFi or plug in your Ethernet cable if you have a physical connection to the internet. 
     
  2. To connect using WiFi click on the "WiFi" icon on the right corner of the Taskbar.

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  3. You'll be prompted with a list of networks. Select your preferred network and log in to the WiFi you have available. 
    Note: The WiFi recommended for campus is eduroam. If prompted, login with your University of Idaho email address and password (Example: joevandal@uidaho.edu).

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  4. Once you've logged in to WiFi, your connection will look similar to the image below.

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  5. Once your computer is connected to WiFi proceed with logging into the Computer.
     
  6. Upon a first-time start-up, your screen should look similar to the image below. Login with your University of Idaho username and password (Example: joevandal@uidaho.edu). 
     
  7. Pick your region and click Yes.

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  8. In the next screen, the machine will need to be connected to the Internet either via Ethernet or wifi. The machine does not need to be connected to the UI network. You'll be prompted to pick a network connection. Pick your available connection and enter the login crednetials. After it connects, you'll proceed to the next screen.

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  9. Here, you'll need to log in with your University of Idaho credentials again. (Example: joevandal@uidaho.edu).

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  10. After logging in the enrollment status page the installation wizard will be displayed and show its progress. You should expect this to display for 10-20 minutes.

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  11. After the enrollment status page completion, the university wallpaper should appear. Press enter to move onto the System Use Notification page, please read and click OK.

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  12. You will reach the login page, the end user should log in again; You will see your account displayed with Preparing Windows underneath. This initial setup will take a few minutes and will eventually be replaced by the Windows 11 desktop. Once the machine reaches the Windows desktop, the installation is complete and the device can be used. Some additional software installation/configuration will continue to happen in the background, and that is normal. Please be advised that downloading all the required software can take one or more hours depending on your connection speed. 

2. Logging in 

  1. Login with your University of Idaho username and password (Example: joevandal@uidaho.edu).

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  2. After a successful log-in, you should see a Windows default background.

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3. Setting up Outlook 

  1. Use the Taskbar to search for "Outlook". Open the application.
    Note: You will also see "Outlook (classic)" you may use either. The following steps are based on the new Outlook.

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  2. Login using your University of Idaho credentials. (Example: joevandal@uidaho.edu)

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  3. The application will sign you in and set up the application.

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  4. Once Outlook finishes loading, you should see your emails shortly. 

By signing in to Outlook, you've also been logged into the rest of the Office 365 suite apps as well. 

Optional: For more of an in-depth view of Outlook's options, please visit Microsoft's guide on Outlook: Getting Started with the new Outlook for Windows.

4. Setting up OneDrive 

OneDrive is the cloud backup software that must be used to insure your data is backed up. It is critical to log into OneDrive and allow OneDrive to back up your data. If OneDrive is not functioning none of your data will be backed up. It is the responsibility of all computer users to log into OneDrive and confirm it is working. Please follow the steps below for OneDrive. 

  1.  Use the Taskbar to search for "OneDrive". Open OneDrive.

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  2. The "Set up OneDrive" will appear. Enter your University of Idaho email address (Example: joevandal@uidaho.edu).

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  3. You may see an "Update Windows" prompt. Click skip for now.

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  4. You will be prompted to accept a Duo request.

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  5. OneDrive will ask "Is this your device?". Click on "Yes, this is my device" if you are the only person assigned to this device. 

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  6. You will be signed in and the next screens will create, enable, and explain OneDrive. OneDrive folder explains where the folder resides on your device and can be changed however that is not recommended. 

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  7. Back up folders on this PC selects what items will be copied to OneDrvie. Verify that Documents, Pictures, and Desktop are enabled.

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  8. for "Getting to know your OneDrive", "Share files and folders", and "All your files, ready and on-demand" read and click Next. 

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  9. On "Get the mobile app" page, click "Later".

    Note: The later button is not blue and can mislead you to click on "Get the mobile app". If it is necessary for you to have the data on your cellular device you can install the app later.

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  10. Your OneDrive is ready. You may close this page or "Open my OneDrive folder".
    Note: You will know if OneDrive is working from the blue cloud in the system tray (Bottom Right of the screen).

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It may take a while for your files to sync to your computer, but you will be able to access your files at onedrive.uidaho.edu

5. Setting up Microsoft Teams 

  1. Search for 'Teams' in the search box of your Taskbar. Open Microsoft Teams

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  2. Log in Microsoft Teams with your full University of Idaho email address and password. (Example: joevandal@uidaho.edu)

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  3. Allow Microsoft Teams to sync and load your messages. This can take several minutes depending on your connection speed.

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6. Setting up Microsoft Edge 

  1. Microsoft Edge is the default browser and includes the free version of Microsoft Copilot. Copilot is an AI assistant inside Microsoft 365 applications.  Some employees have a licened version of Microsoft 365 Copilot. Copilot is embedded in the Micorsoft Office 365, allowing you to interact with documents, spreadsheets, and emails. 

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  2. Firefox and Chrome browsers are also pre-installed and can be found by searching them by name in the Search box on the Taskbar. ​​​​​

  3. To change the default browser to Firefox or Chrome please use the steps below. 

    Open Settings (Press Windows + I)

    Click Apps > Default apps

    Scroll to Web browser

    Click the current browser listed (e.g., Microsoft Edge)

    Select your preferred browser (e.g., Chrome or Firefox) from the list

    If prompted, choose "Switch anyway" to confirm your choice

7. Software Center Updates 

Software Center is an application on university machines that handle updates and allows a user to download software and updates. You'll be able to download anything in Software Center without the need for admin credentials. If you have specific software that isn't in Software Center, please submit a ticket at Client Portal IT Support. If you need to purchase software, please submit a procurement ticket at the procurement request.

  1.  Use the Taskbar to search for "Software Center". Open the application.

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  2. Open application, click on Updates in left column.

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  3. Updates will appear, click Install All. This will begin the process of downloading and installing. Expect the download and install to take around 30 minutes.
    Note 1: If nothing appears no updates are required.
    Note 2: The device may need to restart after updating is complete.

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  4. Click on the windows icon and then the power button

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  5. Click Update and restart. 

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8. Lenovo Updates 

  1.  Use the Taskbar to search for "System Update". Open the application.

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  2. Open application and click Next. This will begin to search for updates and download packages.

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  3. Check the I agree box and click ok.

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  4. Please select all Recommended updates. Then click Next.
    Note: If you experience a function of your device the is not working properly. Check the Optional updates tab to see if you are missing a driver/update for that function.

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  5. Click Download

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  6. Click OK

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  7. Download and install will start.

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  8. Click Reboot now if prompted.

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9. Additional Resources 

How to: Install and Connect to University of Idaho VPN

How do I add networked office printers in Windows?

How to access Microsoft Copilot

Duo MFA Support Guide

Getting Started with the new Outlook for Windows.