Wednesday, 30 July 2025

MS Intune- Windows Autopilot deployment guide

 

MS Intune

Windows Autopilot deployment guide or setup guide

Here’s a step-by-step Windows Autopilot deployment/setup guide using Microsoft Intune, suitable for new and existing Windows devices. This process automates device provisioning and configuration, ensuring a streamlined user experience for both IT and end users.

Prerequisites

·         Supported Windows OS: Windows 11/10 Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, Enterprise, Education (not LTSC/LTSB).

·         Licenses: Microsoft Intune (Microsoft 365 Business Premium, E3/E5, EMS, or equivalent), Azure AD Premium.

·         Network: Devices must access the internet and required Microsoft service URLs/ports (HTTP, HTTPS, NTP, DNS, etc.).

·         Azure AD/Intune configured: Setup is required for device management and deployment[1][2].

High-Level Deployment Steps

1. Verify Requirements

·         Ensure devices meet Windows version and licensing requirements.

·         Confirm network access and Intune/Azure AD licensing

2. Register Devices for Autopilot

·         Use a PowerShell script to collect the device’s hardware ID (HWID) and serial number.

·         Export this information as a .CSV file.

·         In the Microsoft Intune admin center, go to Devices > Device enrollment > Windows enrollment > Windows Autopilot Deployment Program > Devices, and import your CSV file

3. Group Devices for Deployment

·         In Azure AD, create a dynamic device group for Autopilot using the rule:

(device.devicePhysicalIDs -any _ -contains "[ZTDId]")

·         This ensures only registered Autopilot devices are included

 

3.A.How to Create a Dynamic Device Group in Azure AD

·         Sign in to the Microsoft Intune admin center (or Microsoft Entra admin center).

·         In the left menu, go to Groups.

·         Click on New group.

·         For Group type, choose Security.

·         Give your group a name (like Autopilot Devices).

·         For Membership type, choose Dynamic Device.

·         Click Add dynamic query.

·         In the rules editor, choose Edit and then Advanced rule.

·         Paste the following rule into the box:

·         (device.devicePhysicalIDs -any _ -contains "[ZTDId]")

·         Click Save, then Create.

·         What Happens Next?

·         Any device you upload/register for Autopilot (using its hardware ID or via a vendor) will automatically join this group.

·         You can then assign your Autopilot deployment profile (or other policies/apps) to this group, and it will always stay up-to-date.

 

4. Create and Assign Autopilot Deployment Profile

·         In Intune, navigate to Devices > Windows > Windows enrollment > Deployment Profiles.

·         Select Create Profile > Windows PC.

·         Configure profile settings:

o    Deployment mode (e.g., User Driven)

o    Join to Azure AD (typically “Azure AD joined”)

o    Hide license terms, privacy settings, etc.

o    User account type (Standard/Admin)

o    Assign the profile to your dynamic device group

5. Configure Enrollment Status Page (ESP)

·         In Intune, set up the ESP: Windows enrollment > Enrollment Status Page.

·         Choose "All users and all devices" (recommended) and customize available ESP settings.

·         This shows progress of app/profile assignments during device setup

6. Brand and Customize OOBE

·         In Azure AD, configure company branding (logos, colors, sign-in page details).

·         This enhances the out-of-box experience for end users

7. Enable Automatic Enrollment (MDM)

·         In Azure AD: Mobility (MDM and MAM) > Microsoft Intune.

·         Set the MDM user scope to All or a targeted group

8. Test the Enrollment Process

·         Connect a registered device to the internet and power it on.

·         The device will start OOBE, prompt for Azure AD credentials, and apply all assigned policies/apps through Autopilot.

·         On success, the device is fully managed through Intune and visible in the admin portal

Additional Resources

·         Advanced scenarios: Integrating with Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM/MECM), hybrid Azure AD join, deploying with pre-installed JSON profiles, etc. These are available for complex or hybrid environments

·         Detailed Microsoft Docs: For every step and advanced configurations, consult the official Microsoft docs and linked resources for troubleshooting and detailed workflow explanations

Key Tips

·         Always test the process on a non-production device or VM before rolling out broadly.

·         Regularly monitor device assignment/status in the Intune portal to ensure profiles deploy correctly (should show as “Assigned” before device is shipped to the user).

·         Keep an updated list of MAC addresses/hardware IDs and device group memberships to avoid deployment delays.