Setting Up Your New UT Health San Antonio Mac

 

Setting Up Your New UT Health San Antonio Mac

Overview

UT Health San Antonio Mac computers are configured to make the initial setup process easier and allow employees to sign in using their existing UT Health credentials.

New and re-imaged Macs use an automated setup process called zero-touch deployment. This means your Mac can configure itself, register with UT Health San Antonio, and install required applications without needing to be manually prepared by an IT technician.

During setup, you will:

  1. Select your language and accessibility preferences and connect to the internet.

  2. Enroll your Mac in UT Health San Antonio's device management system.

  3. Register your Mac for single sign-on (SSO).

  4. Create your Mac user account using your UT Health credentials.

  5. Configure your time zone.

  6. Complete the initial macOS setup.

  7. Allow required applications and settings to install automatically.

Estimated setup time:

  • Initial setup: Approximately 10 minutes of user interaction, although enrollment may require additional waiting.

  • Automatic application installation: Approximately 15–30 minutes.

  • Actual times may vary depending on your internet connection and the applications being installed.

You can complete the setup process on campus, at home, or anywhere you have a reliable internet connection.

Before You Begin

Make sure you have the following items available:

  • UT Health email address: Your full institutional email address, such as example@uthscsa.edu.

  • UT Health password: The same password you use to access your UT Health account.

  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Your phone or other device used to approve Microsoft authentication requests.

  • Power adapter: Connect your Mac to power and leave it connected throughout setup.

  • Internet connection: A working Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet connection.

Important: Your Mac uses your UT Health password. You do not need to create a separate password for the computer.

Your Mac password is synchronized through Microsoft Entra ID, which allows password synchronization when connected to the internet, even when you are away from campus.

Part 1: Start Your Mac and Connect to the Internet

Step 1: Select your country or region

  1. Connect your Mac to its power adapter.

  2. Turn on your Mac.

  3. Wait for the Select Your Country or Region screen.

  4. Select United States.

  5. Click Continue.

Step 2: Configure accessibility options

The next screen displays accessibility settings.

These features help users who need assistance with vision, hearing, physical interaction, or other accessibility needs.

You may see the following options:

  • Vision: Features that make the screen easier to see or read.

  • Motor: Options that assist with keyboard, mouse, and other physical interactions.

  • Hearing: Accessibility features for users with hearing difficulties.

  • Cognitive: Features that help simplify interactions and improve accessibility.

If you need any of these features, select the appropriate category and configure the options.

If you do not need accessibility assistance, click Not Now.

You can enable or change these settings later through macOS System Settings.

Step 3: Connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet

Your Mac must have an internet connection to complete enrollment and install applications.

If you are on campus:

  1. Select HSCWave from the available wireless networks.

  2. Enter your UT Health username and password.

  3. Click Continue.

  4. A certificate verification window may appear for the server t7100ise-ap01lp.nmgmt.aci.uthscsa.edu.

  5. Verify that the displayed server matches this name, then click Continue to connect.

If you are working from home or another location:

  1. Select your available Wi-Fi network.

  2. Enter the password for that wireless network.

  3. Click Continue.

If you are using Ethernet:

Your Mac may automatically detect the wired connection and skip the wireless network selection screen.

Important: Do not disconnect from the internet during the setup process. An internet connection is required for enrollment, account registration, and application installation.

Part 2: Enroll Your Mac in Device Management

UT Health San Antonio uses Microsoft Intune to manage institutional Mac computers.

Enrollment allows IT to automatically configure security settings, deploy required applications, and maintain the computer.

Step 1: Confirm device ownership

A screen labeled Device Management will appear.

  1. Locate the message identifying the organization that owns the Mac.

  2. Verify that it displays This Mac is owned by: UT Health San Antonio.

  3. Click Enroll.

If the computer displays an unfamiliar organization, stop the setup process and contact the IT Service Desk.

Step 2: Sign in with your UT Health account

A Microsoft sign-in window will appear.

  1. Enter your complete UT Health email address.

  2. Click Next.

  3. Enter your UT Health password.

  4. Click Sign in.

  5. If prompted, approve the MFA request using your registered authentication device.

Depending on your network connection and authentication requirements, you may not receive an MFA prompt when connected to HSCWave or campus Ethernet.

Step 3: Wait for device enrollment

After signing in, your Mac will connect to Microsoft's device management service.

You may see Connecting to server at the bottom of the screen.

This process may take up to 10 minutes, depending on your internet connection.

What you should do:

  • Keep the Mac connected to power.

  • Maintain your internet connection.

  • Wait for the process to complete.

  • Do not shut down or restart the computer.

The setup process should automatically continue when enrollment finishes.

Part 3: Register Your Mac for Single Sign-On (SSO)

Single sign-on allows your Mac and supported UT Health applications to use your institutional credentials.

