For a new hire, the first day involves verifying access works for every system they need. A quick checklist.

1. Sign in to Windows / Mac

The basic test: can they unlock the laptop?

  • Verify the temporary password works
  • Force password change on first sign-in (Windows usually does this)
  • Confirm they can sign in to the OS

If domain-joined: laptop must be connected to office network or VPN to sync.

2. Sign in to Microsoft 365

Test:

  • Sign in to outlook.office.com
  • Sign in to teams.microsoft.com
  • Sign in to office.com → Word/Excel online

If any of these fail, license may not be assigned yet.

3. MFA enrollment

On first sign-in, Microsoft typically prompts for MFA setup. Walk them through:

  • Install Microsoft Authenticator on their phone
  • Scan the QR code shown
  • Test the push

See [MFA setup](/kb/mfa-setup) for details.

4. Email

After Outlook is set up:

  • Verify email arrives (test from outside)
  • Verify they can send
  • Check that calendar / contacts show

5. OneDrive

Sign in to OneDrive in the system tray:

  • Files start syncing
  • Test by creating a file in OneDrive folder
  • Confirm it appears in onedrive.live.com

6. Wi-Fi

For office wireless:

  • Enterprise networks: WPA2-Enterprise requires their username + password
  • Guest network: simple password

For VPN (if they work remote sometimes):

  • Install the corporate VPN client
  • Test connection
  • Verify they can access internal resources via VPN

7. Their role-specific apps

Each role has different apps:

  • Sales: Salesforce, HubSpot
  • Engineering: GitHub, Jira, IDE
  • Finance: ERP, accounting software
  • HR: Workday or similar

Test sign-in to each. License or SSO issues become apparent now.

8. Printer access

If they need to print:

  • Add the office printer (Settings → Printers → Add)
  • Test print

If a print server requires authentication, ensure their account is in the right group.

9. Internal share drives

  • Map any network shares they need
  • Test read and (if needed) write access
  • Verify their access level matches their role

10. Equipment check

While they're set up:

  • Webcam works
  • Microphone works
  • Speakers / headphones
  • External monitor (if applicable)
  • Keyboard / mouse

Test a quick Teams call with someone to verify all four are working.

What goes in the welcome packet

For new hires, document:

  • Their username and (initial) password
  • Where to find IT help
  • KB articles (especially [how to raise a ticket](/kb/how-to-raise-a-ticket))
  • Office Wi-Fi name and password
  • Where to learn organization-specific tools

What to test on day 2

  • Calendar invites work
  • Email arrives from external senders
  • Mobile email setup works
  • VPN from home works
  • They can join Teams meetings

When to ticket

Raise a ticket if:

  • License assignment hasn't propagated
  • Specific apps don't recognize the account
  • Network share permissions are wrong
  • Hardware (laptop, phone) isn't working

Include the user's name, what's failing, and what you've already tried.