Setting Up Your New Desktop Computer

Owned by Kimberly Adkins
Last updated: Jan 29, 2024 by Johnathan Keyser
3 min read

Overview

Congratulations on your new Windows desktop computer purchase! 

USF IT has created the new Direct2u service that enables you to receive your new Windows computer directly from the vendor. When you log in for the first time, the system will automatically configure and install the basic software you need to be up and running at USF.

The default installation will include: 

  • Windows 10 or 11 OS 
  • Microsoft 365 with Teams
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • Google Chrome
  • Single Sign On using your @usf.edu credentials.
  • Always the latest updates and patches
  • USF IT can assist with additional software or with creating application bundles for your department

To get started:

  1. Ensure you have your MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) device you use for logging into USF systems with you. 
  2. If you are upgrading from another USF computer, make sure you have backed up your files and settings from the old computer.
  3. Then, simply log in and follow the on-screen prompts.

Below is an example of what you will see, although it may vary slightly depending on the computer you have purchased.

If you have questions or run into any issues, USF IT is here to help! We can be reached by calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu

Please note that if you are setting up a new desktop for more than one person to use, the first person to log in should be the person you want to be the administrator on the machine. 

Students should not log in first as, currently, only USF faculty or staff members are able to be set as administrators.

Failure to connect an Ethernet cable to establish an internet connection will result in an incomplete install.


  1. Select Language and then Yes.

    Windows 10




  2. Select Region (United States) and hit Yes.

    Windows 10


    Windows 11


  3. Select Keyboard Layout and hit Yes.

    Windows 10


    Windows 11


  4. Second Keyboard, hit Skip.

    Windows 10


    Windows 11


  5. Next, you will receive “Welcome to University of South Florida!” Enter your USF Email Address and Select Next.

    Windows 10


    Windows 11


  6. Enter your USF password and select Next.

    Windows 10


    Windows 11


    Need to reset your password?

    Please visit NetID Password Reset, Change and Account Unlocking for instructions on how you can reset your NetID password.

  7. Approve the MFA verification that is sent to your chosen device.

    Windows 10


    Windows 11


  8. Once MFA has been successfully completed, you will see the below screen as the computer continues to set everything up.

    Windows 10


    Windows 11


  9. During this setup, the computer will perform a restart.

  10. You will see a Windows screen stating “Just a Moment” with a spinning circle.

    Windows 10


    Windows 11


  11. “Setting up your device for work” will appear again for a few moments.

    Windows 10


    Windows 11


  12. The Windows 10 lock screen will appear. Press CTRL+ALT+DEL to sign in.

  13. Sign in using your USF Email Address and Password.

    Windows 10


    Windows 11


    Can't sign in?

    If you receive an error message when trying to sign in, select Sign-in options, select the Key icon, and reattempt to sign in. Sign in to should say Your work or school account.

  14. “Setting up your device for work” will appear one final time.

    Windows 10


    Windows 11


Once completed, you will be logged into your new computer.

Once successfully logged in, your ‘Direct2U’ system is immediately available for use. Additional software may be required based on your job duties and computer needs. This software will download and install ‘in the background’ and does not require customer input. Overall time to completion will vary based on the amount of software being installed and your internet connection speed. All basic software should be downloaded and installed within 24 hours.

If any software is missing from your workstation after leaving the system on for a full day, and while connected to the internet, please contact USF IT for assistance.

If you will need to remotely access this new computer or need access to network printers or mapped network drives, please give us a call at 813-974-4357 or start a chat with us by visiting https://itchat.usf.edu.




If you are unable to solve your issue with this knowledge base article, please contact the USF IT Service Desk by using Chat at itchat.usf.edu, calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu. 

If you find any errors or omissions in any knowledge base article, please contact and inform the USF IT Service Desk by calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu.