Install Software and Updates Using Company Portal on Windows

Questions

  • What is Company Portal and what can I do with it?
  • How do I install software on my Bowdoin-issued Windows computer?
  • Where do I find Company Portal on Windows?
  • How do I install an application myself without contacting the Service Desk?
  • How do I view updates and patches that are scheduled to install?
  • How do I request approval to install a departmental or specially licensed application?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff using a Bowdoin-issued computer running the Windows operating system, including virtual machines. Company Portal is available anywhere you are connected to the internet.

Company Portal is an application available for Windows. It can be used to install and remove software and install software updates on all Bowdoin-issued Windows computers. You can select from some of the most commonly requested applications and install them yourself, on your own time, without the need to contact the Service Desk. For some departmental applications or those with unique licensing, you will have the ability to request approval to install the software. If approved, you can continue to install it like any other application in Company Portal. You can also see the updates and patches that will be applied and apply them when you would like, before they are scheduled to self-install.

Resolution

Access Company Portal and Install an Application

  1. Click the Start Menu and, in the Search box, type Company Portal. Company Portal can also be located from the Start Menu > All Apps > Company Portal.

Windows search results for 'company portal' showing the Company Portal app with options like Open, Pin to Start, App settings, and Uninstall

  1. Click the Company Portal icon as shown above.
  2. If prompted to sign in, sign in with your Bowdoin credentials.
  3. If prompted to choose a device category, choose one that aligns closely with your device.
  4. Once open, you will see a list of available applications. They may have different statuses. Some may say "Installed" and others may say "Install". Select any of the "Available" application listings to install the software.

Company Portal home screen showing recently published apps and a device with access to company resources

  1. Select an application to open its detail page. In this example, we click Microsoft Visual Studio Code. A variety of information is shown. Click Install to begin installing the application.

Microsoft Visual Studio Code 1.83.1 installation page in the Company Portal app with overview, version, and Install button

View and Install Updates

Company Portal is also used to install patches and updates to the Windows operating system and many other products, including Microsoft Office.

  1. Click the Downloads & Updates icon from the column on the left to view updates that are scheduled to be installed.
  2. Review the available updates. You can see the updates that are available, software that has installed or will install, and their status.
Note: All updates have a schedule for when they will be forced to install. This schedule cannot be changed.

Company Portal Downloads and updates screen showing one app installing and three installed apps listed with details

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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