---
title: "Starting Up Your Computer"
canonical: "https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/10894835996/Starting%20Up%20Your%20Computer"
format: markdown
---
Student employees, faculty, and staff can learn more about safely powering on and updating their University-issued Windows and Mac computers. 

> ✅ When returning to your office after an extended absence, make sure to check the following basic utilities of your office:
> ✅ 
> ✅ - Ceiling lights
> ✅ - Appliances
> ✅ - All computer hardware
> ✅ - Climate control (i.e., AC or heat)
> ✅ - Water
> ✅ - WiFi
> ✅ 
> ✅ If there is an issue with office lighting, water, or climate control, visit the [Facilities Operations](http://fo.uconn.edu) page to fill out a Work Order request.

## <span style="color: #172b4d">Powering on your Laptop or Desktop</span>

1. Be sure that your computer's power cable is plugged into a power outlet and your computer.
  1. If you use a [docking station for your laptop](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10894836023), plug into it and make sure the docking station is connected to a wall power outlet and is charging your laptop.
  2. Below is a picture of example power cables; the center cables are USB-C cables. The USB-C cable may come from a monitor/dock. The black cables are common Windows PC cables while the white cables are common Mac cables.
2. Your monitor(s) will have a similar power cable. Be sure to plug them into wall power.

> ℹ️ For more information on cables, see [Identifying Common Cables](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10894836055).

## Updating your Windows Computer

If your computer has been off for an extended period of time, there will be a queue of updates waiting to run. 

1. At the login screen, use your NetID and NetID Password to continue.
2. Once you have logged into Windows, open the **Start** menu.
3. Press the **Power **icon. If you see the **Update and Restart** option, click on it now. Your computer will download/install updates before restarting and finish installing updates before presenting the log-in screen once more.
4. If you do not see this option, type "*updates*" into the white search box.
5. Open **Check for Updates. **
6. Click on **Check for Updates** in the **Windows Update** window.
  - Install any available updates. This may take a long time, but it will run autonomously while you complete other tasks in your office.
7. Note: your computer may need to restart multiple times for successive updates.

### Updating your MacOS Computer

- If you are able to sign into your Mac with your NetID credentials without issue, you are fine to continue using your computer.
- If you are unable to sign into your Mac with your NetID credentials, contact ITS at **techsupport.uconn.edu** to re-image your computer.

> ⚠️ Re-imaging your Mac will wipe all personal data off the device. <u>Let the ITS Staff know</u> if you have data on there that is not backed up.

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