Microsoft Autopilot: Revolutionizing Device Deployment and Management

Device Deployment Introduction

Microsoft Autopilot is a suite of technologies designed to simplify and streamline the deployment and management of new Windows devices. By automating the setup and configuration process, Autopilot enables organizations to reduce the time and effort required to get devices ready for productive use.

How Device Deployment Works

Microsoft Autopilot leverages cloud-based services to automate the device deployment process. Here are the key steps involved:

1. Device Registration: Devices are registered with Autopilot through the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center or by the computer vendor prior to drop-shipping directly to end-users.
2. Profile Assignment: Deployment profiles are assigned to devices, specifying configuration settings and policies.
3. Out-of-the-Box Experience (OOBE): When users unbox their new devices, they connect to the internet and sign in with their organizational credentials. Autopilot automatically configures the device based on the assigned profile.
4. Configuration and Setup: Applications, settings, and policies are applied, and the device is ready for use without any manual intervention from IT staff.

Vendor Pre-configuration and Drop Shipping

Leading vendors like Dell, HP and Lenovo can preconfigure devices with Autopilot settings, and ship them directly to users across the country. This service ensures that devices arrive ready to use, further reducing the deployment time and effort for IT departments.

Benefits

1. Simplified Deployment: Autopilot reduces the complexity of device deployment, allowing IT departments to focus on more strategic tasks.
2. Time and Cost Savings: By automating the setup process, organizations can significantly reduce the time and costs associated with device provisioning.
3. Enhanced Security: Autopilot ensures that devices are configured according to organizational policies, enhancing security and compliance.
4. User Experience: Users receive a ready-to-use device with minimal setup, improving their overall experience and productivity.

Costs

The cost of using Microsoft Autopilot varies based on the organization’s specific needs and the licensing agreements in place. Generally, Autopilot is included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions that include Intune, such as Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans. Additional costs may be incurred for advanced features or additional services.

AutoPilot Setup summary

1. Register Devices:
   • Obtain the hardware IDs of the devices you want to enroll.
   • Upload these IDs to Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
2. Create an Autopilot Profile:
   • Navigate to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center.
   • Go to Devices > Windows > Windows enrollment > Deployment Profiles.
   • Create a new profile and configure settings such as user-driven mode, self-deploying mode, or pre-provisioning (formerly known as white glove).
3. Assign the Profile to Devices:
   • Assign the created profile to the devices you registered.
   • This can be done by selecting the devices and applying the profile.
4. Configure Enrollment Status Page (ESP):
   • Set up the Enrollment Status Page to track the progress of device configuration.
   • This ensures that all required apps and policies are installed before the user can access the desktop.
5. Assign Applications and Policies:
   • Assign necessary applications and configuration policies to the devices.
   • This can include security baselines, compliance policies, and other configurations.
6. Deploy Devices:
   • Once everything is set up, distribute the devices to end-users.
   • When users turn on their devices, they will automatically go through the Autopilot process, enrolling into Intune and applying all configurations.

Microsoft Reference

How to register Autopilot Device Deployment

1. Authorize the Vendor as an OEM Partner:
   • Log in to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center.
   • Navigate to Devices > Windows > Windows enrollment > Devices.
   • Click on Add devices and select Add Windows Autopilot devices.
   • Follow the prompts to authorize the Vendor as an OEM partner. This requires a Global Administrator to accept and approve the partner invitation.
2. Vendor Registers Devices:
   • Once authorized, the Vendor can automatically register the devices with Windows Autopilot on your behalf.
   • The vendor will upload the hardware IDs (hashes) of the devices to the Windows Autopilot service.
3. Verify Device Registration:
   • After the vendor registers the devices, you can verify the registration in the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center.
   • Navigate to Devices > Windows > Windows enrollment > Devices to see the list of registered devices.
4. Create and Assign Autopilot Profiles:
   • Create an Autopilot deployment profile in the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center.
   • Assign this profile to the registered devices to configure settings such as user-driven mode or self-deploying mode.
5. Deploy Devices:
   • Once the profiles are assigned, distribute the devices to end-users.
   • When users turn on their devices, they will automatically go through the Autopilot process, enrolling into Intune and applying all configurations.

Conclusion

Microsoft Autopilot offers a modern, efficient, and secure approach to device deployment and management. By leveraging cloud-based automation and vendor pre-configuration services, organizations can streamline their IT operations, reduce time to deploy, reduce costs, and enhance the user experience.