Windows Autopilot streamlines device deployment with automated domain joining and fast configuration. It simplifies the setup process, significantly reducing time while ensuring consistent results, particularly beneficial for managing multiple devices efficiently.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Windows Autopilot | 4.5% |
| Jamf Pro | 12.1% |
| NinjaOne | 7.0% |
| Other | 76.4% |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 5 |
| Large Enterprise | 2 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 43 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 23 |
| Large Enterprise | 55 |
Windows Autopilot enhances device management by offering seamless automatic enrollment and configuration. Its automation capabilities simplify setup with self-deploying features for shared devices and automated policy compliance like antivirus updates. By using configuration files, it supports bulk device setup, accelerating the deployment process and reducing time from hours to minutes. AI integration further enhances cloud-based setup and deployment, optimizing the management of a large number of devices. Users can enroll devices in Intune and configure them using their serial number, adhering to company policies for streamlined processes.
What are the key features of Windows Autopilot?Windows Autopilot is widely used in sectors where rapid and consistent device deployment is critical, such as in educational institutions and large enterprises. Organizations value its ability to automate and streamline device configuration, where devices need to be instantly ready for use by students, employees, or clients. Its capability to join devices to domains, deploy applications, and configure according to industry-specific needs makes it a preferred choice for managing IT infrastructure efficiently.
| Author info | Rating | Review Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Senior CyberSecurity Specialist at LTIMindtree | 4.0 | I use Microsoft Sentinel and related tools professionally, and find features like AI integration and Windows Autopilot helpful, though support for non-Windows devices could improve. Overall, it's reliable and I would rate it an 8 out of 10. |
| Cloud Solution Specialist & End User Architect at a computer software company with 51-200 employees | 4.0 | I use Windows Autopilot for enrolling devices into Intune because of its effective automation features. While there have been improvements, service outages with Azure and Intune are a concern. I compared it with Jamf but preferred Intune. |
| Project Manager at Freedom Systems Inc. | 4.0 | I use Windows Autopilot to configure devices for employees and clients, enjoying its automation features for ensuring compliance with company policies. However, the user interface could be improved, as there are more user-friendly options available. |
| Director de Microsoft y Transformación Digital at Compucad | 5.0 | Windows Autopilot streamlines device setup by automating configurations, reducing manual input errors and time investment. It excels with large deployments, cutting setup time significantly compared to traditional methods, though it requires some initial training and infrastructure investment. |
| Ivanti Endpoint Administrator Contractor for Southwire at a manufacturing company with 5,001-10,000 employees | 4.5 | I find Windows Autopilot to be a great tool primarily for its imaging feature, which significantly reduces processing time. However, improvements are needed in its scripting, especially for re-registering devices in the Azure domain. It offers substantial time savings, enhancing ROI. |
| L3 Technical Support Engineer at SV Gaming Limited | 4.0 | We use Windows Autopilot to automate device domain joining and application deployment, saving time and resources. The serial number process needs improvement, but overall, Autopilot offers a profitable solution compared to previous options like ManageEngine and Jump. |
| IT and Partnership Manager at a government with 11-50 employees | 3.5 | I use Windows Autopilot to streamline enrolling new devices into my network, appreciating its automatic enrollment and seamless configuration. However, the free version needs enhancements, such as an executable wizard and easier device name changes for office meetings. |
I work with Microsoft Sentinel, which is a Logic Apps and SIEM solution. I work with the M365 suite, including Microsoft 365 Defender, XDR, and Microsoft Sentinel. I work as a consultant with these products.
I also work with Defender for Endpoint, which is part of the Defender suite. Additionally, I work with MCAS, Microsoft Cloud App Security.
I work with endpoint protection rather than secure apps. I have also worked on Windows Autopilot.
It's a great tool that provides a lot of assistance from the Windows perspective with configuration and many other things.
The newest feature that came up with AI is particularly valuable. I haven't used much of Windows Autopilot as it's very new to me. It's a cloud-based technology from Microsoft for performing the setup and pre-configuration of Windows devices. The way it assists in automated setup and streamlined deployment is great. I don't see any cons as of now.
I think they can improve the time it takes to provide the exact solution which will assist in rectifying a particular issue.
Maybe they could support other devices other than Windows, such as Mac and Linux, and launch Windows Autopilot for them as well.
I have been using this solution for around five to six years.
It's very straightforward. Device registration is required, followed by integration and then device registration, after which you can have the benefits around that.
I have switched to a different product.
For smaller organizations, they can get it, though it would be a bit expensive.
I work with Microsoft only.
I don't work with IoT. I don't work with Purview. I don't work with CDN. Windows Autopilot with Azure Active Directory is something which I have not explored, and I still need to work on it. My overall rating for this product is 8.
I work for a Microsoft Gold Partner. We use Windows Autopilot to determine under what circumstances we recommend using Jamf and when to recommend using Intune. It is an automated way of enrolling devices, which streamlines the process.
The most effective feature of Windows Autopilot for managing deployments is the automation. The self-deploying mode is used for shared devices and kiosks, making it a useful tool.
There are already improvements being made, such as simpler methods for importing computer details into Intune. The Azure and Intune platform is not always available and quite often, there are service outages.
