Overview of Windows Autopilot 

• Windows Autopilot is a collection of technologies used to set up and pre-configure new devices, getting them ready for productive use.
• This solution enables an IT department to achieve the above with little to no infrastructure to manage, with a process that’s easy and simple.
• Windows Autopilot can be used to deploy Windows PCs or HoloLens 2 devices.
• You can also use Windows Autopilot to reset, repurpose, and recover devices.
• Windows Autopilot simplifies the Windows device lifecycle, for both IT and end users, from initial deployment to end of life.

Traditional Windows deployment // The old way

Modern Windows deployment // The new way

Device lifecycle management with Windows Autopilot and Intune

• No more maintenance of images and drivers
• No need for IT to touch the devices
• Simple process for users and IT
• Integration in the device supply chain
• Reset device back to a business ready state

Process overview

• Windows Autopilot uses the OEM-optimized version of Windows 10 in initially deploying new Windows devices.
• This version is preinstalled on the device, so you don’t have to maintain custom images and drivers for every device model.
• Instead of re-imaging the device, your existing Windows 10 installation can be transformed into a “business-ready” state that can:
• Apply settings and policies
• Install apps
• Change the edition of Windows 10 being used (for example, from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 10 Enterprise) to support advanced features.

Tasks preparation

Azure Active Directory

• Configure  MDM enrollment.
• Configure company branding.
• Enable Windows Subscription Activation if desired.
• Ensure users can join devices to Azure AD (for user-driven mode)

Intune:

• Enable the enrollment status page.
• Ensure users can enroll devices in Intune.
• Assign licenses to users

Licensing requirement

One of the following, to provide needed Azure Active Directory (automatic MDM enrollment and company branding features) and MDM functionality:

• Microsoft 365 Business subscriptions
• Microsoft 365 F1 subscriptions
• Microsoft 365 Academic subscriptions
• Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3 or E5 subscriptions
• Enterprise Mobility + Security E3 or E5 subscriptions, which include all needed Azure AD and Intune features
• Azure Active Directory Premium P1 or P2 and Intune subscriptions (or an alternative MDM service)

See https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot/windows-autopilot-requirements-licensing for more information

Steps for Autopilot

Commonly-available OEM services

Commonly-available OEM services

• Device registration
• Clean images
• Choice of versions
• Options for customization (e.g. adding apps)
• Pre-provisioned deployment offerings

Autopilot Deployment Methods

1. User-driven mode
2. Self-deploying mode

Steps to deploy