Windows Autopilot: What Is It and How to Use It to Deploy New Devices Securely

Windows Autopilot is a technology that allows businesses to deploy or onboard new devices securely and easily without having to go through the traditional imaging process. Anyone who manages IT systems for a large organization can attest to the countless hours wasted on tedious and time-consuming tasks related to deploying new Windows devices.

Despite the fact that Windows comes pre-installed, it’s still necessary to build and maintain custom images, set up applications, install drivers, and configure policies for each new device. This process is a huge drain on time and resources and often takes IT staff away from other projects where their skills would be better put to use.
Windows Autopilot was created to address this issue. It allows businesses to set up new devices in minutes, and there’s no need for any manual intervention on the part of IT staff.

In this article, we will discuss how Windows Autopilot works and how you can use it to deploy new devices in your organization.

Understanding Windows Autopilot

For IT professionals and end-users alike, the quest for an efficient yet secure onboarding process for new devices can seem like an elusive pursuit. But with Windows Autopilot, the balance between simplicity and security is harmoniously achieved. Designed as a zero-touch, self-service deployment method, Windows Autopilot transforms the out-of-the-box state of a Windows device into a fully operational corporate asset.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Windows Autopilot is capable of transforming a bare-metal device into a business-ready state in just a few clicks from the end user, often in under 20 minutes?

What Windows Autopilot Is?

Windows Autopilot is a suite of technologies that automates the deployment and configuration of Windows devices, leveraging cloud-based services to simplify overall management. It essentially entrusts the heavy lifting of device preparation to Microsoft’s cloud, allowing organizations to custom-tailor their devices with predefined settings, policies, and applications based on their specifications.

Key Functions of Windows Autopilot

Windows Autopilot enables IT admins to:

• Automatically join devices to Microsoft Entra ID or Active Directory.
• Auto-enroll devices into management services like Microsoft Intune.
• Customize the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) for end-users.
• Configure devices with specific settings and applications required by the organization.

What Are the Benefits of Windows AutoPilot?

Windows Autopilot offers a number of benefits that make it an essential tool for any business looking to deploy hundreds of new devices securely and easily:

• Fast and easy setup: Devices can be set up in minutes by end users, reducing pressure on your IT team and saving time and money.
• Personalized configuration: Windows Autopilot automatically configures settings and applications, including OEM registration, Cortana, privacy settings, and OneDrive, based on your company preferences.
• Zero-touch deployment: Devices can be automatically configured and registered without any user input, making the deployment process quick and easy.
• Disabled local administrator permissions: Ensure only authorized users have admin access to your devices.
• Automatic MDM enrollment: Devices are automatically enrolled with Microsoft Intune or your chosen MDM.
• Efficient device recovery: If a device is corrupted or needs to be redeployed to a new user, Windows Autopilot makes it simple to reset and recover the device.
• Company branding: You can use Windows Autopilot to enable your company branding in the OOBE setup process across all your new devices.
• Automatic updates and licensing: Devices are automatically registered with Microsoft, and updates and licensing are handled centrally by Azure Active Directory.
• Efficient and secure management of BYOD devices: You can use Windows Autopilot to manage BYOD devices without any user input, making it the perfect solution for businesses with a mix of personal and company-owned devices.
• Easily monitor and track the progress of new device configuration: You can use the Windows Autopilot ESP (Enrollment Status Page) feature to track the progress of new device deployments and see which devices have been successfully set up.
• Secure and protect devices for remote work: Windows Autopilot provides a secure deployment and management solution for businesses, helping to protect devices from risks such as data loss, theft, viruses, and ransomware infections. This can potentially save an organization hundreds of thousands of dollars in downtime, data recovery costs, and penalties.

How It Works

Windows Autopilot transforms the traditional time-consuming procedures of deploying new Windows machines into a quick and simple process:
Step 1
The IT department or device owner sets up an Autopilot deployment profile. This profile includes all the necessary information about the devices, including their configuration and settings.
Step 2
The new device is connected to the network. The device will automatically download the relevant Autopilot software and be configured according to the settings specified in the deployment profile.
Step 3
The user signs in with their Azure profile and follows the on-screen instructions to finish the setup process. All privacy settings, service setup, and applications are automatically configured and personalized for the user.

