How to Use Global Secure Access (GSA)
Summary
This article explains how to verify that Microsoft Global Secure Access (GSA) is installed and running on your Biola-managed computer, and how to install it manually if it was not deployed automatically. It also covers how to temporarily pause GSA if needed for troubleshooting.
Body
Purpose
This article explains how to verify that Microsoft Global Secure Access (GSA) is installed and running on your Biola-managed computer, and how to install it manually if it was not deployed automatically. It also covers how to temporarily pause GSA if needed for troubleshooting.
Instructions
Verify GSA is Active — Windows
Before You Begin
After IT deploys GSA to your Windows computer, you must restart your computer before GSA will activate. If you have not yet restarted since the deployment, do so before continuing.
- Click the ^ arrow in the System Tray (bottom-right corner of your taskbar) to show hidden icons.
- Look for the Microsoft Global Secure Access icon.
- A green checkmark on the icon means GSA is connected and working correctly.
- If the icon shows a warning symbol, or is not visible after a restart, try restarting your computer again.
- If the issue persists after a second restart, contact the IT Service Desk or see Manually Installing GSA on Windows below.
Verify GSA is Active — Mac
Before You Begin
Your Mac must be enrolled in
Biola’s new Mac management system to use GSA. If you have not yet enrolled, please do so before continuing. Enrollment is quick and takes just a few minutes.
- Look for the Microsoft Global Secure Access icon in your menu bar (top-right corner of your screen).
- A green checkmark on the icon means GSA is connected and working correctly.
- If the icon shows a warning symbol, or is not visible, try restarting your computer.
- If the issue persists after a restart, contact the IT Service Desk or see Manually Installing GSA on Mac below.
Manually Installing GSA — Mac
GSA is automatically deployed to Biola-managed Macs. If it was not installed on your device:
- Open Self Service+ on your Mac. You can find it in your Applications folder or Dock.
- Search for Microsoft Global Secure Access.
- Click Install.
- Once installation completes, GSA will launch automatically. Verify it is active using the steps above.
Manually Installing GSA — Windows
GSA is automatically deployed to Biola-managed Windows computers. If it was not installed on your device:
- Open Company Portal. You can find it by searching “Company Portal” in the Start menu.
- Search for Microsoft Global Secure Access.
- Click Install.
- Restart your computer after installation completes. GSA will not be active until you do so.
Temporarily Pausing GSA
Warning
Pausing GSA will disconnect you from on-campus resources (such as Banner, files.biola.edu, and on-campus printers). Only pause GSA temporarily for troubleshooting purposes, and resume it as soon as possible.
On Mac:
- Click the Microsoft Global Secure Access icon in your menu bar.
- Select Pause.
On Windows:
- Click the ^ arrow in your System Tray to show hidden icons.
- Right-click the Microsoft Global Secure Access icon.
- Select Pause.
To resume, click the icon and select Resume, or restart your computer.
Details
Details
Article ID:
23648
Created
Mon 9/21/26 4:15 PM
Modified
Fri 9/25/26 10:21 AM