Chicago Campus AA Laptop Setup

Before You Start

  • Remove the laptop from its packaging and plug it into power for the entire process.
  • The name of the Wi‑Fi network you will be connecting to is DU Wireless and the password is the same as your DU email password.
  • When you are asked for your Microsoft account in step 9, you will be creating a new Microsoft account, unless you already have one.

Step 1: Turn On the Laptop

What you'll see: A black screen with a Lenovo logo.

  1. Open the laptop lid.
  2. Press the Power Button once.
  3. Wait a minute while Windows starts.

Step 2: Select Your Language

What you'll see: Let's start with your language.

  1. Click the language drop-down menu.
  2. Select English (United States).
  3. Click Continue in English.

Step 2: Choose Your Country

What you'll see: Is this the right country or region?

  1. Select United States.
  2. Click Yes.

Step 3: Select Your Keyboard

What you'll see: Is this the right keyboard layout or input method?

  1. Select US.
  2. Click Yes.
  3. If asked for a second keyboard layout, choose Skip.

Step 4: Connect to Wi‑Fi

What you'll see: A list of Wi‑Fi networks.

  1. Find DU Wireless.
  2. Click it.
  3. Click Connect.
  4. Enter your DU username and Wi‑Fi password.
    1. The username is everything in your email address before the @ symbol.
    2. The password is the same as the one used for your DU email.
  5. Click Next.

Step 5: Check for Updates (This may take several minutes)

What you'll see: Windows may display a message that it is checking for updates.

  1. Allow Windows to check for updates.
  2. If updates are found, let them install.
  3. Keep the laptop plugged in.
  4. The computer may restart, wait for the process to be completed.

Step 6: Accept the License Agreement

What you'll see: Microsoft Software License Terms.

  1. Read the agreement.
  2. Click Accept. You must accept the agreement to continue.

Step 7: Name Your Device

What you'll see: Name your device.

Choose a computer name that:

  1. Has letters and numbers
  2. Has NO spaces or special characters other than a (–) or (_).
  3. Is NOT all numbers
  4. Is NOT more than 15 characters long

Good Examples

Bad Examples
  • JessieT14
  • School_Laptop
  • ThinkPad-01
  • LindasPC

 
  • Lisa Laptop ❌ (contains space)
  • 193476 ❌ (all numbers)

 

 

Click Next when finished. The computer will restart.

Step 8: Choose How You Want to Set Up This Device

What you'll see: How would you like to set up this device?

You will see two options:

  • Personal Use
  • Work or School

Select "Set Up for Personal Use"

  1. Click Set up for personal use.
  2. Click Next.

Windows will download and prepare the files needed to finish the setup. This process may take several minutes.

Keep the laptop connected to:

  • Power
  • Wi‑Fi

Do not turn off the computer during this process.

Step 9: Sign In to Microsoft

What you'll see: Unlock your Microsoft experience.

  1. Click Sign In.

Option A: You Already Have a Microsoft Account

  1. Enter your Microsoft email address.
    • Outlook.com
    • Hotmail.com
    • Live.com
  2. Click Next.
  3. Enter your password or code.
  4. Click Sign In.

Option B: Create a New Microsoft Account

If you do not have a Microsoft account, click Create one!

  1. Enter an email address you would like to use and click Next.
  2. Create a password that:
  • Has at least 8 characters
  • Includes letters and numbers
  • Is easy for you to remember

Example: BlueSky2026

 
  1. Click Next.
  2. Enter Your First and Last Name and click Next.
  3. Enter Your Date of Birth and click Next.

Verify Your Identity

Microsoft may ask you to verify your account.

You may receive:

  • A verification code by email
  • A verification code by text message
  1. Open the email or text message.
  2. Find the code.
  3. Enter the code on the screen.
  4. Click Next.

Account Successfully Created!

Your Microsoft account is now ready to use.

Important: Write down and save the new Microsoft Email Address and Password. Store this information in a safe place for future use.

Step 10: Set Up Windows Hello Face Recognition (Optional but Recommended)

What you'll see: Want to use your face to sign in faster and more securely?

Windows Hello Face Recognition allows you to sign in to your laptop by simply looking at the camera.

Set Up Face Recognition

  1. Click Yes, set up.
  2. Position yourself in front of the laptop camera.
  3. Make sure your face is clearly visible and well lit.
  4. Look directly at the camera.
  5. Click Next.

Step 11: Create a PIN

What you'll see: Got it! Now setup a PIN.

  1. Click Create PIN.
  • Check the box “Include letters and symbols” if you want to use them
  • Don't use birth years or easily guessed numbers if possible.
  1. Enter a simple 4–6 digit PIN you can remember.
  2. Click OK.

Step 12: Privacy Settings

What you'll see: Choose privacy settings for your device.

  1. Click Next.
  2. Accept the recommended settings or make any necessary adjustments.
  3. Click Accept.

Step 13: Set Up as a New PC

What you'll see: Restore from another PC" or "Set up as a new PC

Select "Set Up as a New PC"

  1. Click Next.
  2. Click Set up as a new PC.
  3. Click Next.
  4. Wait for Setup to Finish.

Do not turn it off and keep it plugged in.

Step 14: Register Your Device

What you'll see: Protect your device

Registering your device helps:

  • Associate the laptop with your Microsoft account
  • Simplify support and warranty assistance
  • Improve device recovery options if the laptop is lost
  • Enable certain Microsoft security features

Enter Your Information

  1. First and Last Name.
  2. Email address.
  3. Select your country from the drop-down list.
  4. Click Next,
  5. Click Next again.

Step 15: Let's Customize Your Experience

What you'll see: Let's customize your experience

Select "School"

  1. Locate the School option.
  2. Click School to select it.
  3. Click Accept.

Step 16: Skip "Use Your Phone from Your PC and Back Up Your Photos"

What you'll see: Use your phone from your PC

Skip This Step

  1. Click Skip

What you'll see: Back up your phone's photos to keep them safe

Skip This Step

  1. Click Skip

Step 17: Configure Browsing Data Sync

What you'll see: Always have access to your recent browsing data

Microsoft Edge can save and sync your browsing information so that it is available on any device where you sign in with the same Microsoft account.

  1. Click Accept
  2. Click Decline Microsoft 365 (Dominican gives you free access)
  3. Click Decline for cloud storage (Dominican gives you a cloud OneDrive)

Step 18: Test Everything

Make sure:

  • Wi‑Fi works
  • Sound works
  • Webcam works
  • Microphone works
  • Keyboard works
  • Touchpad works

You're Finished!

Your Lenovo ThinkBook is ready to use.

Helpful Videos

If you’re having trouble with the setup or need a visual example, below are two Windows 11 setup videos available to you:

 

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