IT services and support

Find IT services, support and guidance for staff at the University of Essex. Use this page to get help, manage your IT account, access software and systems, connect to campus networks, and use University devices securely.

IT support

IT live chat

Chat directly with the IT Helpdesk team in real time.

IT Helpdesk

Get fast IT support for login issues, wifi, software, and university systems via help requests, live chat, phone, or service status updates.

Account, password and security

Change or reset your password

Change or reset your University of Essex password using Microsoft’s secure password website. Find out how to update your password and get help if you need it.

IT account closure checklist

Staff leaving the University of Essex: Review your IT account closure procedure. Follow the steps to save personal files, transfer work data, and return equipment.

Cyber security advice and training

Get practical cyber security advice, learn how to report incidents, and find training to help keep everyone at Essex safe online.

Manage your IT account

Set up and manage your University IT account, access email and wifi, and understand what happens when your account closes.

Set up multifactor authentication (MFA)

Includes setting up MFA, managing your sign-in methods, and what to do if you forget, lose or can't access your sign-in device.

AI, software and specialist systems

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat

Microsoft 365 Copilot (Copilot Chat) is an AI assistant designed to help Essex staff work smarter by boosting productivity and simplifying tasks.

Zoom AI Companion

Zoom AI Companion helps make virtual meetings more productive and efficient.

Access software (AppsAnywhere)

AppsAnywhere is our software delivery service. It gives you on-demand access to applications anywhere, and on almost any device. Use your Essex IT account to sign in.

Using AI tools at work

Guidance relating to the use of AI tools to support business processes.

High performance computing (HPC)

HPC provides University of Essex staff, students, and collaborators with access to powerful computing resources for data‑intensive research, simulations, and large‑scale analysis, with guidance on access, usage, and support.

Business systems and access requests

Find information about University business systems and request access to ESIS, MyEssex, CRM, timetabling and other core services.

Communication and collaboration

Forms and survey tools

Choose the right survey tool at Essex — compare Microsoft Forms and Qualtrics, get sign-in links, support, and key guidance.

Email and calendar

Access your email, view your email quarantine, add a shared mailbox, manage your email groups or report a suspicious email.

Zoom video conferencing

Including getting started with Zoom, webinar licences, background images, Zoom Rooms, and help with Zoom.

Microsoft 365 apps

Install Microsoft 365 on your devices, use apps online, and store files securely with OneDrive — free while you’re at Essex.

Phone and voicemail

Information on telephone services including how to use your telephone, access your voicemail or update the university phonebook.

Files, storage and printing

Print, copy, and scan

Includes information and support for printing, photocopying, and scanning.

Store and share files

How to access file storage including Box, OneDrive and network drives, or transfer files with ZendTo.

Getting started and equipment

Use your own device for work (BYOD)

Learn how to keep University information safe when using your personal laptop, phone or tablet for work — from securing your device to reporting a lost or stolen one.

Set up your IT account

New to Essex? Follow five quick steps to set up your Essex IT access, stay secure, get email and wifi, install Microsoft 365, and get support.

Get or return IT equipment

Includes guidance for new staff and line managers on getting and using staff IT equipment.

Look after your laptop

Includes guidance on proper laptop care and maintenance to help ensure your laptop continues to support you in your work for as long as possible.

Upgrade to Windows 11

Includes information on how to prepare for and install your Windows 11 upgrade.

Purchase IT equipment

Includes requesting and returning IT equipment, IT purchasing, loaning IT equipment, and support for moving IT equipment.

Networks and remote access

Wired network access

Find out who can use the campus wired network, which devices are allowed, and when maintenance may affect your connection.

Connect to campus wifi

Learn how to connect to wifi at the University of Essex. Use eduroam for staff and students, or Essex Guest for visitors and guests on campus.

VPN and remote desktop

Find out how to connect to our VPN and remote desktop services.