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Overview
Congratulations on your new Acadia computer!
This guide will walk you through the initial setup of a new Acadia-issued Windows 11 PC or Mac. It covers the steps you should complete when you first receive your computer, as well as some optional setup tasks you may need depending on your role.
Your computer may arrive with some applications and settings already configured by Technology Services. Windows computers are managed through Microsoft Intune, which allows Technology Services to automatically deploy some applications and security settings. However, not every application is automatically installed, so you may need to install additional software that you require.
Important: Leave your computer connected to power and the Internet during the initial setup. Some applications, updates, security settings, and configuration changes may be installed automatically after you sign in.
Before You Begin
Before starting, make sure you have:
- Your new Acadia computer.
- The power adapter.
- Your Acadia email, username and password.
- Your mobile device for MFA, if required.
If your computer was supplied by Technology Services, do not reset or reformat it before contacting the Service Desk if something appears to be missing or incorrectly configured.
Table of Contents
Connect the computer to power
Connect your computer to AC power before beginning setup.
A new computer may require updates or application installations that can take some time. Keeping it connected to power will help prevent interruptions.
Connect to the Internet
Your computer needs an Internet connection to complete much of the setup process.
If you are on campus, connect to the Acadia Wi-Fi network.
See the appropriate article:
Windows
- Select the Network/Wi-Fi icon on the Windows taskbar.
- Select Acadia.
- Select Connect.
- Enter your Acadia username and password when prompted.
- Complete any additional authentication or certificate prompts.
For detailed instructions, see How to set up a wireless connection – Microsoft Windows.
Mac
- Select the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
- Select Acadia.
- Enter your Acadia credentials when prompted.
- Complete any additional authentication or certificate prompts.
For detailed instructions, see How to set up a wireless connection – MacBook.
The exact screens displayed during Windows setup may vary depending on the version of Windows and how the computer was prepared by Technology Services.
1. Start the computer
Turn on the computer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Select your:
- Country or region.
- Keyboard layout.
- Additional keyboard layout, if applicable.
2. Connect to the Internet
Connect to Acadia Wi-Fi when prompted.
An Internet connection is important because Windows may need to contact Acadia's management systems to complete configuration.
3. Sign in with your Acadia account
When prompted, sign in using your Acadia account.
You may be asked to complete MFA during the sign-in process.
Follow the prompts displayed on screen.
4. Allow the computer to complete setup
Once you have signed in, Windows may take some time to apply Acadia's configuration and install applications.
Do not interrupt the process unnecessarily.
The computer may:
- Install software.
- Apply security settings.
- Install Windows updates.
- Restart one or more times.
Some applications may not appear immediately. Leave the computer connected to the Internet and allow time for Intune and other management services to complete their work.
The exact setup screens may vary depending on the version of macOS and how the Mac was prepared by Technology Services.
1. Start the Mac
Turn on the Mac and follow the on-screen setup instructions.
You may be asked to select:
- Country or region.
- Language.
- Keyboard layout.
- Accessibility options.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi
Connect to the Acadia wireless network when prompted.
See How to set up a wireless connection – MacOS for detailed instructions.
3. Create an account
When prompted, create an account and password. This is separate from your Acadia Password and should be unique.
4. Complete management or security prompts
Your Mac may display prompts related to device management, security, profiles, or organizational settings.
Some configuration or software installation may occur after you have completed the initial setup.
Once your computer is ready, sign in using your Acadia account.
You may encounter several Microsoft 365 or security-related prompts during the first few days of use.
These may include:
- Microsoft 365 sign-in.
- MFA registration or approval.
- OneDrive setup.
- Microsoft Office activation.
- Password or account verification.
- Device management or security prompts.
Important
If you are unsure whether a sign-in prompt is legitimate, do not enter your password. Contact the Service Desk for assistance.
Highly Recommended
OneDrive should be one of the first things you set up on your new computer.
OneDrive provides access to files stored in your Microsoft 365 account and helps ensure that files you are working on are synchronized with the cloud.
To install OneDrive and other office applications, sign in to the office portal here and click on "Install apps/Microsoft 365 Apps" and then on "Install Office".
If you previously used OneDrive, your files may begin appearing automatically after you sign in.
Check OneDrive
Look for the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar notification area or Mac menu bar.
Select the icon and verify that:
- You are signed in with your Acadia account.
- OneDrive is syncing.
- There are no synchronization errors.
If you have previously stored work files in OneDrive, allow time for them to synchronize before assuming that files are missing.
