You can configure Google Credential Provider for Windows (GCPW) as an administrator to enable users to log in to a Windows 10 device using the Google Account they use for their place of employment or education. Onsite Helper can help you install GCPW on any corporate-owned devices. You can ask the user to install GCPW on their own personal devices where they have administrative rights.

What are the system requirements for GCPW?

• OS: Windows 10 Pro, Pro for Workstations, Enterprise, or Education version 1803 or later
• Version 81 or later of a stable Chrome browser installed with administrative rights
• Disk space for GCPW (3 MB) and Google Chrome (100 MB)
• To launch the installer, you must have administrator rights on the target device. Alternatively, you can distribute the installer to target devices by utilising software deployment tools.

Preparations before installing GCPW

Step 1: Password management strategy

When GCPW is installed on a Windows 10 device, the user logs in using their password for their Google Account. The user is then instantly signed in to both the Chrome browser and their Windows profile through GCPW. The Windows password and Google Account password need to be consistent in order for this automated sign-in to function.

Use Google (prefered) or a synchronisation solution to transfer password updates from Active Directory, Azure Active Directory (AD), or other third-party tools to Google to keep passwords up to current.

Users are only able to control their Google password with either method. Because GCPW disables that feature, they are unable to reset their password from the Ctrl+Alt+Delete screen on their device.

Synchronize Google Account passwords with Windows passwords via Google Workspace Password Sync (GSPS) or another solution if you manage passwords on Windows devices with Active Directory, Azure AD, or other tools.

Step 2: Compatible password complexity

Set Google Account password complexity requirements to be at least as strong as Active Directory or Windows password requirements. A user can change their password to one that doesn’t comply with the Windows password requirements if the Google password requirements are less. They must reset their Google password once more in order to comply with Windows’ password requirements before they may access their Windows account.

Step 3: Determine how to control GCPW settings

Users cannot sign in with GCPW unless the domains that are permitted to sign in are set when GCPW is configured. Additionally, you may manage automatic updates, disable automatic enrolment in Windows device management, and require online sign-in after a predetermined period. Both the Admin console and the registry settings on each device let you control these parameters.

Step 4: Link users’ Google accounts to their current Windows profiles

You can configure GCPW to link an existing Windows profile with a user’s Google Account if the Windows device already has one set up for that user’s work account.

How to install Google Credential Provider for Windows

Step 1: Download GCPW

• Use an administrator account and go to the Google Admin console
• From the Admin console Home page, go to Devices.
• On the left, click Mobile & endpoints > Settings > Windows settings.
• Click Google Credential Provider for Windows setup > Download GCPW.

Step 2: Set GCPW allowed domains and optional settings

The most straightforward method is to utilise your Admin console to apply the same settings to all Windows devices in your company.

Step 3: Install GCPW

Run the installer you downloaded to install GCPW

If you need help setting up GCPW, don’t hesitate to contact Onsite Helper.