I have been using Windows Autopilot since 2019 - for about five years.
The stability of Windows Autopilot is about a five out of ten. The Azure and Intune platform is not always available, and there are frequent service outages.
Scalability is rated as ten out of ten. It is highly scalable.
Technical support is about a five out of ten. It is very difficult to get good support.
Neutral
With Jamf, I had a little experience. A while ago, I did Jamf 100, and one of my colleagues was more into it, so I dropped it. I was more interested in Intune.
The initial setup of Windows Autopilot is straightforward. If you have never seen it before, you need to do background research. I could do it in my sleep now, however.
I researched IT solutions, including Jamf Pro and Microsoft Intune, to get a modern comparison between the features of both for managing macOS.
Windows Autopilot integrates completely with other Microsoft services. It is the only choice if you're managing Windows devices with Intune and Azure. It is the best tool for the job.
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
We use Windows Autopilot for installation purposes. When employees or clients buy computers from us, we set up the necessary configurations using device management tools, including Autopilot, before delivering the computers to them. This setup follows company policies and regulations, allowing one-time configuration to apply to multiple devices.
The most valuable aspect of Windows Autopilot is its automation features, which allow preset regulations and configurations. For instance, ensuring that antivirus software remains updated is a critical policy. Once configured, the system mandates compliance with these settings. If the device is not updated, it cannot be used. This ensures strict adherence to company policies, especially for junior-level employees.
Windows Autopilot could improve its user interface. While it is a good tool, there are other options available that are more user-friendly.
I used Windows Autopilot maybe six months ago, primarily spending a week researching its capabilities.
Windows Autopilot is very stable. I would rate its stability a ten out of ten.
Scalability depends on user knowledge about compliance. If users are familiar with compliance, the learning curve is manageable. If the product is installed correctly, scalability should not be an issue, and I would rate it a nine out of ten.
As a project manager, I study the tool to calculate costs. My engineers successfully completed the initial setup without any major issues, largely with help from online resources.
Windows Autopilot is quite expensive. I would rate the price an eight out of ten, as it is a characteristic of Microsoft products.
Overall, I would rate Windows Autopilot an eight out of ten for its functionality and automation features, despite the user interface needing improvements.
Windows Autopilot automates much of the setup process when delivering computers with a specific image to multiple employees simultaneously. It streamlines the configuration loading process, making it more unattended and yielding consistent results. This eliminates the need for an engineer to input data on each machine manually.
The most beneficial feature of Windows Autopilot is the ability to use a configuration file to input the necessary data for each device. This file allows you to fill out a form with the required data and load it.
When we have to deliver more than ten machines, we simply use the tool, saving us a substantial amount of time. Initial setup requires minimal time investment compared to the 30-45 minutes it would take to set up each computer individually. So, when dealing with a large number of machines, like 200, the traditional method could take up to eight hours, whereas with Windows Autopilot, we can complete the job in just one hour.
I rate the tool's stability a nine out of ten.
Our company's users of Windows Autopilot are typically primarily IT personnel and service technicians. They handle the deployment, delivery, and customization of our machines.
My impression is that Windows Autopilot scales quite effectively. Whether deploying a couple of machines or scaling up to hundreds or even thousands, it handles the process. You can simply plug in the machines, and they will begin the configuration process. The software manages the sequence, so you don't need to connect all the machines simultaneously. You can start and replace them as needed. Even if there's a pause in the deployment, it resumes where it left off, making it very scalable.
While premium support may take a bit longer to respond, it's generally not a critical issue since Windows Autopilot isn't a life-or-death solution. They eventually get back to you, provide assistance, and send the necessary information, making their support reliable.
Positive
The tool's initial setup is generally straightforward. Once you have experience with it, it takes no time at all. The process involves inputting the same information that you would typically type on each machine into a file and then loading it onto the different computers.
The tool saves time and reduces errors. Manual input errors are minimized, as data is entered into a file rather than typed by hand. Although some investment in training and infrastructure hosting may be required, the return on investment is significant, especially when deploying a large number of machines. While it may not be worthwhile for smaller deployments, such as 20 machines, the ROI becomes substantial for larger deployments, like 100 computers per month.
As far as I know, there isn't an additional cost specifically for Windows Autopilot itself. You'll need to consider the licensing fees for the software you install on the machines, such as Windows and Office. Overall, it is a valuable tool that simplifies the deployment process, making life easier for those involved.
In my opinion, Windows Autopilot works very well for our current usage. However, I haven't delved into configuring it on a deeper level. There may be features, like those tailored for schools or places requiring repeated image deployment, that I haven't explored. But for our purposes, such as setting up new machines for employees, it works perfectly.
I would definitely recommend Windows Autopilot to others. It's a stable solution backed by Microsoft. While there may be other solutions available, Microsoft's backing assures that your information will be secure and that you'll receive proper support.
While Windows Autopilot may not directly address trends like bring your own device since it's designed for company-owned machines, it does contribute to standardization, which enhances security. Having consistent machine names and configurations makes it easier to detect anomalies on the network. Additionally, the tool streamlines the process for temporary workers, enabling equipment deployment to be expedited.
