Windows Autopilot Best Practices: 2025 Updated

What is Windows Autopilot?

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Windows Autopilot is a Microsoft cloud deployment service that provides hands-free, zero-touch deployments for Windows 10 and 11 devices.

Implementing Windows Autopilot can automate device enrollment into MDM systems like Microsoft Intune, ensuring consistent policy and settings application. This approach allows users to configure devices directly from existing Windows installations instead of relying on traditional imaging techniques.

With Windows Autopilot, whenever a user powers on a new device and connects it to the internet, the device automatically downloads the necessary apps and profiles and applies them during the OOBE.

Windows Autopilot helps organizations simplify deployments, improve scalability, and reduce manual IT intervention to enhance device management overall.

Now that you know what Windows Autopilot is let’s explore its benefits in detail.

Key Benefits of Windows Autopilot

With Windows Autopilot in place, you can enjoy several benefits that enhance device deployment and management, including:

Zero-Touch Deployment

Windows Autopilot allows you to ship devices directly to your employees, who can unbox and start using them for work immediately without IT intervention.

Zero-touch deployment streamlines the setup process, reducing the time and effort required to prepare each device for use.

Reduced IT Overhead

Windows Autopilot helps organizations reduce IT overhead and deployment time by automating manual setup and imaging tasks. This process saves time, allowing organizations to allocate resources more effectively and improve overall productivity.

Improved User Experience

Traditional methods involve cumbersome steps and manual intervention, challenging the setup process. 

However, with Windows Autopilot, the entire setup process becomes seamless. Users can skip unnecessary steps and start working immediately after unboxing the device, helping you deliver a positive experience to all your employees.

Global Scalability

Setting up devices manually can be challenging, especially for a global workforce with limited IT resources. 

However, with Microsoft Autopilot, organizations can ship pre-configured devices, facilitating seamless device deployment across distributed teams, regardless of the location.

Compliance by Design

Windows Autopilot applies everything from security configurations to policies and required applications to ensure that all devices immediately meet the required organization standards. This proactive approach to compliance helps reduce the risk of security breaches.

Best Practices for Windows Autopilot Deployment

1. Optimize Autopilot Profiles

Autopilot profiles are configurations (user permissions, deployment settings) that help you pre-configure new Windows devices for business use.

By using Autopilot profiles, you can automate and streamline device provisioning, reducing manual intervention and improving user experience.

The purpose here is to define deployment settings, user permissions, and device configurations. Here’s how:

Key Recommendations:

• Enable Pre-Provisioned Deployment: By enabling pre-provisioned deployment, you can configure the devices with necessary policies, settings, and applications before they reach the end user. This allows end users to start using their devices as soon as they arrive.

• Limit Device Shelf-Life Post-Provisioning: Doing this helps ensure the devices with outdated configurations aren’t sent to the new users to prevent security instances among other issues.

• Apply Consistent Device-Level and User-Level Settings: This helps ensure consistency in configurations across users and devices to create a uniform user experience and simplify management.

Pro Tip: Be careful when making changes to device profiles after pre-provisioning. The changes you make to device configuration after pre-provisioning apply to the next Autopilot provisioning cycle, which might increase the setup time for end users.

It’s recommended that you plan and implement necessary confirmations before pre-provisioning devices.

2. Configure the Enrollment Status Page (ESP)

The Enrollment Status Page is what users see when they first interact with the device. The purpose is to provide transparency during provisioning and improve the end-user experience. Here’s how:

Key Recommendations:

• Enable Log Collection and Diagnostics: Enabling log collection and diagnostics in the ESP settings allows you to diagnose and resolve deployment issues.

• Set “Block device use until required apps are installed” to "Selected" instead of "All. Now, you need to specify the crucial applications you want to be installed on the device during provisioning:

• Microsoft 365 Apps

• Antivirus/EDR tools

• Core business applications

• Configuration management tools

These configurations can streamline the device setup process, improve security, and deliver a seamless end-user experience.

3. Streamline Application Deployment

Streamlining application deployment is essential to ensure smooth and reliable app installations during provisioning. Here’s how:

Key Recommendations:

• Win32 Applications Exclusively: Package all apps as Win32 apps using the Microsoft Win32 Content Prep tool. This approach allows you to effectively control the installation parameters and detection rules, resulting in more consistent deployments. 

