Windows Autopilot is a suite of technologies designed to simplify and streamline the deployment and management of new Windows devices. It enables IT departments to configure and set up new devices with minimal infrastructure, reducing the need for traditional imaging processes. Autopilot is particularly useful in environments where devices need to be set up quickly and efficiently, such as in large enterprises or educational institutions.

Key Features of Windows Autopilot

1. Out-of-the-Box Experience (OOBE): Autopilot allows devices to be configured directly from the manufacturer's factory settings, eliminating the need for custom images.
2. User-Driven Deployment: Users can set up their devices with minimal IT intervention, simply by logging in with their organizational credentials.
3. Profile Assignment: Devices can be automatically configured with specific settings, applications, and policies based on profiles assigned in the cloud.
4. Reset and Reuse: Devices can be reset and repurposed easily, making them ready for the next user or task.

How to Set Up Windows Autopilot

Step 1: Register Devices with Autopilot

1. Collect Hardware IDs:

   • Use PowerShell to gather the hardware IDs of the devices. This can be done by running the following script on each device:

     md c:\HWID
     Set-Location c:\HWID
     Get-WindowsAutopilotInfo.ps1 -OutputFile AutopilotHWID.csv

   • The script generates a CSV file containing the necessary hardware information.

2. Upload to Microsoft Endpoint Manager:

   • Log in to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center.
   • Navigate to Devices > Windows > Windows enrollment > Devices.
   • Import the CSV file containing the hardware IDs.

Step 2: Create an Autopilot Deployment Profile

1. Configure Deployment Profile:

   • In the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center, go to Devices > Windows > Windows enrollment > Deployment profiles.
   • Create a new profile and configure settings such as the deployment mode, OOBE customization, and user account type.

2. Assign Profile to Devices:

   • Assign the deployment profile to the registered devices. This ensures that when the device is powered on, it receives the correct configuration.

Step 3: Deploy Devices

1. Power On Devices:

   • When the devices are turned on and connected to the internet, they will automatically check in with the Autopilot service.
   • The assigned deployment profile will be applied, configuring the device according to organizational policies.

2. User Sign-In:

   • Users sign in with their organizational credentials. The device will complete the setup process, installing applications and applying policies as defined in the profile.

Examples

• Example 1: Resetting a Device:

  • To reset a Windows device for reuse, you can use the Reset this PC feature:

    systemreset -factoryreset

  • This command will reset the device to its factory settings, ready for a new user.

• Example 2: Troubleshooting Autopilot Deployment:

  • Use the Get-AutopilotDiagnostics PowerShell cmdlet to gather logs for troubleshooting:

    Get-AutopilotDiagnostics -OutputPath C:\AutopilotLogs

  • This command collects diagnostic logs that can help identify issues during the deployment process.