This reduces the number of times you need to enter your username and password.

For example, applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive can automatically sign in using your UT Health account.

Step 1: Wait for the SSO configuration screen

A screen labeled Single Sign-On for Mac will appear.

Initially, the Continue button may not respond.

This is expected while the Mac prepares the required settings.

Wait for the next screen to appear.

Step 2: Continue with SSO registration

Once the preparation finishes, the screen will display information about:

  • Automatically Registered: Your Mac is registered to use UT Health single sign-on.

  • Passwords Sync: Your Mac password can synchronize with your UT Health account password.

  • Access to Apps and Data: Your UT Health credentials can be used to access supported institutional applications and services.

Click Continue.

Step 3: Register with Microsoft Entra

A window labeled Register your device with Microsoft Entra will appear.

  1. Enter your full UT Health email address.

  2. Click Next.

  3. Enter your UT Health password.

  4. Click Sign in.

  5. Approve an MFA request if prompted.

This registration connects your Mac account to your institutional Microsoft Entra identity.

Step 4: Wait for device preparation

You will see a message stating Preparing your device.

The Mac is completing its registration and preparing the next stage of setup.

Do not click Close while this process is running.

It may take several minutes to complete.

The next setup screen will appear automatically.

Part 4: Create Your Mac User Account

Your Mac user account is created using your UT Health credentials.

Unlike a personal Mac, you do not need to create a separate local username and password.

Step 1: Sign in to your organization

On the Sign In to Your Organization screen:

  1. Enter your UT Health email address.

  2. Enter your UT Health password.

  3. Click Continue.

Step 2: Confirm your Mac account

The Create a Mac Account screen will appear.

Your account information is automatically populated by UT Health San Antonio.

You will see:

  • Your name.

  • Your assigned account name.

  • Your password, which is populated from your UT Health credentials.

Your name and account name are managed by the organization and cannot be changed during setup.

You may optionally select a picture for your Mac account.

To choose a different picture, select one of the available images or click the + symbol for additional options.

Click Continue to finish creating your account.

Understanding your Mac password

Your Mac password is the same as your UT Health password.

When you change your UT Health password, the Mac can synchronize the updated password through Microsoft Entra ID.

Important information:

  • You do not need to be connected to the campus network for password synchronization.

  • Your Mac must have an internet connection to synchronize password changes.

  • If you recently changed your UT Health password, allow time for the Mac to connect and synchronize.

  • If your new password is not immediately accepted, contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.

Part 5: Configure Your Time Zone

Your Mac can automatically determine the correct time zone using its location.

Step 1: Enable automatic time zone detection

On the Select Your Time Zone screen:

  1. Locate Set time zone automatically using current location.

  2. Turn the switch on.

Step 2: Enable Location Services

If Location Services are disabled, a message will appear indicating that they must be enabled.

Click Turn On Location Services.

This allows macOS to determine the correct time zone automatically.

Step 3: Confirm your time zone

For users located in San Antonio, the time zone should update to Central Time.

Verify the displayed time zone and click Continue.

If you are setting up your Mac from another geographic location, the displayed time zone may be different.

Part 6: Finish the Initial Mac Setup

Once the account and time zone settings are configured, the macOS welcome screen will appear.

Click Get Started.

Your Mac will load the desktop.

Important: Reaching the desktop does not mean that all applications have finished installing. Additional configuration will continue automatically.

Part 7: Allow Applications and Settings to Install

After reaching the desktop, your Mac will begin installing required UT Health San Antonio applications and settings.

This process typically takes another 15–30 minutes.

Step 1: Monitor application installation

A window labeled Welcome to UT Health San Antonio will appear.

This window displays the applications being installed.

You may see:

  • A spinning indicator showing that an application is currently installing.

  • A green check mark indicating that an application has completed installation.

Allow the installation process to continue.

Keep the computer connected to power and the internet.

Step 2: Complete the application installation window

When the required applications have finished installing, click Get Started.

If installation takes longer than expected, the window may display a message indicating how much longer it will wait.

A Continue button may become available.

You may click Continue and begin using the Mac while the remaining applications finish installing in the background.

Step 3: Wait for desktop customization

During the installation process, additional UT Health settings will be applied automatically.

These may include:

  • The UT Health San Antonio desktop wallpaper.

  • Standard application icons in the Dock.

  • Required Microsoft applications.

  • Organizational settings and security configurations.

The Dock is the row of application icons typically displayed along the bottom of the Mac screen.

You do not need to manually configure these items.

Step 4: Allow Microsoft applications to update

Microsoft AutoUpdate may begin installing updates for applications such as:

  • Microsoft Outlook

  • Microsoft Word

  • Microsoft Excel

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

  • Microsoft Teams

It is strongly recommended that you allow Microsoft AutoUpdate to finish before opening these applications.

