Windows Autopilot: Utilising Cloud Capabilities for Seamless Device Deployment and Management
Windows Autopilot and the rapid growth of cloud services has transformed the way devices are deployed and managed. If you fail to leverage these transformative services, you will be unable to deliver an enhanced end-user experience and optimise your operations. Windows Autopilot is a cloud-based tool that allows businesses to better deploy systems in the modern business landscape, where flexibility and user experience are essential.
Microsoft defines Autopilot as “a collection of technologies used to set up and pre-configure new devices, getting them ready for productive use.” While this describes the nuts and bolts of this cloud-based deployment and device management service, it doesn’t do justice to how powerful and transformative it is.
Streamlining Device Provisioning with Windows Autopilot
The time-consuming device provisioning process is streamlined and expedited by leveraging the cloud – removing the need for manual intervention. As a cloud-based tool, Autopilot does not require on-premises infrastructure; instead, it’s maintained by Microsoft, reducing internal IT staff overheads.
Empowered by the automated bulk deployment, setup, and configuration of new Windows devices, organisations benefit from a one-time setup of corporate resources, while the end-user experience is enhanced.
Zero-touch deployment
With Autopilot, new devices can be pre-configured and shipped directly to end-users, allowing the set-up process to be completed quickly without the need for IT assistance. Known as zero-touch, this foundational element of Autopilot transforms device deployment from an extended to an expeditious process by replacing manual processes with automation.
Before Windows Autopilot
The business needed to assign a new staff member a device: IT deployed a custom image, installed the required apps, configured the policy settings and drivers, and shipped the new device to them. This error-prone and costly manual process took hours to complete and was repeated for all new users.
After Windows Autopilot
The device is automatically pre-configured according to the company’s specifications, before being shipped to the user with little to no involvement from an IT administrator. With the device deployment effort scaled back significantly and errors mitigated the business can benefit from reduced costs through automation and a better user experience.
Improved user experience
With the user experience already enhanced by a zero-touch deployment, they also benefit from minimal disruption going forward. Their first contact with IT won’t be made until they need them to troubleshoot an issue with the device remotely in the future. The zero-touch strategy will comprise more than just deployment; it will also provide for ongoing management – requirements that the Microsoft ecosystem can facilitate efficiently.
Before Autopilot
If there was an issue with the machine that could not be addressed remotely and required a rebuild, the user had to physically bring the machine back to IT support for troubleshooting sessions.
After Autopilot
With Autopilot, if a device needs a rebuild, IT can initiate an Autopilot reset remotely, starting an automatic rebuild process. Users no longer need to physically return devices for troubleshooting. If a user loses their laptop, they can simply provide the serial number to the IT department and log in on a replacement device, which will automatically provision itself, allowing instant access to data and applications in emergencies.
Customisable profiles
Autopilot allows businesses to customise the out-of-the-box device experience in advance – all they need to do is set their preferences.
Before Autopilot
The time-consuming, and sometimes complicated, setup process stifled productivity and resulted in devices that lacked uniformity.
After Autopilot
Autopilot allows organisations to create customisable device profiles that can be tailored to specific users, groups, or devices. This makes it easy to configure and maintain devices with the necessary apps, settings, and policies so they’re ready to use straight out of the box.
Enhanced security
Autopilot can be used to enrol user devices into Microsoft Intune during the setup process, which allows Intune to automatically configure security settings and policies – such as device encryption, password requirements, and conditional access controls – during the deployment process, ensuring only authorised and compliant devices can access corporate resources.
Before Autopilot
The process of managing security policies on machines and identifying which devices had the correct ones enabled was more difficult because users worked from different locations. This also made it difficult to confirm which devices had the required security settings, and block those that didn’t, without investing in third-party management tools.
After Autopilot
An enrolment status page gives IT teams detailed information about a device’s configuration progress. This allows them to confirm that the device is fully set up, secured, and compliant before granting user access. The Microsoft tools will also restrict access to the device until all policies and configurations are set up successfully. This reduces the chances of data breaches and unauthorised data access.
Our team can help your business enhance the end-user experience and optimise operations by leveraging the benefits of Autopilot – from planning and designing your deployment and guiding you through the configuration process to providing ongoing management and support.