--- title: Login with GCPW description: Google Credential Provider for Windows (GCPW) allows you to sign in to your Windows computer using your [Google Workspace](Google_Workspace.md) account. This eliminates the need for a separate loca... category: getting-started tags: [getting_started] permalink: go.dbits.ca/dd/login-with-gcpw --- # Login with GCPW Google Credential Provider for Windows (GCPW) allows you to sign in to your Windows computer using your [Google Workspace](Google_Workspace.md) account. This eliminates the need for a separate local username and password, streamlining account management while maintaining strong security through features like two-factor authentication. *Official Reference: [Google GCPW Documentation](https://support.google.com/a/answer/9250996)* --- ## Signing In for the First Time ### Step 1: Initiate Sign-In - At the Windows login screen, click **“Add work account”** - *Note: This option appears as a button below the standard login fields* ### Step 2: Enter Your Google Workspace Credentials - Enter your Google Workspace email address (e.g., yourname@company.com) - Enter your Google account password - Complete any additional verification steps: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) code if enabled - Security key verification if required - Accept the terms of service when prompted ### Step 3: Profile Creation - Windows will automatically create your user profile (this may take a few minutes) - Your desktop will load once the setup is complete --- ## Initial Configuration (First Login Only) After your first successful login, configure these essential applications: ### 1. Set Up Windows Hello Fingerprint Reader - Open the Start menu and search for **“Sign-in options”** - Under **Windows Hello Fingerprint**, click **“Set up”** - Click **“Get started”** - Follow the on-screen prompts to scan your fingerprint multiple times You’ll be asked to lift and place your finger repeatedly to capture different angles - This typically requires 8-10 scans for accuracy - Once complete, you can use your fingerprint to unlock Windows and authenticate in compatible apps *Learn more: [Windows Hello Setup Guide (Microsoft)](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/sign-in-options-and-account-protection-in-windows-7b34d4cf-794f-f6bd-ddcc-e73cdf1a6fbf)* ### 2. Set Default Applications - Open the Start menu and search for **“Default apps”** - Set the following defaults: **Email**: Gmail/Google Chrome - **Web browser**: Google Chrome - When prompted, click **“Switch anyway”** to confirm your choices ### 3. Configure Google Chrome - Open Google Chrome - Sign in with your Google Workspace account - **Important**: Enable sync and select “Make Chrome my own” when prompted *Learn more: [Chrome Sync Guide (Google)](https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/185277)* ### 4. Set Up Bitwarden Password Manager **About Bitwarden:** Bitwarden is our recommended password manager for securely storing and managing your credentials. [Learn more about our Bitwarden service](BitWarden_Password_Manager.md). #### 4a. Configure Bitwarden Desktop App - Open the Bitwarden desktop application - Sign in with your Bitwarden account credentials - Once signed in, go to **Settings** (gear icon) → **Security** - Under **Unlock with Biometrics**, toggle **“Unlock with Windows Hello”** to **ON** - Windows will prompt you to verify your identity using your fingerprint - Test the biometric unlock by locking Bitwarden (File → Lock) and unlocking with your fingerprint #### 4b. Enable Biometric Unlock for Autofill - In Bitwarden desktop settings, navigate to **Security** - Enable **“Unlock with Windows Hello”** (if not already enabled) - Enable **“Require biometric unlock for autofill”** for added security - This ensures autofill requests require fingerprint authentication #### 4c. Connect Bitwarden Chrome Extension - Open Google Chrome - Click the Bitwarden extension icon in Chrome - Click **“Log in”** - Select **“Log in with device”** or enter your credentials - Once logged in, click the Bitwarden extension icon → **Settings (gear icon)** - Navigate to **Options** - Enable **“Enable browser integration”** (this links the extension to your desktop app) #### 4d. Configure Biometric Authentication in Chrome Extension - In the Bitwarden Chrome extension, go to **Settings** → **Security** - Ensure **“Unlock with biometrics”** is enabled - The extension will now communicate with the desktop app for biometric unlocks - Test by locking the extension and unlocking with your fingerprint through the desktop app prompt *Learn more: [Bitwarden Biometric Unlock Documentation](https://bitwarden.com/help/biometrics/)* ### 5. Set Up Google Drive - Open the Google Drive desktop application - Sign in with your Google Workspace account - Configure folder sync by checking the folders you want to back up to the cloud - This ensures your important files are automatically backed up *Learn more: [Google Drive Desktop Setup Guide](https://support.google.com/drive/answer/10838124)* ### 6. Configure Printing (If Applicable) - Look for the **Printix** icon in the system tray (near the clock) - Sign in to Printix - Add any printers you need access to from the available list *Learn more: [Personal Device Management (PDM)](Personal_Device_Management.md) | [Print Management with Printix](Printer_and_Print_Management.md)* --- ## Using Bitwarden with Biometrics - When visiting a website with saved credentials, Bitwarden will offer to autofill - Click the Bitwarden autofill prompt in the login field - Authenticate with your fingerprint when prompted - Your credentials will be filled automatically --- ## Tips for Success - Keep your fingerprint reader clean for reliable authentication - If biometric unlock fails, you can always use your master password - Ensure both Bitwarden desktop app and Chrome extension are running for seamless integration - Pin the Bitwarden desktop app to your taskbar for easy access