If you open an application while its update is running, the update may be unable to complete until you close that application.

Step 5: Verify your applications

Once installation and updates have completed:

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook or another installed Microsoft application.

  2. Verify that it opens successfully.

  3. Confirm that you are signed in with your UT Health account.

  4. Check that your expected applications are available.

Microsoft Office, Teams, and OneDrive are configured to sign in automatically using your UT Health account.

Some applications may require additional time to finish configuring during their first launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IT technician to set up my new Mac?

Normally, no. New UT Health San Antonio Macs are designed to complete their initial setup automatically using zero-touch deployment.

You only need to connect to the internet, enter your UT Health credentials when prompted, and follow the setup instructions.

If an error occurs, contact the IT Service Desk.

Can I set up my Mac at home?

Yes. You can complete the process anywhere you have a reliable internet connection.

You do not need to be connected to the campus network to register the Mac or synchronize your password through Microsoft Entra ID.

Why am I asked to enter my UT Health password several times?

Different stages of setup require authentication.

Your credentials are used to enroll the computer in device management, register it for single sign-on, and create your Mac account.

This is expected behavior during the initial setup.

Will my Mac password change when I change my UT Health password?

Yes. Your Mac is configured to synchronize its password with your UT Health credentials through Microsoft Entra ID.

The Mac needs an internet connection and time to complete synchronization.

Why are my applications not immediately available?

Applications are installed automatically after the initial desktop setup.

This typically takes 15–30 minutes, but may take longer depending on internet speed and the software being installed.

Can I use my Mac while applications are installing?

Yes, once the setup window allows you to continue.

However, it is recommended that you wait for Microsoft AutoUpdate to finish before opening Microsoft Office applications.

Can I install software or make administrative changes?

UT Health San Antonio Macs use managed user accounts.

Some software installations or system changes require elevated privileges.

For authorized tasks, UT Health provides SAP Privileges, which can be accessed from the menu bar at the top-right corner of the screen.

SAP Privileges allows temporary administrative elevation for permitted tasks.

Some system functions remain restricted by institutional security policies, including Terminal access, even when privileges are elevated.

If you need assistance installing an application or changing a restricted setting, contact the IT Service Desk.

Troubleshooting

The Mac will not connect to Wi-Fi

  1. Verify that you selected the correct wireless network.

  2. Confirm that the password was entered correctly.

  3. If you are on campus, use HSCWave with your UT Health credentials.

  4. If available, try connecting through Ethernet.

  5. If the connection still fails, contact the IT Service Desk.

The Device Management screen does not show UT Health San Antonio

Do not proceed with enrollment if the ownership information is incorrect.

Contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.

I cannot sign in with my UT Health account

  1. Verify that you entered your complete UT Health email address.

  2. Confirm that you are using your current UT Health password.

  3. Make sure your Mac is connected to the internet.

  4. If prompted, complete the MFA verification.

  5. If authentication continues to fail, contact the IT Service Desk.

The Continue button is not working during SSO setup

During the initial Single Sign-On for Mac screen, the Continue button may be temporarily unavailable.

This is normal while the computer prepares its configuration.

Wait for the next screen to appear.

If the process remains unresponsive for an extended period, contact the IT Service Desk.

My Mac is stuck on Preparing your device

This screen may remain visible for several minutes while registration finishes.

Do not close the window or restart the computer during normal processing.

If the process does not complete after an extended period, contact the IT Service Desk.

My applications are taking longer than expected to install

  1. Verify that your Mac remains connected to the internet.

  2. Keep the Mac connected to its power adapter.

  3. Check the Welcome to UT Health San Antonio window for installation progress.

  4. If a Continue option becomes available, you may use it while remaining applications finish in the background.

  5. Contact the IT Service Desk if applications fail to install or remain unavailable.

My Microsoft applications are asking me to sign in

Microsoft applications are configured to use your UT Health account through SSO.

If prompted, verify that you are using your institutional account.

If you are repeatedly asked to authenticate or cannot access your applications, contact the IT Service Desk.

Getting Additional Assistance

If you experience problems during setup or cannot access your Mac after setup, contact the UT Health San Antonio IT Service Desk.

IT Service Desk

Phone: 210-567-7777, option 1

When requesting assistance, provide:

  • Your name and UT Health email address.

  • The Mac's asset tag or serial number, if available.

  • The setup screen where the issue occurred.

  • The exact error message, if one appears.

  • Whether you are connected to campus Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or an off-campus network.

Providing these details will help the IT support team troubleshoot the issue more efficiently.

Related Documentation

Setting Up Your New Mac v1.0

The accompanying PDF provides screenshots of the enrollment, single sign-on, account creation, time zone, and initial setup screens.

Use the PDF alongside this article if you would like to see what each screen should look like.

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