Completing your first sign in on your new Windows 11 computer


If you have received a new Windows 11 desktop or laptop, you will need to complete a couple of steps to finish the set-up process, such as selecting some preferences and connecting your University of Leeds account to the device. No additional set-up is needed for shared computers. 

As a reminder, these steps are only needed in the very first time you sign into your new Windows 11 device.  

Completing your first Windows 11 sign in 

How long it will take 

This will vary depending on your device type as well as internet connection:  

  • For desktops, it may take up to 30 minutes to complete. 
  • For laptops, it may take up to 2.5 hours to complete, including other automatic installation required on Dell laptops. 

How to finish the set-up process  

Important: Please note that as part of this process, it is expected that your desktop or laptop, will automatically restart in between steps. 

Step 1: Select your preferred keyboard layout   

You will be presented with different keyboard layouts for your new Windows 11 device. Select your preferred choice and click on ‘Yes’.   

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Step 2: Connect to the internet  

You will be presented with options to connect to the Wi-Fi or cable networks if available. Once you have successfully connected to the internet (it shows as ‘Connected’), click on ‘Next’.  

If you are on campus and your device is not connected to the network, please consult this article to help you connect to Wi-Fi on Windows.   

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Step 3: Connect your University of Leeds account   

A sign in screen will appear so that you can provide your University of Leeds account. Insert your University of Leeds username including @leeds.ac.uk (username@leeds.ac.uk) and University of Leeds password, then click on ‘Next’.   

Your University of Leeds username is the same that you use to access your emails on the web.  

Prior to completing your sign in, you will then be prompted to complete your two-factor authentication via Duo Push or by entering a passcode.  To learn more about Duo Authentication and how to complete this step, consult the article Duo two-factor authentication.  

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Step 4: Setting up for work or school (part 1)  

You will be presented with a screen outlining the status for each of the following phases:  

  • Device preparation  
  • Device setup 
  • Account setup  

At this stage, the statuses for ‘Device preparation’ and ‘Device setup’ are expected to move from ‘Waiting’ to ‘Working on it…’ to ‘Completed’.  

Please wait until a green tick appears next to the ‘Device setup’ phase to proceed. The ‘Account setup’ phase will be completed during a later step in this process.  

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Step 5: Windows 11 sign in screen (part 1)  

The Windows 11 sign screen will appear displaying the date and time. Hit ‘Enter’ or any other key on your keyboard to display the sign in fields.  

Insert your University of Leeds username including @leeds.ac.uk (username@leeds.ac.uk) and University of Leeds password to sign into the device. Hit ‘Enter’ on your keyboard or click on the arrow pointing right in the password field.   

Your University of Leeds username is the same that you use to access your emails on the web.  

Please note you might be prompted once again to complete your two-factor authentication via Duo Push or by entering a passcode.  

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Step 6: Setting up for work or school (part 2)  

You will be presented once again with a screen outlining the status for each of the following phases:  

  • Device preparation  
  • Device setup  
  • Account setup  

At this stage, the status ‘Account setup’ are expected to move from ‘Waiting’ to ‘Working on it…’ to ‘Completed’.  

Please wait until a green tick appears next to the ‘Account setup’ phase to proceed.  

  

Important: If you encounter the following error during the process, select 'Continue anyway' to progress. Your new Windows 11 device will receive the policies, certificates, connections and apps automatically at a later stage. 

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Step 7: Windows 11 sign in screen (part 2)  

The Windows 11 sign screen will appear once again displaying the date and time. Hit ‘Enter’ or any other key on your keyboard to display the sign in fields.  

Insert your University of Leeds username including @leeds.ac.uk (username@leeds.ac.uk) and University of Leeds password to sign into the device.  

Your University of Leeds username is the same that you use to access your emails on the web.  

Hit ‘Enter’ on your keyboard or click on the arrow pointing right in the password field. Your device is now ready for use.  

What happens next  

Now you have completed the set-up process, the following software should be available in your new Windows 11 device: 

  • AppsAnywhere Client 
  • Cloudpaging Player 
  • Company Portal 
  • Duo Authentication for Windows Logon
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Microsoft Visual C++ x64
  • Microsoft Visual C++ x86
  • Splunk Client
  • Thycotic Agents (PAM) 

Using Outlook for the first time  

When you use the Outlook desktop application for the first time, you will be asked to connect your University of Leeds account. Likely it may already be pre-populated for you and all you need to do is click on ‘Connect’. You might be prompted to provide your password and complete your two-factor authentication via Duo Push or by entering a passcode.