Google Credential Provider for Windows (GCPW): Simplifying Windows Login with Google Workspace

Google Credential Provider for Windows (GCPW)

In today’s world, every organization prioritizes both digital security and a smooth user experience, which prompts the need for solutions that merge cloud identity with traditional device management. GCPW addresses this by enabling secure Google Workspace-based sign-ins on Windows 10 and 11 versions, and it also enhances access control, streamlining the account administration.

Key Benefits

In an organization, GCPW empowers the IT administrators in centralizing control over the Windows devices with the help of Google Admin Console. This entire process simplifies deployment, configuration, and policy enforcement across OU’s and it also enables customized access and management per department or user group.

GCPW focuses on strengthening the security as it integrates 2-step verification during the login, restricts device sign-ins to authorized Google Workspace domains, and it also manages user privileges to prevent unauthorized local admin access. The administrators can remotely control the key Windows features, including update policies, BitLocker encryption, and hardware components such as USB ports and cameras, also supporting remotely wiping data for lost or compromised devices.

GCPW intensifies the app access control by aligning Workspace tool permissions with user roles, which in turn confirms that only approved users can manage sensitive applications like Google Vault or the Admin console. It also provides up to date logging and detailed reports granting the organizations full insight into sign-ins, device compliance, and user activities to maintain strong security and consistent operations.

Setup and Deployment

Prerequisites

• Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education version 1803 or later (Windows 11 supported).
• Chrome browser (minimum version 81).
• Google Workspace admin access to configure policies in Admin Console.

Configuration Steps

• Sign in to Google Admin Console
• Navigate to Devices > Mobile & Endpoints > Settings > Windows and then open Google Credential Provider for Windows settings.
• Specify the permitted domains which are allowed for GCPW login.
• Download the GCPW installer.

• Download the latest client to install on Windows devices.
• The GCPW client has a built-in token that allows it to get GCPW settings from the Admin console when the user first signs in.

Once the GCPW file is downloaded. Open the Setup application to download Google Installer and install the application.

After Installation, you are required to restart the system to complete the installation process and activate the credential provider functionality for user sign-in and policy synchronization.

In the sign-in screen, a new “Add Work Account” option will be available. Click on the same and sign in using your organization work account.

Upon signing in to the device, Google Chrome will automatically add your Work Profile in the chrome browser and it will ask you to “Continue” using your work profile.

Custom Settings

As an administrator, you can use custom settings to configure device settings and features on your organization’s Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 devices.

To apply custom settings, enable Windows device management.

Find the Custom settings under Windows Settings. Once inside, click on “Add a custom setting”

Use custom “OMA-URI” settings to add device settings and features that don’t have configuration controls in the Admin.

Common custom settings for Windows 10 or 11 devices can be found by clicking on the following hyperlink-> Common custom settings for Windows 10 or 11 devices - Google Workspace Admin Help

Please note that whenever any Custom Settings are added, you are required to restart the system to implement certain custom settings in GCPW because some changes affect core Windows functions, such as the login process itself or fundamental system policies.

Real-World Use Cases

Google Credential Provider for Windows (GCPW) is widely embraced across various industries simplifying and securing Windows device management, obliterating the need for traditional domain infrastructure.

The retailers use GCPW to streamline employee onboarding across multiple locations, while in educational institutions GCPW enables easy access for students and staff via Google accounts.

In the healthcare field, it protects sensitive patient data through strong login security and remote management.

In large enterprises it helps in maintaining consistent security policies and supports BYOD environments with a centralized oversight.

It is integrated with remote management tools, which makes it a versatile and secure solution that immaculately integrates Windows authentication with the Google ecosystem.

Limitations and Considerations

Google Credential Provider for Windows (GCPW) streamlines the Google account authentication on Windows devices, however it has certain limitations and considerations.

It allows secure, consolidated access for users in an organization by managing, and applying device-wide policies that restrict multi-user flexibility. Its limitations include the inability to manage user accounts on Windows device management when multiple users sign in, and a lack of official support for ARM-based devices.

During Microsoft updates, compatibility issues can occur, risking login disruptions until resolved.

In terms of security, GCPW offers multi-factor authentication, password-less login, and policy enforcement, but organizations must carefully manage password synchronization and software updates regularly.

GCPW is not compatible with third-party mobile device management providers.

For optimal deployment, managing user permissions and configurations via the Google Admin console is essential but device-level actions remain limited, requiring continuous review of compatibility and security settings.

Conclusion

Google Credential Provider for Windows (GCPW) is poised to become a key component in modern device management, offering deeper integration with Google Workspace and enhanced security features. Its future will focus on improving compatibility, expanding multi-user support, and streamlining IT administration across diverse enterprise environments.