I rate the overall product a ten out of ten.
The product helps ship the images directly to the user. It automatically installs all the software in the user’s system once logged in. It does all the configurations by connecting with the Azure domain. Thus, the product saves a lot of money for our users.
Autopilot is a great tool. Its most valuable feature is imaging, it takes very less time for processing.
Windows Autopilot’s scripts could be better. We encounter issues with re-registering devices in the Azure domain. It needs to be improved.
I rate the platform's stability a nine and a half out of ten.
I rate the platform's scalability a nine out of ten.
Microsoft has always provided us with great support services.
Positive
We have deployed Windows Autopilot on the cloud. It is easy to set up.
We have seen an ROI for the product in terms of time. It saves a lot of time for users and companies as well.
I advise others to read the manual to know how to use the tool. I rate Windows Autopilot a nine out of ten.
What we use Windows Autopilot for is to automatically join our devices to the domain and also deploy applications. For example, we use Autopilot to deploy NinjaOne and also some Microsoft applications. If we purchase a new device, the device is automatically added to Windows Autopilot using the device serial number. When a new user logs in, the device automatically enters its domain and will push NinjaOne to that device and then NinjaOne automatically takes over and installs all the other applications that are required on that device, without any technical person having to physically or remotely work on that device.
Domain joining and device deployment are the most valuable features because the solution makes it very similar to Autopilot. The user only enters their username, work email address, and password, and the rest is done automatically.
The way we get the device serial numbers can be improved. Right now we have to liaise with our manufacturers to get those serial numbers uploaded to the Azure portal. We cannot do that on our own and it's difficult for us because it means we have to upgrade our contract agreement with our vendor from just purchasing a device to having a committed agreement for a year or two. If Microsoft can automatically add the license serial numbers, or have a method for us to get those serial numbers added to Windows Autopilot, apart from having to go through the device manufacturer that would greatly improve the solution.
I have been using Windows Autopilot for less than a year.
The solution is very stable.
Windows Autopilot is scalable. We currently have between 50 and 100 users. We currently roll the solution out to new devices but have plans to scale up in the future by adding our existing devices.
Once we raise a support request to Microsoft, they jump on a call with us and they're always willing to assist to ensure that the configuration is 100%.
Positive
We tried ManageEngine autopilot because ManageEngine also has an autopilot feature, but what we discovered was that ManageEngine's autopilot created its own MDM. Most of the devices were enrolled in ManageEngine's MDM. We have a Microsoft-only environment, so having the devices on ManageEngine's Intune was out of the required scope for us. We had to stop using ManageEngine because we needed those devices to be enrolled in Microsoft Intune and not in ManageEngine. We also tried Jump for Mac, but the Mac devices were enrolled through Jump instead of Intune. We needed a centrally managed portal for all our devices so we switched to Windows Autopilot.
The initial setup is not straightforward. The documentation is straightforward, but we had to navigate between different portals in addition to the Intune Portal, depending on how we wanted to deploy Windows Autopilot. We deployed it for the Apple Business Manager and we also deployed it for Windows devices, which requires additional technical know-how for that particular environment.
The implementation was completed in-house.
The solution is very profitable for us. Previously we would have to order the devices and bring them to the head office to set them up and then send them via dispatch to the employee's location. Now, with Windows Autopilot, the devices are sent directly to the employee's location and set up. We also spent about two hours connecting remotely to set up each device, but with Windows Autopilot, the IT personnel don't need to reach out to the employees, instead, the employees are able to do the setup themselves saving time.
Windows Autopilot does not have an isolated license. We are required to have a license for either EMS, E5, or E2.
I give the solution an eight out of ten.
The solution requires one person for maintenance.
Windows Autopilot really helps us reduce the time spent during new employee onboarding in terms of device deployment and device setup. However, it's really critical that we have a good relationship with our hardware suppliers, PC suppliers, or vendors because that's where the whole Windows Autopilot process starts. The only downside to Windows Autopilot is that some vendors take advantage and insist that we upgrade our plan or our subscription with them. Some require that we make a higher purchase commitment. Once a good relationship is established with the vendors the solution works well.
I use Windows Autopilot to streamline the enrollment of new devices into my network environment, including headsets, laptops, and networking hardware.
The product helps our organization save a lot of time.
Windows Autopilot's most valuable features are its automatic enrollment functionality and ability to detect and configure new devices seamlessly.
The product's free version needs to be more robust. They could provide an executable and user-friendly wizard for installation and automatic removal, making it easier for users. There should be an additional feature to change the device names for office meetings.
I have been exploring the capabilities of Windows Autopilot for two months.
We never came across any downtime for the platform.
We have six Windows Autopilot users in our organization.
I refer to the training center and the internet to resolve the queries, most of the time. Whenever I contact the technical support team, they answer all the questions perfectly.
Positive
The initial setup was easy for me as I have technical expertise. However, it wasn't easy to configure in the beginning. I deployed it separately and not along with the Microsft package. It took me a day to review all the documentation, conduct the test, and deploy it.
We encountered no challenges while integrating the product with InTune and Entra. I rate it a seven out of ten.
