As an IT partner, keeping our clients running smoothly is our priority. That commitment starts from the very beginning when you first unbox your device.
Computer setups are super impactful. It’s the primary tool that your employee relies on to get their work done. This means a new computer needs to be installed quickly and thoroughly, whether it’s a replacement or for a new team member.
But, setting up a new computer can take hours, plus the amount of time it takes to be ordered, processed and shipped to your IT partner for configuration. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way to pre-configure that device so you can jump right into work when it arrives? Cue Windows Autopilot.
In this blog, we’ll explain Autopilot and how it works to provide you with a seamless setup process.
What is it?
Windows Autopilot is a collection of different technologies that simplify how devices are set up and deployed for users. This process is especially ideal in a hybrid work environment since team members may be spread across many different locations yet still need new devices configured.
As a feature of Microsoft 365, Autopilot can be used to deploy Windows PCs or HoloLens 2 devices. It combines a mobile device management (or MDM) solution with Azure Active Directory (AD), allowing organizations to ensure that the new devices are ready to be used. Once the devices are activated, all of the required apps, configurations, and documents are automatically available.
How can it help my organization?
Setting up and configuring new devices take time. With Windows Autopilot, that time can be drastically reduced, improving the experience for your team by creating a system for deploying computers consistently and reliably.
It also diminishes the amount of infrastructure required to maintain the devices. With Autopilot, there’s no need for your IT team to reimage or manually set up each device, so maintaining custom images for every model is no longer necessary. Standardizing hardware and software needed is key to keeping the process quick.
Autopilot gives you the ability to have computers ready-to-go-out-of-the-box. How does it work? Let’s see.
How it works:
The typical process of setting up new devices goes like this: Your organization purchases a new device. That device is then shipped to your IT provider. Once received, your IT provider must complete the entire setup process, which can take a significant amount of time when building and customizing images. Finally, once the device is configured correctly, it’s shipped to the user.
Now, let’s cut that process in half. With Autopilot, your new device is shipped directly to you with everything you need already pre-configured. Once you receive the device, all you have to do is connect to a network and sign in to your Microsoft account. After signing in, all configurations and updates will automatically be installed on your device. Depending on what your organization requires to begin using the device, automatic settings and policies can be applied, as well as applications installed.
Once the new device is deployed, your IT partner can then manage it with Microsoft Intune, a cloud-based device manager that helps protect your organization’s data.
Bringing setup time down from hours to minutes.
Using the right technology to automate the setup of new devices can cut back on unnecessary steps that allow you to focus on what you do best – running your business.
Windows Autopilot streamlines the new device configuration process, allowing users to stay as productive as possible. By eliminating the pitstop with an IT partner, new devices can be securely used, straight out of the box.
Curious about how you can implement Windows Autopilot in your organization? Contact us today!