Methods of Enrollment with Intune: Intune Autopilot and Autopilot Device Preparation

In our world today, efficient device management is crucial for organizations to ensure smooth operations and enhanced productivity. Microsoft Intune offers two powerful methods for enrolling devices: Intune Autopilot and Autopilot Device Preparation. Let's dive into the details of each method and explore their unique features. 

Intune Autopilot 

Overview: Intune Autopilot is a cloud-based solution designed to simplify the deployment and configuration of new devices. It leverages the OEM-optimized version of Windows that comes pre-installed on the device, eliminating the need for custom images. Autopilot transforms the existing Windows installation into a business-ready state by applying necessary configurations during the setup process. 

Key Features: 

• Simplified Deployment: Autopilot streamlines the deployment process by using the pre-installed Windows version, reducing the need for custom images. This means that IT administrators can save time and resources by not having to create and maintain custom images for each device model. 

• User-Driven Experience: It supports various deployment options, including user-driven, pre-provisioned, self-deploying, and existing devices. This flexibility allows organizations to choose the deployment method that best suits their needs and ensures a smooth setup process for end-users. 

• Customization: Autopilot allows IT administrators to customize the out-of-box experience (OOBE) for end-users, ensuring a consistent setup across all devices. This includes configuring settings, installing applications, and applying policies during the initial setup. 

• Integration with Intune: It seamlessly integrates with Intune for ongoing device management, including policy enforcement, app deployment, and compliance monitoring. This integration ensures that devices remain secure and compliant with organizational policies throughout their lifecycle. 

Autopilot Device Preparation 

Overview: Autopilot Device Preparation, also known as Autopilot v2, is an evolved version of Windows Autopilot that offers new capabilities and improves the overall deployment experience. It focuses on setting up and configuring new devices, getting them ready for productive use. 

Key Features: 

• Faster Provisioning: Autopilot Device Preparation provides a faster and more consistent provisioning experience compared to traditional Autopilot. This means that devices can be set up and configured more quickly, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. 

• Real-Time Monitoring: It offers near real-time monitoring and troubleshooting information, enhancing the overall setup speed and improving troubleshooting capabilities. This feature allows IT administrators to track the progress of device setup and quickly address any issues that may arise. 

• Support for Government and DoD Environments: This method supports the Government Community Cloud High (GCCH) and Department of Defense (DoD) environments, making it suitable for organizations with specific security requirements. This ensures that devices meet the stringent security standards required by these environments. 

• Simplified Onboarding: The improved profile experience simplifies the onboarding process by delivering consistent configurations and reducing the complexity of troubleshooting. This means that end-users can get up and running quickly with minimal intervention from IT staff. 

Comparison and Contrast 

When comparing Intune Autopilot and Autopilot Device Preparation, it's essential to consider the specific needs and requirements of your organization. Here are some key points of comparison: 

• Deployment Options: Intune Autopilot supports multiple deployment options, including user-driven, pre-provisioned, self-deploying, and existing devices. In contrast, Autopilot Device Preparation supports only the user-driven mode. 

• Provisioning Speed: Autopilot Device Preparation offers a faster and more consistent provisioning experience compared to traditional Autopilot. This can be particularly beneficial for organizations looking to minimize downtime and increase productivity. 

• Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Autopilot Device Preparation provides near real-time monitoring and troubleshooting information, which can enhance the overall setup speed and improve troubleshooting capabilities. Traditional Autopilot does not offer this level of real-time monitoring. 

• Customization: Intune Autopilot allows for extensive customization of the out-of-box experience (OOBE), including configuring settings, installing applications, and applying policies during the initial setup. Autopilot Device Preparation focuses more on delivering consistent configurations and simplifying the onboarding process. 

• Support for Specific Environments: Autopilot Device Preparation supports the Government Community Cloud High (GCCH) and Department of Defense (DoD) environments, making it suitable for organizations with specific security requirements. Traditional Autopilot does not cater to these environments. 

  
  

Conclusion 

Both Intune Autopilot and Autopilot Device Preparation offer unique advantages for enrolling and managing devices within an organization. While Autopilot simplifies the initial deployment process and provides customization options, Autopilot Device Preparation enhances the provisioning experience with faster setup and real-time monitoring. Organizations should carefully evaluate their specific needs and requirements to choose the most suitable method for their device management strategy. 

Ready to Streamline Device Deployment Across Your Organization?

Choosing between Intune Autopilot and Autopilot Device Preparation can shape the efficiency and security of your entire device management strategy. Whether you're scaling across departments or securing sensitive environments, understanding the strengths of each method is key.

Contact us today to find the best-fit solution for your enterprise.

Author:

Patrick Whittington

Senior Cloud Consultant at Migrate Technologies