Preparing a company device by hand takes time and makes it easy for different employees to receive different applications or settings. Windows Autopilot provides a more consistent way to prepare supported Windows devices through Microsoft 365.
What Windows Autopilot does
Autopilot connects a registered Windows device to the organisation’s Microsoft environment. When the employee receives the device, connects to the internet and signs in, the agreed setup can begin automatically.
That setup can include:
- joining the device to the organisation;
- enrolling it into Microsoft Intune for management;
- applying business and security settings;
- installing agreed applications; and
- presenting a consistent sign-in and first-use experience.
A simpler first day for the employee
A new starter should not need to wait while somebody manually builds a device at their desk. With the right preparation, a device can be delivered to the office or the employee’s home and configured when they sign in.
The employee still needs clear instructions and support if something does not complete as expected, but much of the repeat setup work is handled through the agreed Microsoft 365 configuration.
More consistency for the business
Autopilot works with Intune. Autopilot begins the setup; Intune continues to manage the device after it is in use. That combination makes it easier to apply the same baseline to new devices and to prepare an existing device for another employee.
What needs to be in place first
Autopilot is not a single switch. The organisation needs suitable Microsoft licensing, device registration, an agreed Intune configuration, application choices and a tested deployment process.
The setup should also consider different employee roles. Not every person needs the same applications, but the underlying security and management standard should remain consistent.
How baseMSP uses Autopilot
Autopilot forms part of the Microsoft 365 and device foundation used for clients with Complete IT Support. We establish the required device standard, prepare the configuration and support the employee through the setup where needed.
Learn more about Managed IT Support for employees, company devices and Microsoft 365.
Further reading
Microsoft explains the deployment process and device lifecycle in its Windows Autopilot overview.