Preparing for Windows Autopilot Deployment

Before diving into the Windows Autopilot world, it’s vital to establish a foundation that ensures a smooth deployment process. From assessing the prerequisites to configuring the necessary components, each step should be meticulously planned and executed.

Requirements for Deployment

Embarking on the Autopilot journey requires a checklist of essentials:

• A version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro, Education, or Enterprise.
• Microsoft Entra ID for identity management.
• Microsoft Intune or another Mobile Device Management (MDM) service for device management.
• Access to the Microsoft Store for Business or Microsoft Store for Education.
• Devices must have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 for security.
• A valid internet connection and the necessary network configurations.

Once these prerequisites are met, you’re ready for the next steps in the setup process.

Licensing Requirements

To use Windows Autopilot, you will need an Azure Active Directory subscription and Microsoft Intune or another MDM service. This is because Windows Autopilot depends on specific capabilities and features that are available in one of the following subscription services:

• Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscription
• Microsoft 365 F1 or F3 subscription
• Microsoft 365 Academic A1, A3 or A5 subscription
• Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3 or E5 subscription including Windows client, Microsoft 365, Azure AD, and Intune
• Enterprise Mobility + Security E3 or E5 subscription including all necessary Azure AD and Intune features
• Intune for Education
• Azure Active Directory Premium P1 or P2 and Microsoft Intune or an alternative MDM service

Configuring Necessary Components

With the prerequisites in check, the focus shifts to configuration:

• Setting up Microsoft Entra ID ensures that devices are recognized within your organizational network.
• Enroll in Microsoft Intune for comprehensive device management.
• Ensure connectivity to Microsoft’s cloud services to fully utilize Autopilot’s capabilities.

These components serve as the pillars of an Autopilot deployment, enabling a secure and scalable process.

Adding Devices to Autopilot

Initiating Autopilot deployment begins with registering devices:

• Devices can be registered to Autopilot manually, through a partner, or automatically by participating OEMs.
• Crucial step: Gather the necessary device information (like hardware ID) and import it into Microsoft Intune.

These preliminary steps set the stage for a successful deployment and define the course for a secure and effortless device setup experience.

Take note: Proper preparation can make the difference between a seamless deployment and a troubleshooting nightmare. Pay due diligence to the preparatory phase to save time and resources in the long run.

Device Registration Steps for Windows Autopilot

Step	Action	Description	Tools/Requirements
1	Gather Device Information	Collect hardware details required for Autopilot registration.	Device serial number, Windows Autopilot Profile
2	Create Autopilot Deployment Profile	Set up a deployment profile in Microsoft Intune or another MDM service.	Microsoft Intune, Azure AD
3	Register Devices with Autopilot	Import device information into the Autopilot service.	Microsoft Store for Business/Education, Microsoft Endpoint Manager
4	Assign Deployment Profile to Devices	Link the deployment profile to the registered devices.	Microsoft Intune
5	Prepare Devices	Ensure devices meet all hardware and software prerequisites.	Windows 10/11 Pro, Education, or Enterprise, TPM 2.0
6	Connect Devices to Network	Connect each device to the internet to initiate the Autopilot process.	Internet connection, Network configuration
7	Power on Devices	Boot devices to start the Autopilot deployment.	Device hardware
8	User Sign-In	End user signs in with their Azure AD credentials.	Azure AD credentials
9	Device Configuration	Autopilot configures settings, policies, and applications automatically.	Azure AD, Microsoft Intune
10	Deployment Completion	Verify that the device setup is completed successfully.	Microsoft Intune, Autopilot ESP

The Deployment Process Step-by-Step

Windows Autopilot emerges as a beacon of efficiency, guiding devices from their default state to becoming integral assets within an organization. This process, outlined step by step below, ensures that every device deployment adheres to a standardized, secure procedure.

Creating Deployment Profiles

Deployment profiles are at the heart of the Autopilot process:

• They represent the blueprint dictating device behaviour during setup.
• Through profiles, IT admins can automate settings and configures specific to organizational needs.

Creating these profiles involves selecting language, region, keyboard settings, and whether to hide or skip specific OOBE screens.

