Minimum Device Versions - Staff

Introduction

To protect the security of our college's data and services, we use Context-Aware Access for all Google Workspace applications (Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Classroom, etc.). This means that to access these services, your device must meet specific security requirements.

Find out more in this video or this presentation.

This guide outlines the minimum requirements for your devices and the necessary steps to ensure you can access your college Google account without interruption.

TL;DR: The Essentials

• Use an up-to-date device: You need Windows 11 23H2 , macOS 14.8.1, ChromeOS 140, Android 14, or iOS 18 (or newer).

• Use Google Chrome: Your browser must be Chrome version 140 or newer. Other browsers and incognito mode will not work.

• Use a dedicated College Chrome Profile: On a Windows PC or Mac, you must create a separate Chrome profile for your college account. You cannot just add it to your personal profile.

• On a Chromebook: You must sign in to the Chromebook itself with your college account.

Why These Security Measures Are Important

We have a responsibility to protect sensitive college information, including student data and personal information. These security rules help ensure that only authorised individuals on secure devices can access our systems. This prevents unauthorised access and protects the entire college community from data breaches and cyber threats.

How to Check Your Device and Browser Version

• Google Chrome: In Chrome, click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner, go to "Help," and then select "About Google Chrome."

• Windows: Go to Settings > System > About to see your Windows version.

• macOS: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "About This Mac."

• Android: Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information.

• iOS: Go to Settings > General > About.

General Requirements for All Devices

• Google Chrome Browser: You must use Google Chrome version 140 or newer. Access from other browsers like Firefox, Safari, or Edge is not permitted.

• No Incognito Mode: Access to college Google services is blocked when using an Incognito or Private Browsing window.

Desktop & Laptop Requirements (Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux)

A key requirement for using a desktop or laptop is that you must be signed into a Google Chrome browser profile with your college account. This ensures that the "Endpoint Verification" extension, which confirms your device's security status, is active.

Important: You cannot simply add your college account as a secondary account to a personal Chrome profile. You must create a dedicated Chrome profile for your college account.

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 11 or newer.

• Setup:

1. Open Google Chrome.

2. Click on the profile icon in the top-right corner and select "Add."

3. Sign in with your college email and password. The "Endpoint Verification" extension will be installed automatically.

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 14.8.1 (Sonoma) or newer.

• Setup:

1. Open Google Chrome.

2. Click on the profile icon in the top-right corner and select "Add."

3. Sign in with your college email and password. The "Endpoint Verification" extension will be installed automatically.

ChromeOS (Chromebooks)

• Operating System: ChromeOS version 140 or newer.

• Setup: You must sign into the Chromebook itself using your college account profile.

Linux

• Policy: At this time, Linux desktops are not officially supported for accessing college Google services due to the wide variety of distributions and configurations, which makes it difficult to ensure consistent security compliance.

Mobile Device Requirements (Android & iOS)

For mobile devices, access is controlled through your device's operating system version and security settings.

Android

• Operating System: Android 14 or newer.

• Setup:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Add account.

2. Select "Google" and sign in with your college credentials.

3. Follow the prompts to install the device management profile.

iOS (iPhone & iPad)

• Operating System: iOS 18 or newer.

• Setup:

1. Use the official Google apps (Gmail, Drive, etc.) for the best experience.

2. When you sign in, you will be prompted to install a device management profile. This is required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: I'm being denied access. What should I check first?

A: Please check the following common issues:

1. Outdated OS/Browser: Ensure your device and Chrome browser meet the minimum versions listed above.

2. Incorrect Chrome Profile: On a computer, make sure you are in a Chrome profile signed in only with your college account.

3. Incognito Mode: You cannot use private browsing windows.

4. Endpoint Verification: Ensure the "Endpoint Verification" extension is enabled in your college Chrome profile.

Q: Can I use another browser like Safari, Firefox, or Edge?

A: No. To ensure security and proper verification, you must use Google Chrome and be signed into your college profile to access Google services.

Q: What if I use a public computer, like in the library?

A: On a public computer, you should create a temporary Chrome profile to sign in with your college account. Crucially, remember to remove the profile from the browser when you are finished. To do this, click the profile icon, go to the settings (gear) icon, click the three dots on your college profile, and select "Delete."

Q: What happens if an OS update makes my device no longer meet the requirements?

A: If a future OS update causes your device to fall out of compliance (which is unlikely), you would need to use a different, compliant device to access college services until a solution is available. We strive to support a wide range of modern devices.

If you have verified all the above and still cannot access your account, please contact the IT Helpdesk for further assistance.