New laptops, ready on first sign in.
With Windows Autopilot, a new laptop can be shipped straight to an employee, who signs in and finds it already configured with your security, apps and settings.
What Windows Autopilot covers
What is Windows Autopilot?
Windows Autopilot is a Microsoft service that sets up new Windows devices over the internet. Instead of IT staff installing Windows and software on every laptop, the device is registered to your organization and configures itself when the user first signs in.
It uses Intune to apply policies and install applications, and Entra ID to identify the user. The result is a business ready computer with encryption, security settings and apps in place, without anyone touching it.
Autopilot is especially useful for remote staff, multiple offices and growing teams, where shipping a laptop is easier than scheduling a setup visit.
Traditional deployment means a technician unboxes each laptop, installs Windows, joins it to the network, installs the software and hands it over. That takes hours and does not work for people at home. Autopilot replaces this with a few clicks from the user.
Autopilot does not change the laptop’s hardware or put a different Windows on it. It uses the Windows already on the device and applies your configuration on top, which is faster and keeps the manufacturer’s drivers intact.
What Windows Autopilot can do.
User driven deployment
The employee signs in with their work account and the laptop joins the organization and installs apps automatically.
Pre-provisioning
A technician or supplier can complete most of the setup in advance, so the user only finishes sign in.
Self deploying mode
Shared or kiosk devices can set up without a user, ideal for meeting rooms and reception.
Enrollment status page
The user sees progress while apps and policies install, so they know when the device is ready.
Autopilot reset
Wipe a device and return it to a clean business ready state when it changes hands.
Device preparation
A newer, simpler deployment method that uses groups and policies to set up devices.
How Windows Autopilot works.
Register
The device hardware ID is added to your Autopilot service, by the supplier or by us.
Ship
The laptop goes directly to the employee, in its box.
Sign in
The user connects to Wi-Fi and signs in with their work account.
Configure
Intune applies policies and installs apps. The user lands on a ready desktop.
What happens behind the scenes.
The device’s hardware identity is registered with your organization, either by the supplier when you buy it or by us from an existing computer. When the device first connects to the internet, Windows asks Microsoft which organization it belongs to and starts the setup experience with your branding.
The user signs in with their work account. The device joins Entra ID, enrols in Intune and receives the security policies and apps assigned to that user or device. When the progress screen ends, the user lands on a ready desktop.
How it benefits your business.
Autopilot turns onboarding from an IT task into a self service event. A new employee can be productive on day one, and a laptop can be shipped directly to a remote worker without anyone in the office touching it.
It also improves consistency and security. Every device gets the same encryption, security policies and software, with no hand built exceptions. When a device is reassigned, a reset returns it to a clean known state.
For growing businesses and those with several locations, this saves significant hands on hours and removes the delays of getting new equipment ready.
The benefits at a glance.
Faster onboarding
A new starter can be productive on day one.
No IT visits for setup
Devices set up remotely, for home workers and satellite offices.
Consistent security
Every device starts with the same encryption and policies.
Lower setup costs
Less hands on time per computer.
Easy reset and reuse
Reassign a device to a new employee without a manual rebuild.
Works with remote teams
No need for staff to bring laptops to the office.
Licensing: Needs Intune and Entra ID. Included with the Microsoft 365 Business Premium and E3 and E5 plans that include Intune. Plans and features change, so we confirm current licensing with you before you buy.
What this looks like day to day.
A business hires three people a month. Before, each laptop needed half a day of setup. With Autopilot, the supplier registers the devices, ships them to the new starters, and each person signs in on the first morning. By the time they have made coffee, Outlook, Teams and the security tools are installed.
This is an illustrative example of how the feature is used, not a description of a specific client.
Mistakes we see, and how we avoid them.
Skipping app packaging
If apps are not packaged and assigned, the device is enrolled but empty. Prepare apps before the first rollout.
Unreliable network on first boot
Autopilot needs internet during setup. Remote users need clear instructions and a fallback.
Old hardware
Very old devices or unsupported Windows editions may not support Autopilot. We check first.
No reset process
Without a clear reassignment process, devices are wiped by hand and drift from the standard build.
Windows Autopilot with Infinity.
Autopilot design
Profiles, naming, user experience and security settings planned with you.
Learn moreDevice registration
We register devices, or work with your supplier to do it.
Learn moreApp and policy packages
Required apps and settings applied at first sign in.
Learn morePilot and rollout
A test group first, then everyone.
Learn moreReset and reassignment
Wipe and redeploy devices for new users.
Learn moreSupport for new starters
Our help desk is ready on day one.
Learn moreDo we need Intune to use Autopilot?
Yes. Autopilot works with Intune and Entra ID to configure devices.
Can Autopilot be used for existing computers?
Yes. Existing Windows devices can be registered and reset or enrolled, with a planned migration.
Does it work for Macs?
No. Autopilot is for Windows. Macs use a different enrolment method, which Intune also supports.
What does the employee have to do?
Connect to the internet and sign in with their work account. Everything else is automatic.
Can you supply the laptops?
Yes. We can recommend and supply business laptops and register them for Autopilot.
Talk to us about Windows Autopilot.
Book a free consultation. We will look at your current setup and show you where it fits.
Tell us about your IT.
We answer almost every inquiry within one business day.