• Wrap MSI-based applications as Win32 apps: To process MSI-based apps, use the Win32 Content Prep Tool. This tool helps convert installation files into the .intunewin format, resulting in seamless deployment via Intune.

Pro Tip: Avoid mixing Win32 and MSI apps during employment. Otherwise, you may experience Trusted Installer conflicts and installation failures. To address these risks, standardize on Win32 apps.

Here is a YouTube video to help you create a Win32 app using the Microsoft Win32 Content Prep Tool: Win32 app creation Microsoft Intune

4. Manage Device and User Assignments Efficiently

Managing devices and user assignments during Windows Autopilot deployment ensures configurations and apps are applied at the right stages. Here’s how:

Key Recommendations:

• Apply Device-Level Configurations During the Device Preparation Phase: Assign device configurations to device-based groups in Intune. These settings are applied during the “Device Preparation” phase, ensuring a consistent setup.

• Apply User-Specific Settings during the User Preparation Phase: You can ensure each user gets the required configurations by deploying user-specific settings.

• Shift reboot-required configurations (e.g., Device Guard) to the user phase to avoid interruptions: Schedule the deployment of configurations that require reboots during the user phase to prevent unexpected restarts during device preparation.

• Monitoring Tip: Ensure you leverage Event Viewer Logs to monitor the provisioning process. Event ID 2800 can help identify reboot triggers, allowing you to proactively adjust the deployment strategy and improve efficiency.

5. Leverage Pre-Provisioning for Efficiency

Pre-provisioning in Windows Autopilot improves deployment efficiency by configuring devices before end users interact with them. Here’s how:

Key Recommendations:

• Apply critical configurations, policies, and applications before shipping: IT teams, OEMs, or partners can install necessary apps, enforce security policies, and apply the required configurations during the preparation phase, i.e., before the devices are shipped. This reduces the time and effort needed to set up the device, improving the end-user experience.

• Limit device idle time after pre-provisioning: by minimizing the time between pre-provisioning and end-user deployment, you can ensure the devices comply with the latest organizational configurations and policies.

Pro Tip: Delivering the devices promptly after pre-provisioning is crucial to reduce the likelihood of immediate updates and compliance issues.

6. Optimize Network and Bandwidth Resources

It’s crucial to optimize the network and bandwidth resources to ensure smooth and reliable device provisioning, especially when there’s limited bandwidth. Here’s how you can achieve this:

Key Recommendations:

• Pre-load large applications and updates during pre-provisioning: by installing heavy applications during the pre-provisioning phase, you can reduce the data load during end-user setup, improving efficiency.

• Validate network stability before mass deployments: Conduct network assessments to verify ample bandwidth and stability, especially in locations with connectivity challenges. This approach can help you identify potential issues that might throw the deployment process off track.

• Common Pitfall: Users may encounter issues like Enrollment Status Page (ESP) timeouts or failed deployments. However, following the above recommendations can reduce the likelihood of this happening.

Troubleshooting Common Windows Autopilot Issues

Here’s how you can effectively deal with the standard Windows Autopilot issues:

Provisioning Timeouts

The Enrollment Status Page (ESP) can experience timeouts if multiple or large applications are scheduled to be installed during provisioning.

However, you can troubleshoot this issue by:

• Configuring ESP Properly: Make sure only essential apps are set to install during the provisioning phase. And you can schedule the installation of non-critical apps after provisioning.

• Prioritize Applications: You can also assign the critical apps high priority to ensure they install first, reducing the likelihood of timeouts.

Failed Application Installs

Inconsistent app formats can lead to installation failures. To address this, you need to:

• Use Win32 App Format: Convert all apps to the Win32 format to ensure consistent deployment. This standardization helps manage dependencies and install sequences more effectively.

• Analyze Deployment Logs: Examine logs using tools like MDM Diagnostics to identify specific errors during application installation.

Configuration Delays

Misconfiguration can lead to unnecessary delays in applying policies. To prevent this from happening, you can:

• Ensure Correct Assignments: To ensure timely policy application, ensure that every user and device is assigned to appropriate groups in Intune.

• Monitor Policy Deployment: Continuously check the status of policy deployment to ensure they’re applied as expected.

