University IT
Guided Device Setup
Welcome to Stanford University! We have streamlined the Stanford Guided Device Setup (SGDS) to ensure your Mac computer is secure and fully equipped. This brief, self-guided workflow provides step-by-step instructions for your first configuration, alongside a collection of tools you can draw upon in the future.
Note: Most setup procedures within each phase require a SUNet ID for installation or authentication. Beyond your first day, you may pause, resume, or defer any steps remaining after Phase 1.
All applications that fall under phase one are required and should be completed in numerical order.
Note: Baseline applications and settings that are included in Stanford Device Setup are Cardinal Print Install and Set Print User, Cisco Secure Client VPN, Crashplan Cloud for Mac, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Google Drive for Desktop, Office 2024/365 for Mac, Slack, Webex Teams, Zoom, and browser settings: Stanford News Report Homepage for Chrome and Firefox.
1. DUO Mobile
Required
Set up DUO Mobile for two-step authentication to securely access Stanford systems and protect your account.
2. Stanford Device Setup (SDS)
Required
Follow the steps on Stanford Device Setup (SDS) to ensure university compliance and that basic configuration is complete.
3. Cardinal Key
Required
Eliminate the need for passwords and streamline your authentication process across Stanford services.
4. Device Registration (SDR)
Required
Complete the Stanford Device Registration (SDR) process for standard device compliance monitoring.
The applications in this phase are standard collaboration tools.
Outlook
Required
Access your Stanford email and calendar securely using the Microsoft Outlook desktop client.
Slack
Required
Join Stanford's enterprise workspace. Collaborate with teams and departments in real-time.
Zoom
Required
Sign in to your Stanford-provisioned Zoom account to host and attend virtual meetings securely.
Microsoft Office
Essential
Set up Microsoft Office Applications like Word, Excel, Powerpoint for your productivity needs.
Cardinal Print
Printing Tool
Set up Cardinal Print to securely print, copy, and scan documents at supported devices across campus.
Apple Mail
Optional
Configure the native macOS Mail application to securely sync with your Stanford Office 365 account.
These applications and services keep your device and data safe.
CrashPlan
Required
Securely backup your critical data automatically. Learn how to verify your backup status.
CrowdStrike
Required
Check that your device's advanced endpoint protection is enabled to secure against modern cyber threats.
Cisco Secure Client (VPN)
Required
Connect remotely to Stanford's network to access restricted campus resources safely.
Google Drive
Set up Google Drive for desktop to securely sync and access your Stanford collaborative files locally.
Note: Please use whichever application your specific organization/department prefers.
Microsoft OneDrive
Set up Microsoft OneDrive to securely store, share, and sync your Stanford files across all your devices.
Note: Please use whichever application your specific organization/department prefers.
Optional - can be finished later.
This section features supplemental workflow tools, approved AI applications, additional services, and applications from Essential Stanford Software (ESS), and administrative utilities you may need later.
AI Playground PWA
Artificial Intelligence
Install the Stanford AI Playground Progressive Web App for quick access to approved AI tools.
Gemini & Copilot
Artificial Intelligence
Learn how to securely bookmark and log into Stanford's approved generative AI assistants.
Essential Stanford Software
Applications & Services
Get applications that help you plug into the Stanford network (SUNet) and access university computing services safely and securely.
macOS Upgrade
These instructions will guide you through upgrading your computer when the need arises. Because Apple typically announces a new macOS release annually, Stanford IT will notify you when it is time to perform an upgrade.
Return Old Mac to IT Safely
Learn the proper procedures for securely preparing and returning your old Mac to Stanford IT.
