Before Microsoft Autopilot, we had to deploy Windows devices using a hybrid mix of manual processes with some automation. This was because Microsoft’s automated enterprise tool, SSCM, had been designed for large-scale deployments, not ideal for the volume of deployments we carry out for our SME clients. Deploying windows devices with Microsoft Autopilot is a whole different story. Manual operations are replaced with slick automated processes; gone are long downtimes, inconsistent configurations and scalability issues. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of Microsoft Autopilot.
With Autopilot, we can quickly set up and configure new devices with minimal user interaction. We can deliver devices directly from the supplier to the end users who complete the initial setup themselves, in a few simple steps. We can configure custom application packages that can be distributed by group membership, for example, finance apps can be distributed to the accounts team.
Provisioning is automated with Autopilot from initial installation through to applying policies. We’re able to manage devices remotely through the Microsoft Intune Admin Center too, meaning there are few if any reasons for physical IT intervention.
The ability to create and apply consistent policies means fewer errors and consistent security standards across all of your devices from the moment they are powered on. Microsoft Autopilot directly ensures devices are compliant, applies security policies, enforces encryption and maintains your security baseline. It helps you implement a Zero Trust policy — a modern security practice that includes multifactor authentication and compliance policies, which improves your device security overall. Devices managed by Autopilot have various remote-wipe options to safeguard company data if the device is lost or stolen.
While we can still build and ship a new device to your employee, if they want to, they can receive their new device directly from the supplier and set it up themselves following a simple, automated process. Their onboarding experience is slick and trouble-free, and they are in complete control. We configure Autopilot to build devices based on the user’s identity, ensuring they receive the correct apps, settings and permissions.
Aside from the obvious time you will save on managing devices, there are many other advantages to using Microsoft Autopilot that positively impact the bottom line. For example, it’s easy to repurpose devices across the business with automated Autopilot Reset while the improved security reduces the risk of a costly attack or breach.
Our new best practice deployment for Windows devices using Microsoft Autopilot is particularly attractive to fast-growing companies who need to deploy lots of machines quickly, and to businesses that have lots of remote workers, or offices abroad. All deployment is done in the cloud, so our engineers won’t need to physically handle the device. We simply source your device from our trusted list of international suppliers who deliver to your remote location, then all the hard work is managed in the cloud.
Microsoft Autopilot is a suite of cloud technologies used to set up and pre-configure new devices, getting them ready to use. It simplifies the Windows device lifecycle management from initial deployment, all the way through to end-of-life.
Autopilot streamlines device deployment with minimal IT involvement so that your IT team can spend more time working on strategic issues. It automates the process of device provisioning, enhances security by applying policies from the start and improves the user experience with personalised, quick and easy setup.
We recommend devices run a version of Windows that is still supported by Microsoft, and you need a Microsoft 365 subscription that includes Intune (we recommend Microsoft 365 Business Premium, although there is currently an EMS E3 license which includes Intune and Autopilot). Devices also need to support TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.
Yes, Autopilot includes a feature called Autopilot Reset, which resets the device to a business-ready state while retaining user data, settings and apps.
The OOBE is the initial setup the user experiences when they turn on a new Windows device. Autopilot customises and automates this process according to your company’s unique configuration.
Autopilot works seamlessly alongside Intune to manage devices. Autopilot cannot work without Intune. Intune allows you to apply configuration profiles, security policies and deploy apps during and after the Autopilot Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) process.
Yes, you can enroll existing devices in Autopilot. You can register any compatible Windows device in Autopilot and enrol them into Intune.
If a device needs to be re-provisioned, you can use the Autopilot Reset feature and reset the device to start the provisioning process again.
Yes, you can create and assign different Autopilot policies that define the setup experience, device settings and apps that should be installed.
While Microsoft Autopilot itself is not a paid feature, you will need to have the appropriate Microsoft 365 subscriptions or equivalent services.
We’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about Autopilot. You will be able to find out more about Autopilot on Microsoft Learn.
For more information on licensing and other issues relating to our best practices for deployment of Windows devices using Microsoft Autopilot, get in touch with the team and we’ll be happy to help. Contact Us