Unexpected Reboots

Unexpected reboots are an ordinary issue end-users encounter, impacting the overall experience. To diagnose this issue:

• Access Event Viewer: Follow these steps to access the event viewer: Application and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > ModernDeployment-Diagnostics-Provider > Autopilot.

• Filter for Event ID 2800: This event ID indicates the policies or configurations that caused a reboot. Once you know what caused the error, you can make the necessary changes to prevent restarts.

How Workwize Enhances Windows Autopilot Deployments?

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Workwize is a zero-touch platform that automates global IT hardware procurement, management, and retrieval for hybrid and remote teams. We handle everything from sourcing reliable infrastructure to deploying pre-configured devices, managing repairs, refreshing assets, and disposal.

Why Workwize?

✅ Global Shipping and Local Warehousing – Ship pre-configured devices worldwide with minimal lead time and customs hassle.

✅ Centralized IT Management – Track and manage devices in real-time from one dashboard, eliminating the need for multiple tools.

✅ Automated Asset Tracking and Retrieval – Retrieve, refresh, and redeploy assets effortlessly, reducing hardware loss.

✅ Compliance and Security Assurance – Seamless integration with Microsoft Intune ensures adherence to security policies.

✅ Error-Free, Standardized Deployments – Automate setup to eliminate misconfigurations and maintain consistency.

Workwize transforms Windows Autopilot into a fully automated, end-to-end IT asset management solution, saving IT teams time, money, and effort.

Step-by-Step Windows Autopilot Deployment Guide

Here’s the step-by-step process you need to follow to ensure a seamless Windows Autopilot deployment:

Register Devices with Autopilot

The first step towards registering your devices is extracting the hardware IDs. And you can do that using PowerShell scripts or tools provided by your hardware vendors. 

Once you have the IDs, you must import devices into Microsoft Intune (recommended). Here’s how:

• Navigate to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center

• Go to Devices > Device Enrollment/Enroll devices > Windows enrollment > Windows Autopilot Deployment Program/Devices

• Select Import to upload the hardware IDs.

Create and Assign Deployment Profiles

This step helps you define the user experience during the out-of-box experience. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• In the Endpoint Manager admin center, go to Devices > Windows > Windows enrollment > Deployment Profiles, and select Create profile.
• After that, configure profile settings: Set deployment mode (e.g., user-driven), join type (Azure AD or Hybrid Azure AD), and other OOBE customizations.
• Assign Profile to Devices: To ensure the settings apply during the deployment, assign the profile to device groups.

Enable and Configure ESP

Now, you need to enable and configure the Enrollment Status Page. Here’s how:

• In Endpoint Manager, navigate to Devices > Windows > Windows enrollment > Enrollment Status Page, and set it to Yes.

• To ensure compliance and readiness, specify the apps and policies that must be installed before the user can access the desktop.

Set Up Hybrid Azure AD Join

The next step is to join devices to both on-premises Active Directory and Azure Active Directory. Here’s how:

• Configure Azure Active Directory Connect: Ensure the Azure AD Connect is set up for device writeback.

• Set Up Intune Connector: Install the Intune Connector for Active Directory to facilitate communication between on-premise AD and Intunee.

• Configure Autopilot Profile: Select the Hybrid Aure AD join as the join type in the deployment profile.

Test Deployment Profiles on Sample Devices

Validating configurations before large-scale deployment is necessary to minimize issues during live implementations. Here’s how you can do that:

• Assign deployment profile to a group with test devices.

• Reset the test devices and go through the out-of-the-box experience to ensure the settings and policies are applied appropriately.

Roll Out Devices at Scale

It’s finally time to deploy your configurations to all the target devices. Here’s how:

• Assign target devices with appropriate deployment profiles.

• Coordinate with your hardware vendors to ensure each device is registered and profiles are applied before delivery.

Monitor Deployment Progress and Troubleshoot Issues

This step aims to ensure successful deployment and address any problems. 

Here’s how:

• In the EndPoint Manager, visit Devices > Monitor to view the deployment status and identify issues.

• Collect logs from devices to diagnose and resolve deployment errors.

Bonus: Windows Autopilot Best Practices Checklist

Here’s a checklist of Windows Autopilot best practices you must keep in mind when setting up Autopilot:

• Enable Pre-Provisioned Deployment: To reduce setup time, add the necessary policies, settings, and applications to the devices before they reach end-users. 

