What is the first step to prepare Chromebooks for use after deployment?

The first step to prepare Chromebooks for use after deployment is to turn on the Chromebook and press Ctrl+Alt+E at the login screen. This specific key combination initiates the enrollment process, allowing the device to connect to the organization's management settings. By doing so, the Chromebook is set to receive the necessary configuration and policies as specified by the enterprise, which includes settings for security, application installation, and user management.

It's essential to ensure that this step is performed before any other administrative configurations, as it establishes a direct linkage between the device and the organization's admin console. This step is critical for successfully enrolling Chromebooks into a managed environment, making it the foundational action for further configurations and customizations.

Other options revolve around administrative configurations or actions that occur after enrollment, but initiating the process with the correct key combination is the required starting point for effective deployment.