Returning a company computer
What to back up, what to sign out of, and what to leave alone before handover.
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Moving to a new computer
A computer swap is the moment local-only files, browser bookmarks, app settings, and "I always meant to back that up" content disappear. Spend 30 minutes confirming what is in the cloud and what is only on the old machine before IT wipes it.
Confirm Before the Swap
Files in the cloud should appear automatically on the new computer
OneDrive, SharePoint, Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Egnyte
Check that syncing completed, then open important files in the correct web account and verify recent edits. A file in a sync folder may still be local-only or waiting to upload. Keep the old computer until the new one can access the confirmed copies.
Email, calendar, contacts, and Teams chats
Server-hosted mail, calendars, contacts, and chats normally return after signing in. Local archives, unsent items, and locally stored contacts may need separate transfer. Confirm with IT before wiping the old device.
Browser bookmarks and passwords (if you signed in to the browser)
Signing into a browser does not guarantee sync is enabled. Check which categories are syncing and whether company policy allows them. Verify bookmarks on the new device; use an approved export or migration process for local-only data.
What Will Disappear
Find these on the old computer before it goes back to IT
Files saved to Desktop, Documents, or Downloads that aren't in OneDrive
Open File Explorer and check Desktop, Documents, and Downloads. Copy needed files to company-approved storage and verify the copies open and contain current edits before the old device is wiped.
Email signatures, Outlook rules, AutoText, custom dictionaries
Signature and settings roaming depend on Outlook version, account, and company configuration. Test them on the new computer and preserve any local templates, rules, and signatures through an approved transfer.
App-specific local content
Bluebeam tool chests and profiles, AutoCAD CUI customizations, ArcGIS Pro custom favorites, Photoshop brushes and presets, Excel personal macro workbook, sticky notes, and saved searches all tend to be local. Export or screenshot them.
Saved Wi-Fi networks and printer connections
You will need to re-add home and office Wi-Fi credentials and reinstall printers on the new computer.
Day One on the New Computer
The order that gets you working fastest
Sign in with your work account first
On Windows, sign in with your work account if your company has set the computer up that way. On macOS, follow your company's setup steps and then sign in to your work apps with the account IT provides.
Let OneDrive (or your cloud sync app) start syncing right away
Open OneDrive and sign in immediately so files start syncing in the background while you set up other apps.
Install business apps in priority order
Email and Teams first, then your everyday production apps (Office, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Photoshop), then secondary apps. Test sign-in for each one before moving on.
Set up your authenticator app on the new computer's prompts
Many apps will trigger a fresh multi-factor sign-in prompt on the new computer. Have your phone nearby.
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The order that gets you working on a brand-new computer at a new job.
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