• Optimize Enrollment Status Page (ESP) Settings: Set up ESP to offer transparency during provisioning and improve the end-user experience. 

• Standardize Applications as Win32: Package all apps as Win32 using the Microsoft Win32 Content Prep tool for consistent and reliable installations. 

• Manage Device and User Assignment Phases: To ensure proper deployment sequencing, apply device-level configurations during device preparation and user-specific settings during user preparation. 

• Test Profiles Before Large-Scale Deployment: Conduct pilot tests of deployment profiles on test devices to identify and resolve issues before mass rollout. 

• Validate Network Resources for Large Rollouts: Assess network stability and bandwidth to ensure they can handle the demands of large-scale device provisioning without issues. 

Wrapping Up

Say no to manual deployments, inconsistent device configurations, remote challenges, workforce scalability issues, and end-user frustration with Microsoft Windows Autopilot.

However, follow the Windows Autopilot best practices to minimize deployment issues. And to further enhance your Windows Autopilot Deployment experience and substantially reduce the burden off of your shoulders, partner with Workwize.

FAQs

What is Windows Autopilot, and how does it simplify device deployment?

Windows Autopilot is a Microsoft technology that streamlines the setup and configuration of new Windows devices. It automates the deployment process, allowing you to pre-configure devices and deliver ready-to-use systems. And all this without manual IT intervention.

What are the key differences between traditional imaging and Windows Autopilot deployment?

In traditional imaging, IT teams must create and deploy custom OS images to devices. This method requires massive IT effort for deployment, maintenance, and updates.

On the other hand, Windows Autopilot allows IT teams to leverage OEM-installed OS and apply policies and configurations via the cloud. This method substantially reduces manual intervention, making the development process seamless.

How does pre-provisioning work in Windows Autopilot, and why is it important?

Pre-provisioning allows you to configure devices with the necessary policies, settings, and apps before they reach the end users. OEMs, resellers, or IT Hardware Management players like WorkWize prepare devices by applying configurations, installing apps, and reducing the time required for end-user setup.

Pre-provisioning helps ensure the devices are compliant and ready to use right out of the box.

What are the best practices for configuring the Enrollment Status Page (ESP)?

Follow these best practices to configure Enrollment Status Page (ESP):

• Enable ESP to display configuration progress and ensure devices are set up before users can access them.

• Block the use of the device until essential apps are installed on the device. However, limit the number to 5 or less to reduce the setup time.

• Enable log collection to diagnose and troubleshoot issues during enrollment.

Why should I use Win32 apps exclusively during Autopilot deployments?

Exclusively using Win32 apps during Windows Autopilot deployments brings several advantages, including:

• Win32 apps offer better flexibility in configuring installation parameters, dependencies, and detection rules. This ensures that deployment is customized to your organization’s needs.

• Win32 apps minimize conflicts, reducing installation failures during deployment.

• Managing a single app type simplifies deployment, making monitoring and troubleshooting apps easy.

How can I avoid deployment delays caused by network bandwidth issues?

To prevent deployment delays due to network issues, you can:

• Pre-load Large Applications

• Implement Delivery Optimization

• Use Caching Proxy Servers

• Assess Network Stability

What role does Hybrid Azure AD Join play in Windows Autopilot deployments?

By implementing Hybrid Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), you can enable devices to be simultaneously joined to both on-premises Active Directory and Azure AD. This dual enrollment allows you to:

• Maintain Legacy Infrastructure Compatibility

• Leverage Cloud-Based Services

• Simplify Device Management

How can Workwize enhance the Windows Autopilot deployment experience?

Workwize improves the Windows Autopilot deployment experience by automating device enrollment and configuration, ensuring each employee gets a pre-configured, ready-to-use device off the bat.

Integrating with Microsoft Intune, Workwize allows you to manage device settings, track equipment, and monitor status throughout the device lifecycle. This streamlines deployment, reduces manual intervention and ensures consistency across all devices.

Can Windows Autopilot be used for remote or global device deployments?

Yes, you can use Windows autopilot for remote or global device deployments. However, you must deliver pre-configured devices.

Upon receiving the devices, end-users can connect to the internet, and Autopilot will automatically complete the setup, i.e., apply policies, configurations, and apps without any manual intervention.