Once you’ve logged into your work PC for the first time, there are a few important things to set up. Doing these early helps keep your files backed up, gives you access to company apps, and ensures your computer works the way you expect.
This guide will walk you through the key tools and settings to get started.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Set Up and Use OneDrive
- Sign Into Office Apps and Use Office Web Apps
- Sign In and Use Microsoft Edge Profiles
- Using Company Portal to Download Apps
- Personalise Windows
- Windows 11 Helpful Tips and Tricks
Set Up and Use OneDrive
What is OneDrive?
OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage service. It automatically saves and backs up your work files so you can access them from any device and avoid losing important documents if something happens to your computer.
Setting up OneDrive ensures your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders are safely backed up.
Why it's helpful
Keeps your files backed up automatically
Lets you access files from any device
Makes sharing files with colleagues easier
Prevents data loss if your device fails
How to set it up
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar (bottom right).
Sign in using your work email address.
When prompted, select Next to confirm your OneDrive folder location.
Choose Back up important folders when asked.
Enable backup for:
Desktop
Documents
Pictures
Click Start Backup.
How to use OneDrive
Save work files into your OneDrive folder.
Files automatically sync to the cloud.
You can access them anytime at office.com or on another device.
Sign Into Office Apps and Use Office Web Apps
What are Office Apps?
Office apps include tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Signing in activates your license and allows documents to save directly to OneDrive.
Office web apps are browser versions of these programs that work without installing software.
Why it's helpful
Enables full access to Office features
Allows files to sync with OneDrive
Lets you work from any device using a browser
How to sign into Office apps
Open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
Click Sign In in the top right corner.
Enter your work email address and password.
Close and reopen the app if prompted.
How to use Office Web Apps
Open your browser and go to https://office.com
Sign in with your work account
Select the app you want to use:
Word
Excel
PowerPoint
Outlook
Teams
Your files will appear in Recent or OneDrive.
Sign In and Use Microsoft Edge Profiles
What are Edge Profiles?
Microsoft Edge profiles separate your work browsing from personal browsing. Signing in with your work account allows bookmarks, passwords, and settings to sync across devices.
Why it's helpful
Keeps work data separate from personal browsing
Syncs bookmarks and saved passwords
Automatically signs you into work services
How to set up your Edge profile
Open Microsoft Edge.
Click the profile icon in the top right corner.
Select Sign In.
Enter your work email address and password.
When asked, choose Sync.
Helpful things you can sync
Bookmarks / favourites
Saved passwords
Extensions
Browsing history
Settings
Using Company Portal to Download Apps
What is Company Portal?
Company Portal is where your company can allow you to install approved applications on your device. It allows you to easily download tools you need for your role without needing IT assistance. This feature is only available if your company has allowed it.
Why it's helpful
Installs company-approved software safely
Lets you install apps on demand
Keeps software up to date
How to install apps from Company Portal
Open the Start Menu.
Search for Company Portal.
Sign in using your work account if prompted.
Browse the Apps section.
Select the application you want.
Click Install.
Examples of apps you might see:
Microsoft Teams
Adobe Reader
VPN software
Internal company tools
Personalise Windows
What does personalising Windows do?
Personalising Windows lets you adjust your computer’s appearance and layout so it works best for you. This includes things like dark mode, taskbar settings, and background images. These settings may be restricted by your company policy.
Why it's helpful
Makes your workspace easier to use
Improves comfort and productivity
Helps organise apps and shortcuts
How to personalise Windows
Right-click on the desktop.
Select Personalise.
Useful settings to explore:
- Change background
- Go to Background
Choose an image or slideshow.
- Enable Dark Mode
- Go to Colours
- Select Dark under Choose your mode.
- Adjust Taskbar
- Go to Taskbar
- Pin commonly used apps.
- Lock Screen
- Choose what appears when your PC is locked.
Windows 11 Helpful Tips and Tricks
Snap Windows for multitasking
You can quickly arrange multiple apps on screen.
How to use:
Hover over the maximize button on a window.
Choose a layout.
Select other apps to fill the remaining spaces.
Use Windows Search
Windows Search quickly finds files, settings, or apps.
How to use:
Press Windows Key + S
Start typing the name of what you need.
Use Virtual Desktops
Virtual desktops help separate tasks or projects.
How to create one:
Press Windows + Tab
Click New Desktop
Pin Apps to Taskbar
Pinning apps allows quick access.
How to pin:
Open Start Menu
Right-click an app
Select Pin to Taskbar
Lock Your Computer
Always lock your PC when leaving your desk.
Shortcut:
Press Windows + L
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