Windows Autopilot is a helpful technology that offers tools to set up and configure new devices. It can assist businesses in creating plans for every connected device right from the initial deployment and help integrate them into a cohesive system. With the help of Windows Autopilot, decision-makers can efficiently provision devices, giving them more information about the device's usage, the person who is using it, and the processes it is involved in.
For example, Autopilot can identify which devices are used for core tasks like sales, administration, etc., and help set more specific policies.
What is Windows Autopilot?
Windows Autopilot is:
• A cloud-based service
• Reduces infrastructure for device maintenance
• Streamlines device management during the entire life cycle
As part of a more comprehensive set of device management tools, Windows Autopilot provides an effective way to begin managing devices right from their initial setup process during onboarding. Businesses can use Windows Autopilot with other technologies like Microsoft Intune and Windows Update for Business to build modern systems for infrastructure goals.
This guide will cover how Autopilot works, how it combines with other technologies, and what kinds of businesses can benefit from its adoption.
Types of Organizations Benefited By Autopilot
Windows Autopilot is a scalable solution that can benefit businesses of all sizes, particularly those with many remotely connected devices tied to a business platform or network. For companies with more than 100 employees, it offers the opportunity to increase device visibility and streamline operations when used in conjunction with tools like Intune.
Windows Autopilot can be particularly beneficial for organizations that permit employees to connect their personal devices to company networks, particularly those with remote workers. Autopilot is designed to cover hybrid or diverse systems, where some endpoints may be inside a facility, and others are carried by roving employees, making it a versatile solution for businesses with these types of setups.
For example, let's consider a company with a large sales force. Implementing Windows Autopilot would ensure its field personnel carry more closely monitored devices. The data collected by Windows Autopilot would then serve as a valuable source for business intelligence, aiding in comprehensive planning.
It's not just for large organizations, though. Smaller businesses can also benefit from Windows Autopilot features and complementing technologies such as Intune. Even if a company has a smaller team and more basic core objectives, it can still leverage these tools to gain insights into how devices are used throughout their entire life cycle, from onboarding to decommissioning. Windows Autopilot provides a quicker, more straightforward way to onboard devices compared to other tools, which can help busy managers save time and ease the burden on IT departments.
How Does Windows Autopilot Work?
Windows Autopilot joins devices to Microsoft Entra ID or Active Directory and enrolls them into MDM systems. This strategy contributes to better access to identity and access management models and allows managers to apply settings and policies that work for the business.
Instead of maintaining individual images and drivers for each device, managers can use Windows Autopilot to assist in calibrating devices toward a workflow chart that will show what happens in different scenarios, including:
• Self-service
• Repair
• Fulfillment and delivery
• End of life
In terms of workflow process, Windows Autopilot will begin by logging the hardware ID and device type for a chosen device. Users can add this information as a comma-separated values (CSV) file to the Windows Autopilot registry. Profiles can use default features or get more deliberately assigned values for long-term management. In some cases, they can overwrite local desktop administrator privileges, which might be helpful as part of a cybersecurity strategy.
During the process, features like several zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) allow for a ‘self-deploying mode’ that simplifies things for the end user.
Another aspect of using Windows Autopilot is its design, which pros call an OOBE or “out-of-the-box experience.” This title refers to the utility of a simple dashboard process that guides users through basic setup. In other words, lessening the learning curve and promoting user-friendly processes is part of the appeal of this type of MDM tool.
How Do Autopilot and Intune Work Together?
While Autopilot helps automate device configuration and onboarding, giving managers more tools and deployment, Windows Autopilot provides ongoing active management from a central dashboard.
Both Autopilot and Intune are cloud technologies that help the business monitor its endpoints. One way to describe them is that Autopilot provides the initial setup and 'hands-off' processes to Intune for ongoing observation. The combined use of these tools can really help a business stay on top of how mobile devices are being used in a more detailed manner.
If you want to know more, or need help deciding if Windows Autopilot is right for you, please reach out to us at Hypershift. We're here to guide you through your journey from concept to migration and beyond.
FAQ Windows Autopilot
What is Windows Autopilot?
Windows Autopilot is a system of tools that helps companies to better set up and onboard devices within a business network. It can be used with other Microsoft tools to manage the devices that guide people and processes.
Do I Need Windows Autopilot?
Windows Autopilot is recommended to all large businesses that want excellent visibility into device management. This can be an easy way to improve MDM and get insight into what’s happening within a business network with many moving parts, where many endpoint devices are deployed in the field. Windows Autopilot helps with provisioning in many ways and adds to the more granular oversight of daily network activities.
How Does Windows Autopilot Work?
This cloud-based software sets up configurations and policies to show managers how to understand what's going on with devices throughout their life cycle. It complements the use of Microsoft Intune, which can provide for ongoing controls and observation. In general, these tools integrate into deliberate endpoint management architectures that improve processes while mitigating risk and protecting a business from some kinds of cyberattacks.
How to Set Up Windows Autopilot
Businesses that don't have in-house teams to set up Windows Autopilot can contact a trusted consultant like Hypershift to assist with this process. We help companies adopt and implement these tools to get more out of next-generation business software in MDM and beyond. We have an excellent track record of assisting clients in modernizing, optimizing their IT architectures, and getting the most out of the tech stack and tools that they use! Change can be complicated – we help to make it much more manageable. Get help from a skilled consultant to migrate systems to the cloud and get the tools to promote scaling and growth as the business thrives. We will support our clients in ensuring they take the proper steps in adoption, implementation, and beyond.
What is Microsoft Autopilot Versus Intune?
While Autopilot is a setup tool series that promotes better calibration and policies for new devices and onboarding, Intune is an active management suite that will help the business maintain more control over devices in the field on an ongoing basis.
