The typical new device experience requires you to manually configure 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. Launched a few years ago, AutoPilot is a relatively new cloud-based management service from Microsoft that allows the end-user to comprehensively set up their device in a few clicks- without IT assistance. Autopilot essentially prompts the device via Microsoft cloud services to skip such steps through smart pre-configuration.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The device owner manages all their Windows 10 devices by deploying an AutoPilot deployment profile or multiple profiles.
Once you receive your Windows 10 device and power it on, simply select language, choose keyboard layout, and connect to a network as you usually would.
Once connected to a network, it is automatically recognised through Microsoft Cloud services. Your Azure Active Directory (AAD) then prompts the delivery of the AutoPilot deployment profile you pre-configured.
Sign in with your Azure AD login - or local Active Directory (AD) details if you use AutoPilot's Azure Hybrid AD Join.
Your login details are authenticated and the device joins Azure AD.
THE BENEFITS OF AUTOPILOT
Microsoft AutoPilot removes the need for manual deployment of custom OS images, driver installation, or infrastructure management. The number of benefits it provides is plentiful, making it essential for any business handling hundreds of Windows work devices.
- Customised out-of-box experience: This can be customised by a pre-configured setup. Allowing end-users to skip entire sections requiring manual input, such as Work or Home usage selection, OEM registration, privacy settings, OneDrive, and Cortana.
- Company branding: Autopilot can be used to enable your company branding across all relevant devices- once configured in your Azure Active Directory first.
- Disabled local administrator permissions: You can ensure only upper management can enable admin permissions for Autopilot-registered Windows 10 devices.
- Mobile device management (MDM) enrollment: Once your Windows 10 device joins Azure AD, Autopilot ensures your device remains automatically enrolled with MDMs such as Microsoft Intune. This program can automatically push configurations, policies, and settings to the device and install Office 365 and other business apps. Intune can also apply the latest updates from Windows Update for Business.
REALISE A SMOOTH AUTOPILOT EXPERIENCE WITH CENTERPRISE
With its proven streamlining, time-saving, and cost-saving benefits, along with several new features in the pipeline, Autopilot keeps growing in both usage and stature with an increasing amount of vendor support. As such, more devices arrive already registered in the program from purchase, Centerprise has a proven history of delivering expert Microsoft solutions with our trademark customer-centric focus. If you’re interested in learning how and why AutoPilot should be applied across your organisation, contact us now!