Assigning Profiles to Devices

Once the profiles are perfected, they must be linked to the intended devices:

• The art of profile assignment is matching each device category with its bespoke setup guide.
• Device targeting is facilitated through groups in Microsoft Intune for a clear and efficient deployment.

This procedure ensures that devices receive their appropriate configurations, resulting in snugly tailored environments for the end-users.

Testing Deployment

Before widespread rollout, testing is imperative:

• Select a subset of devices for a pilot deployment.
• Analyze the feedback and adjust configurations accordingly.

These trials are testaments to the adaptability and resilience of the Autopilot process, enabling real-world refinements.

Deployment Monitoring and Management

Throughout deployment, oversight is essential:

• The use of monitoring tools provided by Microsoft Intune fosters awareness of each step of the deployment.
• Error logs and status reports become the compass for navigating any issues that arise.

With these insights, IT admins can take proactive measures to rectify problems promptly, ensuring a consistent and secure deployment across the board.

Remember: The deployment process is not a one-size-fits-all affair. It’s a carefully tailored journey that resonates with the specificities of each organization’s IT landscape, crafted to align with overarching security and productivity goals.

Advanced Features of Windows Autopilot

Diving deeper into Windows Autopilot unveils a suite of advanced features designed to cater to diverse deployment scenarios and enhance user experiences. These features enable IT administrators to deploy and manage devices with even greater agility and precision.

Self-deploying Mode

The self-deploying mode of Windows Autopilot is designed for scenarios where minimal user interaction is desired. Ideal for shared devices or kiosks, this mode automates the entire setup process, requiring only a network connection and a power source to kickstart deployment:

• Boots up and configures itself without any user credentials required.
• Perfect for environments where devices need to be operational with little to no user intervention.
• Relies on TPM 2.0 to securely verify device integrity during setup.

Self-deploying mode epitomizes the “zero-touch” deployment philosophy, embodying efficiency and operational readiness.

White Glove Deployment

For organizations looking to expedite the end-user setup process, Windows Autopilot offers a “white glove” service. This pre-deployment service allows IT admins or OEMs to pre-provision devices so they are user-ready upon delivery:

• Ensures a quick start for end-users by having critical applications and policies already installed and configured.
• Can reduce post-deployment helpdesk calls as most setup complexities are managed beforehand.
• Requires a supported version of Windows 10 or later and TPM 2.0 for security assurance.

White glove service is an embodiment of proactive IT management, ensuring devices deliver immediate value upon reaching the hands of the user.

Ongoing Management with Autopilot

Deployment is just the beginning of a device’s lifecycle. Autopilot’s ongoing management capabilities ensure devices remain secure, functional, and aligned with corporate policy throughout their use:

• Seamless integration with Microsoft Intune allows for continual management and monitoring of devices.
• Updates, application installs, and policy changes can be pushed to devices as needed, without intrusive user disruption.
• Autopilot’s ability to reset, repurpose, or recover devices extends their usable life and enhances an organization’s agility in responding to changing needs.

Windows Autopilot’s lifecycle management tools establish a sustainable, secure, and scalable device strategy for the modern workplace.

Security Measures with Autopilot Deployments

In an era where cybersecurity is paramount, Windows Autopilot addresses the critical need for robust security measures in device deployment and management. Its built-in security features protect organizational data from the initiation of the setup process and continuously thereafter.

Security Protocols Implemented by Autopilot

From the outset, Autopilot incorporates several security layers into the deployment process:

• Entra ID and TPM 2.0 provide strong authentication mechanisms, ensuring devices are secured and recognized within the organization’s environment.
• Integration with Windows Hello for Business replaces vulnerable passwords with strong multi-factor authentication on devices.
• Network connectivity checks during setup ensure devices can safely communicate with corporate resources.

By embedding security protocols directly into the deployment phase, Autopilot reinforces the organization’s defensive perimeter from the ground up.

Compliance and Secure Enrollment

Windows Autopilot is not just about deployment; it’s an ally in maintaining compliance:

• Autopilot allows IT teams to deploy standardized configurations, which supports consistent adherence to security policies and compliance requirements.
• Through MDM solutions like Microsoft Intune, continuous compliance evaluations are executed, promptly addressing any deviations.

