Standard software & Configuration for Staff Windows Computers


Article overview

Introduction

This is the standard software/configuration for staff Windows computers, both laptops and desktops. It will be installed on new computers and mostly be pushed to existing computers as updates.

Legend

 

Staff Windows Computers Software Details

 

 

 

 

Operating System

STD

Windows 11 – Latest version

Releases within the same version of Windows are similar to patches, but used by KIS for a month before enabling for all of Kellogg

 

STD

Windows 11 – Security patches

Needed to avoid known security problems

 

CHK VER

Windows 10

No Longer Supported. EOL was 10/14/25

Productivity

STD

MS 365 click-to-run (64 bit)

Latest version of Office

 

STD

MS Office Security Patches

Needed to avoid known security problems.

 

STD

KPrint

Printing at Kellogg

 

STD

Solstice

Display on screens in classrooms and some conference rooms

Internet

STD

Chrome

Leading web browser; self-updates

 

OPT

Firefox

Staff can install; KIS will ensure latest version is running for security

 

STD

GlobalProtect

VPN Client

 

STD

VLC

Leading Windows video player

 

STD

Adobe Acrobat Pro

PDF creator - available to all Staff/Faculty

 

N/A

Adobe Flash

Not available - EOL 1/12/21

 

CHK VER

Java SE

Deprecated as a security risk, if needed, KIS will check for security updates

Collaboration

STD

Skype for Business

Supported conferencing tool

 

STD

Zoom Workspace

Supported conferencing tool

 

STD

Panopto Screen Recorder

Supported screen recorder

Security

STD

Crashplan (Code42)

Standard backup of User folder

 

STD

Windows Defender

Anti-virus

 

STD

MECM (Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager)

Required to check what versions of software are installed, Imaging & Deployment

 

STD

Crowdstrike

Endpoint security

 

STD

BIOS: Security Chip Turned on

Enables fingerprint authentication and encryption

Configuration

STD

Bitlocker Encryption

Data can’t be accessed if computer is stolen or lost

 

STD

Require password after 15 minutes of inactivity; less is ok

Impedes access to computer by passers-by

 

STD

Require PIN to be at least 8 characters long; have special character

Make PIN as safe as a password

 

STD

Chrome automatic update

Ensures security patches

 

STD

Firefox automatic update (If installed)

Ensures security patches

 

STD

Acrobat automatic update

Ensures security patches

 

STD

Java automatic update (If installed)

Ensures security patches

 

STD

Shortcut on desktop to Defender Scan Now

Easy to scan computer for virus / malware

 

STD

BIOS: Virtualization Enabled

 

 

STD

BIOS: UEFI Only

Improved Security at boot 

Age

 

Not older than warranty: For desktops 5 years, for laptops 4 years - beyond that computer should be replaced

Computer becomes unsupportable.

 

 

Last Updated: 11/17/25