---
title: "Computer - First Sign-In and User Creation"
canonical: "https://tech.calpoly.edu/space/CPKB/3644489800/Computer%20-%20First%20Sign-In%20and%20User%20Creation"
format: markdown
---
Before you are allowed to log in to your Cal Poly-managed computer, it must first be connected to the **campus wired network (NOT Wifi) **so it can create a local user account with your Cal Poly username and password. Subsequent logins will use your existing account on the computer and can be done offline.

## Connecting to Campus Network

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## Creating a Local User On a WINDOWS Computer

1. Log in with your Cal Poly username and password.
  1. If this is the first login, it may take a few minutes to create a local user.
  2. Windows should provide a status, such as “Preparing Windows“ and create your user within a few minutes.

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## Creating a Local User On a MAC Computer

### Individually Assigned Macs

1. Individually assigned Macs have the user’s account (just the username that precedes @calpoly.edu; the full email cannot login) created by ITS in advance with a set-up temporary password.
2. First password sync takes place on the campus network or VPN through the menu bar under the **key** icon : [https://tech.calpoly.edu/space/CPKB/964001911/Passphrase%2FPassword+Change+Re-Sync+on+a+Cal+Poly-Owned+Mac](https://tech.calpoly.edu/space/CPKB/964001911/Passphrase%2FPassword+Change+Re-Sync+on+a+Cal+Poly-Owned+Mac)

### Lab, Shared, and Checkout Macs

Macs used for Lab, Shared, and Checkout have a special Cal Poly shared login screen.

You should be able to log in with your Cal poly username (without the @calpoly.edu) and password.

- Correct logins will often take longer to sign in than a login failure for bad password or missing network.

> ℹ️ If you have trouble logging in check these solutions [https://tech.calpoly.edu/space/CPKB/3644489848/Computer+-+Login+Troubleshooting](https://tech.calpoly.edu/space/CPKB/3644489848/Computer+-+Login+Troubleshooting)