Follow these steps to set up your new computer and connect to your office workstation.

Before You Begin — Hardware Setup

  1. Connect power — Plug the power cable into the back of the PC and into a wall outlet or power strip.
  2. Connect your monitor — Plug the monitor video cable (HDMI or DisplayPort) into the PC, then connect the monitor power cable and turn it on.
  3. Connect keyboard and mouse — Insert the small USB wireless dongle from the keyboard/mouse kit into any USB port on the PC. Install batteries if needed.
  4. Power on the PC — Press the power button. The Windows lock screen will appear after a short startup.

Step 1 — Connect to the Internet

An internet connection is required to complete your first sign-in. Choose either option below.

Option A — Wi-Fi

  1. From the lock screen, click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen (highlighted in the screenshot below).

Windows 11 lock screen — click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom-right corner

  1. Select your Wi-Fi network, click Connect, and enter the password when prompted.
? Tip: If you are at the office, plugging in a network cable is faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi — no password needed.

Option B — Network Cable (Ethernet)

Plug a network cable into the Ethernet port on the back of the PC (it looks like a wide phone jack). Windows will connect automatically — no password required.

Step 2 — Sign In with Your CTS Account

This computer uses Microsoft Azure Active Directory. Sign in with your CTS email and password.

  1. Click anywhere on the lock screen (or press any key) to reach the sign-in screen.
  2. Enter your CTS email address:
    firstinitiallastname@ctscement.com
  3. Enter your password and press Enter.
  4. If prompted for multi-factor authentication (MFA), approve the request in your authenticator app or enter the code sent to your phone.
  5. Windows will finish setting up your profile. This may take 2–5 minutes on first login. Wait until the desktop fully loads before continuing.
⚠️ Do not power off the PC during the first login. Profile setup takes 2–5 minutes. The screen may go black briefly — this is normal.

Step 3 — Connect to CTS VPN

Once your desktop loads, connect to the VPN before accessing your office PC. The server is already pre-configured.

  1. Find the Cisco Secure Client icon on your desktop and double-click it.


    Cisco Secure Client desktop icon

  2. The Cisco Secure Client window will open with CTS Corporate VPN already selected. Click Connect.


    The server address is pre-configured — just click Connect

  3. Enter your CTS username and password when prompted, then click OK.
    firstinitiallastname@ctscement.com
  4. When connected, a lock icon will appear on the Cisco Secure Client icon in the system tray (bottom-right of your taskbar).
? Important: You must connect to VPN before opening Remote Desktop. If you skip this step, the connection will fail.

Step 4 — Connect to Your Office PC via Remote Desktop

With VPN connected, use Remote Desktop to access your office workstation as if you were sitting in front of it.

  1. Find the Remote Desktop Connection icon on your desktop and double-click it.

    Remote Desktop Connection icon

  2. When the login prompt appears, enter your CTS domain credentials:
    Usernamectscement\firstinitiallastname or firstinitiallastname@ctscement.com
    PasswordYour CTS network password
  3. Click OK. Your office desktop will load in a full-screen window.
? Tip: Check “Remember me” when prompted to save your username. Your password will still be required each session for security.

? Daily Use — Quick Reference

#SituationWhat to do
1Every morningPower on → Sign in → Connect VPN → Open Remote Desktop
2Remote Desktop won’t connectMake sure Cisco VPN is connected first, then try again
3VPN disconnectsDouble-click Cisco Secure Client → Click Connect again
4End of dayLog off the Remote Desktop session → Disconnect VPN
5Locked out / forgot passwordContact IT Support — do not attempt multiple failed logins

Need help? Contact IT Support at support@ctscement.com