This proactive compliance enforcement is crucial in upholding the integrity of both corporate data and user privacy.

Keeping Deployments Secure Over Time

Security is not a one-off event but an ongoing commitment. Windows Autopilot facilitates this commitment:

• After deployment, Windows Update for Business ensures devices receive the latest security patches and feature updates without compromising user productivity.
• MDM policies can be reviewed and updated post-deployment to evolve with the changing threat landscape and organizational needs.

Windows Autopilot delivers peace of mind by automating device security throughout the entirety of their life cycle within the enterprise.

Remember: By incorporating Windows Autopilot into the deployment strategy, organizations gain more than just an efficient setup process; they embed a culture of security within each device from the moment it powers on.

Troubleshooting Common Autopilot Issues

Even with the most meticulously planned Autopilot deployment, issues may arise. Thus, being well-versed in troubleshooting techniques is essential for IT administrators to ensure a smooth process and quick resolutions.

Resolving Connectivity Problems

Connectivity issues are commonplace during device setup and may lead to delays or deployment failures:

• Ensure the device is connected to a network that allows traffic to Autopilot deployment services.
• Check firewall and proxy settings as they can often restrict necessary communication to Microsoft’s services.

Addressing network prerequisites ahead of deployment can greatly reduce these issues, but swift troubleshooting is key should they arise.

Addressing Profile Assignment Errors

Profile assignment errors can impede the deployment of desired settings on a device:

• Double-check that profiles are correctly assigned to the device group in Microsoft Intune.
• Validate that the device hardware ID is accurately registered to your organization’s Autopilot service.

Attentiveness to profile configuration and device registration details during the preparatory phase can mitigate assignment missteps.

Post-deployment Device Management Issues

Managing devices post-deployment entails vigilance to maintain device integrity and performance:

• Regularly review device status through your MDM tool to ensure compliance with policies and settings.
• Stay abreast of any user-reported issues and analyze logs to ascertain root causes for any disruptions.

Adopting a proactive stance in device management ensures ongoing operational efficacy and security compliance.

Key Takeaway: Troubleshooting is an integral part of managing Autopilot deployments. A proactive approach and familiarity with common issues ensure minimal impact on productivity and deployment timelines.

Final Thoughts

Windows Autopilot revolutionizes the task of deploying new devices by combining automation, security, and simplicity. By transforming complex processes into a user-friendly experience, Autopilot demonstrates its pivotal role in modern IT strategies. It not only enhances the operational efficiency but also fortifies the security posture from the outset. Through the deployment of consistent policies and streamlined management, Autopilot ensures that organizations can grow and adapt to their evolving needs with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if a device fails the Autopilot deployment process? In the event of a deployment failure, Autopilot provides troubleshooting tools and logs that can help diagnose and resolve issues. IT administrators can reset the device and rerun the deployment process after addressing any identifiable problems.
2. How does Windows Autopilot align with data privacy regulations? Autopilot’s incorporation of Microsoft Entra ID and robust security protocols ensures compliance with data privacy regulations by default. Additionally, the device management tools used in conjunction with Autopilot allow for ongoing adherence to these policies.
3. Can Windows Autopilot be used to deploy devices in hybrid Microsoft Entra ID environments? Yes, Windows Autopilot supports the deployment of devices in hybrid Microsoft Entra ID environments through specific deployment profiles that cater to this need.
4. What is the estimated time frame for deploying a device with Windows Autopilot? The deployment time can vary depending on several factors, such as network speed, device specifications, and the complexity of the assigned deployment profile. However, generally, the user-driven setup process can take from 20 minutes to an hour.
5. How can IT admins ensure the deployed devices remain up to date with Windows Autopilot? Devices can be kept up to date using Windows Update for Business or through MDM solutions such as Microsoft Intune, which allow IT admins to manage update policies and enforce them remotely.

Softlanding Can Help Make Your Life Easier with Windows AutoPilot

To find out more about how Windows AutoPilot can benefit your business, contact our team of experts at Softlanding. We are a Microsoft partner and can help you get started with this essential tool for deploying new devices securely and easily. Planning today can save your business time, money, and valuable resources in the future.

• Give us a call to take advantage of our managed IT and Microsoft consulting services.