When it comes to configuring and deploying end-user devices, traditional methods can often be slow and present real problems for your business. The new device experience often requires manually configuring a host of time-consuming processes. It’s a hassle for both end-users and IT admins, especially when mass deployment is needed, such as for remote employees.
However, this can all be a thing of the past with Windows Autopilot. A relatively new cloud-based management service, Windows Autopilot can make device setup so much easier. We explain more about the solution in this article.
What is Windows Autopilot?
Windows Autopilot is a collection of technologies used to set up and pre-configure new devices, getting them ready for productive use. In a nutshell, Autopilot allows the end-user to comprehensively set up their device in a few clicks without any IT assistance.
Let’s imagine your typical device management process. Traditionally, IT professionals spend significant time building and customising images that will later be deployed to devices. Then they have to create an infrastructure to maintain these images. Plus, let’s not forget that these images must be updated with each Microsoft update — which can also be frustrating.
With Autopilot you no longer have to worry about these custom images as automated OS development takes care of everything. Beyond your network connection and credential input, everything else is automated.
Benefits of Windows Autopilot
Windows Autopilot has a host of benefits that help to simplify the deployment process including:
- Saves time – With Azure Autopilot, organisations can deploy hundreds of devices with minimal admin interaction, thereby reducing the time spent on configuring and provisioning devices.
- Simple user set up – From the user’s perspective, it takes a few clicks to make their device ready to use. All they have to do is connect to a network and login.
- Zero touch for your IT team – The out-of-the-box promise that AutoPilot delivers is all thanks to Intune, which acts as the driver that pushes installs and updates to devices. This means technically IT never has to touch your device.
- Easily reset devices – IT can rollback devices to previous states rapidly via AutoPilot/Intune integrations.
The requirements
As well as ensuring the device OS being supported is Windows 10 or later, make sure the following Windows Autopilot requirements are met to enroll devices using Windows Autopilot:
- Azure licenses are required for all the users whose devices are to be enrolled
- AutoPilot requires one of the following licenses — Microsoft 365 Business, Microsoft 365 F1, Microsoft 365 E3 or E5, Enterprise Mobility & Security E3 or E5, or any other license that provides Azure Active Directory/Mobile Device Management services.
- Your vendor needs to support Autopilot.
Windows Autopilot is an incredibly useful solution for businesses and IT teams who want to save time, money and eliminate the hassles that come with provisioning new devices. To find out more about Windows Autopilot and how it can benefit your business, contact our team who can help.