Important
Do not immediately copy large quantities of files back to the new computer if they are already stored in OneDrive.
Doing so can create duplicate files and unnecessary synchronization problems.
Your new computer may already have several applications installed.
However, not all software is automatically installed, particularly on Mac computers.
After completing the initial setup:
- Check the applications already installed on your computer.
- Look for software you use regularly.
- Allow Windows/macOS to install available updates.
- Restart the computer if requested.
- Check again later for applications that may have been deployed after the initial setup.
Windows
Some Acadia-approved applications may be made available through Company Portal.
If Company Portal is installed, open it and review the available applications.
Mac
Application availability and installation methods may vary. If an application you require is not already installed, refer to the appropriate software installation instructions on Acadia's knowledge base (https://hub.acadiau.ca) or the software manufacturer's website.
You may need additional software depending on your job.
Examples include:
- Microsoft 365 applications.
- Adobe applications.
- Web browsers.
- Specialized departmental applications.
- Accessibility software.
- Audio/video software.
- Other Acadia-approved applications.
Before installing software:
- Confirm that you actually need it.
- Use an Acadia-approved source whenever possible.
- Avoid downloading software from unfamiliar websites.
- Contact the Service Desk if you are unsure whether software is approved or supported.
See Office 365 Installation and Support for information about Microsoft 365 applications.
If you regularly print to a departmental or campus printer, you may need to add it to your new computer.
Before setting up a printer, determine:
- The printer name or location.
- Whether it is a network printer.
See How to install an on-campus Acadia printer for instructions.
Some departments use network drives to store and access shared files.
If you previously had network drives mapped to your old computer, they may need to be configured again on your new computer.
You may need information such as:
- The name of the network drive.
- The network path.
- Your Acadia account credentials.
See How to Map a Network Drive for instructions.
Connect any equipment you regularly use, such as:
- External monitors.
- Docking stations.
- Keyboards and mice.
- Webcams.
- Headsets.
- USB devices.
- External storage devices.
If you use a docking station, check that:
- Your monitors are detected.
- Your keyboard and mouse work.
- Your network connection works, if applicable.
- Audio devices are available.
- USB devices are recognized.
If a device does not work, disconnect and reconnect it and check for available driver or software updates.
I cannot connect to Acadia Wi-Fi
Check the following:
- Confirm that Wi-Fi is turned on.
- Make sure you selected Acadia, not Acadia-Guest.
- Verify that you are entering your Acadia username and password correctly.
- Disconnect from Acadia and reconnect.
- Restart the computer if necessary.
My Acadia password doesn't work
First, verify that you can sign in to another Acadia or Microsoft 365 service.
If your password works elsewhere but not on the computer, the computer may still have old credentials saved.
If you recently changed your password, you may need to update your saved credentials or reconnect applications such as Outlook and OneDrive.
If you cannot sign in anywhere using your Acadia credentials, contact the Service Desk.
My computer is still installing software
This can be normal during the first setup.
Keep the computer:
- Connected to power.
- Connected to the Internet.
- Turned on.
Some updates install in sequence and require a computer restart before finalizing install. The updates may take several hours to complete but should do so unmanaged. It is a good idea to regularly check for updates during the first few days of using your computer.
OneDrive is not showing my files
First, check whether OneDrive is signed in with your Acadia account.
Then:
- Select the OneDrive cloud icon.
- Check for synchronization errors.
- Confirm that OneDrive is connected to the Internet.
- Allow time for files to synchronize.
Do not delete files from OneDrive simply because they have not appeared on the new computer.
Microsoft Office is asking me to sign in
Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook may require you to sign in with your Acadia account.
Sign in when prompted.
My printer or network drive isn't working
Confirm that the printer or network drive has been set up for the new computer.
Settings from your previous computer do not necessarily transfer to the new one.
See:
Something that worked on my old computer is missing
Your new computer may have a different software configuration.
Make a list of the applications, printers, network drives, and other resources you need for your work and check them one at a time.
Contact the Technology Service Desk if:
- You cannot sign in to the computer.
- You cannot connect to Acadia Wi-Fi.
- Your Acadia account or MFA is not working.
- OneDrive will not synchronize.
- You cannot access required network drives.
- A required printer cannot be installed.
- You receive an unexpected security or management prompt.
- You are unsure whether software is safe or approved to install.
When contacting the Service Desk, provide:
- Your name and department.
- The computer's make and model, if known.
- Whether you are using Windows or macOS.
- A description of the problem.
- Any error message you received.
- What you have already tried.
Technology Service Desk: 902-585-4537 (HELP)